Following advice from NSW Health released Monday, 17 August, football’s state governing body, Northern NSW Football reminds all community football participants, not just clubs, to undertake their bit to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Community football clubs and volunteers across Northern NSW have worked tirelessly over the past six months, implementing COVID-19 Safety Plans to ensure players, particularly children are able to play football for the season.
Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland reinforces that it is not only Clubs who are responsible for doing the right thing, however all participants including players, parents and spectators have a role to play.
“It is critical for both the sport and the community’s safety that all participants abide by NSW Health’s advice and listen to club volunteers.
“We understand the circumstances are difficult, however social distancing, good hygiene and keeping attendees at community matches to essential personnel only, are the only ways we are able to move forward with the season and keep people safe,” said Eland.
The latest NSW Health advice also reaffirmed the importance of minimising the number of spectators at all matches, reinforcing that all community sport is required to:
- Cease activities that result in the mixing of participants and staff from different regions, for example by ceasing zone, regional or state championships or competitions
- Cease any activities that result in overnight stays (e.g. multi-day training camps) due to increased risk of COVID transmission in residential-type settings with shared facilities
- Cease face-to-face social activities relating to community sports (e.g. award ceremonies, end-of-season social gatherings, post-training group dinners)
- Avoid carpools or bus travel with people from different household groups where possible
- Limit spectators to one parent only, where the child requires parental supervision during the sporting activity.
- Northern NSW CEO David Eland said, it is an unfortunate disruption however a necessary one to assist NSW Health minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmissions.
Eland continued that it was also essential for all Senior community football that only essential personnel attend training and matches as per the COVID-19 Safety Plans.
“It is an unfortunate disruption however a necessary one to assist NSW Health minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmissions,” Eland said.
