Dear Marist Families
It has been a long wait but hopefully we are nearing the end of this phase and we can return to a new normal around community sport.
As we transition to a return to training over the next month the club would like to ensure we keep everyone up to date on the protocols required by the groups we work with including the AFL, WAFC, Newman College, the City of Stirling and the Town of Cambridge.
Obviously, in regard to COVD 19, there are ongoing strict restrictions as publicised by the WA Govt that need to be adhered to. The WAFC has worked closely with the State Government on developing football specific protocols, the full details are attached. There will be many questions and along with the FAQ???s and return to play roadmap hopefully these will answer most of them. With reference to the roadmap we are expecting 4 weeks between each stage.
One key requirement is the completion of the online training for all coaches and committee and I also encourage team managers and first aiders to also complete this.
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training
I would like everyone to ensure we are putting the community first and to not rush back to unauthorized group training that could jeopardise the return to football for everyone. Both the WAFC and local government will be on the look out to ensure we are compliant.
Specific news about year groups return to training will follow over the next few weeks so please allow time to ensure the club has everything in place to comply.
Thank you all for your patience and we look forward to getting the players back, reconnecting with their team mates as soon as possible.
Should you have any concerns, please don???t hesitate to contact me or another member of the Marist FC committee.
We appreciate your concern and patience in this time.
Matt Mazzuchelli
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PROVIDED BY THE WAFC Are we allowed to Return to Training? Yes, as of 18th May 2020, small group training of no more than 20 participants (including coaches, volunteers and trainers) is currently allowed in Western Australia. This will be continually reviewed in line with State Government restrictions and the WAFC will advise all clubs and participants if this limit increases. Please do not make the decision to increase training numbers as a league or club, unless authorised by the WAFC as State Government approval is required. Is there anything that we need to do prior to commencing training? Yes, there is. There are a number of things that clubs and coaches must do prior to commencing training, these include:
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Are we still insured to train/play? Yes. Clubs & Associations will be covered as usual under the AFL???s Community Football Public Liability and Club Management Liability policies. Participants will also be covered as usual and at their Club/Team elected level under the Personal Accident policy for physical injuries sustained in footballing activities, however cover does not extend to a sickness or illness. Cover under these policies is always subject to their terms, conditions and exclusions. Further information is available from Marsh Insurance by clicking HERE. What happens if a club/team breaches either the State Government restrictions or the requirements of the Return to Training/Play as outlined by the WAFC? Breach of State Government restrictions, which form a key part of Football???s Return to Training and Play protocols, include:
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HYGIENE Why can???t we share team water bottles? The sharing of water bottles can increase the risk of transmitting viruses. Participants are to bring their own water bottle and not share this with anyone else. We would also recommend that personal water bottles are thoroughly washed and disinfected after every training session. Our team usually brings fruit or snacks to training and or games ??? can we still do that? No. At no time can players share any food, drinks, snacks, fruit or lollies for example, as this increases the risks of transmitting viruses. Can I get strapping or a massage at training? No. Players are responsible for their own strapping, and there are to be no player massages at the current level of restrictions that are in place. What are the other hygiene protocols that we must follow? There are a number of key hygiene protocols that must be followed including:
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RETURN TO TRAINING Can we move between our smaller Training Groups? No. Once the groups are established then there is to be no movement between training groups, until full group training is approved by the WA State Government. This includes the coaches, volunteers and support staff. The reason for this is it helps to control any spread of COVID-19 should an outbreak occur. Can the coach move between Training Groups? No. As per above once a training group has been established then there is no movement between groups. Skype or Zoom calls can be a great way for the coach to interact with the entire group if required. When will we be able to train as a full group? The WAFC will work closely with the WA State Government on when full group training can commence, which is in line COVID-19 WA Roadmap. Please do not make the decision to increase training numbers to full squad as a league or club, unless authorised by the WAFC as State Government approval is required. Can we use Footballs? Yes. Footballs are allowed to be used in small group training sessions. Please ensure where possible that footballs stay within that small training group, and aren???t used across groups. If clubs are unable to achieve this due to lack of footballs, then all footballs must be thoroughly disinfected after each training session using anti-bacterial wipes. What other equipment can we use? Markers/cones can be used in training, however under the current restrictions, no other equipment can be used. This includes no use of bump bags, marking bags, tackle bags, weights, gym equipment, etc. Can we use and share gym equipment at home? No. The advice of the WA Government is that sharing of equipment, such as gym equipment increases