UPDATE: 4.00pm 22 June
As you may have heard or seen, Football NSW (FNSW) has released a suite of Return to Play Guidelines this afternoon.
NNSWF’s Return to Play documentation will be presented differently to what was distributed by FNSW and will focus on the COVID 19 Safety Plan for Community Sporting Competitions and Full Training.
Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) is working closely with the NSW Office of Sport and NSW Health to clarify requirements which aim to lighten the load on volunteers. We, like all sports are also awaiting advice from NSW Health to ensure our recommendations are in line with the new Public Health Order expected to be released 1 July.
We understand the need for clubs to have this information as soon as possible to gain provisions from Councils and to ensure your volunteers are prepared for the commencement of the season, but would also like to ensure we do not create extra unnecessary work for club officials, by releasing the most up-to-date information.
If we have not received the impending approvals from NSW Health by COB Wednesday, we will release access to our Return to Play Portal on Thursday to assist in preparations.
Thank you for your patience and continued efforts for Season 2020.
David Eland
CEO
Northern NSW Football
UPDATE 1:00pm 15 June
Further to my communication on Friday, on Sunday 14 June, NSW Government advised further easing of restrictions from 1 July to remove the limit of 500 people in attendance at an outdoor facility to be been replaced by 1 person per 4 square metres – a significant concession which should make scheduling of fixtures significantly easier and reduce the demand on volunteers!
Whilst social distancing and hygiene measures are still in place, spectators will now be able to attend games and all Winter Football will be up and running across northern NSW throughout July.
Northern NSW Football has engaged the Office of Sport in regards to clarification surrounding record keeping requirements. Football has proposed amendments which are realistic and manageable.
We hope to have clarification and further guidance for clubs in coming days including the provision of a football specific COVID-19 Safety Plan, which clubs can submit directly to their respective LGA’s.
Excellent work everyone.
David Eland
CEO
Northern NSW Football
2:00pm Friday 12 June
Great news! Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) has received the NSW Government Safety Plan for Community Sporting Organisations and is now working with Football NSW and other key stakeholders to review our Draft Return to Play Guidelines.
Everyone at NNSWF looks forward to releasing Football’s Return to Play Guidelines early next week (week commencing 14 June 2020) and working with Zones, Clubs and Players to create a successful 2020 Season.
We encourage clubs and players to continue training, recruiting volunteers for the season and continue working with their Member Zones to get ready for Season 2020.
