Uncertainty over return of crowds at regional Victorian sporting leagues

With AFL Victoria having updated its return to training and games protocols for regional Victoria, uncertainty exists as whether crowds will be allowed to attend fixtures until the Victorian Government announces a further easing of restrictions.

As reported by the Shepparton News, Victoria's community football return to play protocols were updated on 12th June, but the changes haven't cleared up whether crowds can attend matches.

A maximum venue capacity of patrons at any one time at regional venues has been removed from AFL Victoria's return to training and games protocols, but whether crowds will be able to attend fixtured matches this weekend hinges on a further easing of restrictions by the Victorian Government.

The removal of the patron cap is part of the most up-to-date protocols from AFL Victoria, which now say “the number of patrons allowed is equal to the minimum number of people necessary to conduct the activity”, which means spectators are still limited to parents and guardians required to run the match or training session, as it stands.

If spectators are in attendance, they should not gather in groups of more than 10.

Currently, players from Melbourne, who would normally compete in leagues across the region, can only train and it must be within 25 kilometres of their home or workplace, meaning they won't be available to play this weekend, as the restrictions currently state.

Other requirements include, the activity must be done outside and other than allowing access to toilet facilities, the use of the indoor facilities such as clubrooms, changerooms and sitting areas must remain closed.

Hoping to restart their seasons on 19th June, the Goulburn Valley and Kyabram District leagues have released a revised fixture calendar.

The Murray and Picola District football netball leagues have already recommenced their seasons by playing matches in NSW.

The Victorian Government gave no indication on Tuesday if, or when, a further easing of restrictions would occur, meaning crowd allowances are still in limbo.

As reported by the Shepparton News, Victorian Health Minister, Martin Foley advised as of yesterday “it's a day-to-day proposition.

“When we've got more to say about that, as we've always indicated, we'll have more to say.”