the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The WAFC will advise when home gym equipment can be shared, and when gym equipment at football clubs can be utilised, in line with the easing of Government restrictions. If you are utilising your own equipment at home then it is important that it is cleaned and disinfected thoroughly after every use. Are we allowed to have contact at training? No. There is to be strictly no contact at training including no tackling, no bumping, no marking contests, and no small sided games or match simulation where incidental contact can occur. The WAFC will advise as to when contact is allowed at training. How many groups can train on an oval at any one time? We are currently awaiting State Government advice on this matter. The WAFC will advise clubs ASAP. What strategies can club???s use to schedule training sessions on the oval? Clubs should consider introducing a staggered training schedule for the groups of 20 that may include different start times, different days and/or different locations. It is also advisable that where possible clubs ensure that there is a gap between training times to limit the potential for a crossover of training groups at the same venue. Training times may need to be shorter to accommodate this requirement. Does the maximum number of participants include Coaches? Yes, the maximum number of participants in a group includes coaches, volunteers and support staff. For instance, you can have 19 players, and 1 coach, or you could have 18 players, 1 coach and 1 assistant coach. The numbers must not exceed the maximum amount possible as directed by the WAFC in line with WA State Government restrictions. How often should equipment be cleaned? We understand the challenges around maintaining strict levels of hygiene amongst a football group. However, it is essential we implement the highest quality of hygiene at all times for the safety and comfort of our participants and their families. Footballs, and any other equipment like cones or markers must be thoroughly cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes following each training session. |
WAFL FOOTBALL
When will the WAFL start?
The WAFC is working closely with all WAFL Clubs to be in a position that when the State Government eases its restrictions about sporting competitions, then a decision about the season can be made that is in the best interests of the WAFL competition and the WAFL Clubs.
The Return to Training at the current time should primarily focus on reconnecting with fellow players, via physical activity, to benefit
Health & Well-being. From May 18th, this shouldn???t be a training program primarily focus on preparing players to lead into the start of the season, as this date is still to be determined. Moving into Phase 3 of the WA State Government restrictions is when full contact training can recommence, and is when the government has indicated a potential return to community competitions. This phase is when we would expect clubs to commence a formalised and structured training program leading into the start of a potential WAFL season.
Will crowds be allowed to attend?
Crowds at WAFL games will be dependent on the WA State Government restrictions on gatherings that are in place at that time.
TALENT PROGRAMS
Will the WAFC???s talent program be commencing training?
Yes, the WAFL colts programs will be re-commencing training shortly. For more specific information please speak to your club???s Talent Manager.
When will the WAFL Colts season start?
The WAFC will be in a position to announce further details about the WAFL colts season when the State Government further eases its restrictions about sporting competitions in approximately four weeks??? time.
What about the WAFL Futures season which had already started?
The WAFC is still working through the implications of the significant delay to the football season on the WAFL Futures competition. Further information will be announced in the coming weeks.
What about the State Academy programs?
The WAFC is awaiting confirmation from the AFL that the National Championships for males and females will take place later in 2020. Once this is confirmed a revised schedule for the State Academy programs will be communicated to players in those programs.
Is the AFL Draft still going ahead?
Yes. The AFL Draft is scheduled to occur before the 2021 AFL season. The AFL will provide more detail and information on timing at the appropriate time.
COMMUNITY FOOTBALL
How come other team sports have resumed playing, but we haven???t started yet?
The WA State Government is responsible for determining when each sport can return. Understandably, there are different considerations for each sport, things like contact v non-contact, indoor v outdoor sports, numbers in teams, facility access, etc. We are bound by the State Government on when they decide we can resume.
Can Auskick participants resume?
Auskick sessions at clubs will plan to recommence once the State Government restrictions ease to Phase 3, and community sport competitions can resume. Again, strict social distancing (1.5m, and 1 person per 4m2 ) will be in place, with a limit on the number of parents able to attend. More information will be provided on this at the appropriate time.
Our team has social functions after training ??? can this still occur?
No. The principle of a Return to Training is ???Get in, Train, Get out???. There is to be NO social mingling or activities either before or after training.
Will I still need to pay fees?
Once competitions recommence then it is likely that Football Clubs will charge fees for participation. Please liaise directly with your respective Football Club on this matter.
COUNTRY FOOTBALL
How will regional border closures impact Country Football?
If regional travel border closures are in place, then travel over that boundary for football training or games cannot occur. Your League will work with your WAFC staff in your region, and the WACFL on strategies that address this factor as appropriate.
Can spectators watch Football from their cars at some venues?
Yes. However, social distancing rules of 1.5m, 1 person per 4m2 and mass gathering restrictions at venues still apply as per State Government requirements.