Here's the latest 'return to play' update from the SANFL regarding COVID-19...

SANFL Community Football | Return to Play Update (as at 5 May 2020)

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement last Friday of the likely easing of social restrictions within the next week, SANFL is currently reviewing the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a post COVID-19 environment and preparing a return to play framework for both State League and Community Football in South Australia, including training.

As part of this comprehensive return to play road map, this week we will be making a submission outlining protocols for the resumption of training to SA Health, as required by the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing. These protocols also must meet requirements of the Federal Government National Guidelines for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation activities.

As a result of low levels of COVID-19 transmissions, outdoor community sport in South Australia is currently at ‘Level B’ under the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, allowing non-contact group training of no more than 10 people (including coaches/staff) once specific protocols are approved by State Government. Progression into ‘Level C’ of safe activities would enable resumption of full training and competition, subject to compliance with all government directions, regulations and restrictions.

Appreciating the number of participants associated with every football team – and the number of teams at each club – it is important to return to play in a structured manner which ensures the health and safety of participants and the broader football community.

Approved return to play procedures are the only way to ensure football has the opportunity to return to normality with a continuous season.

We therefore ask for your continued patience and understanding as we work through these protocols and continue to play our part in ensuring the health and wellbeing of not only our participants, but the broader community.

As previously communicated, we are hopeful of providing a detailed announcement about both SANFL Community Football and State League’s return to play by mid-May. Until such time that specific protocols are approved by State Government, formal club training and organised group activities cannot commence.

We also request that your football community download the COVID-SAFE App to ensure we are able to quickly trace and manage any outbreaks in the community. The App also will be critical in a return to play framework.

Links to both of the above mentioned documents are available here:

• AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a Post COVID-19 Environment

• National Guidelines for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation activities

Take care and stay safe.

Kind Regards,

Tom Hurley

Head of Community Football

SANFL