The AFL says community club football matches and Auskick centres are permitted to continue until further notice on the condition attendances are limited to a maximum of 500.
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This is in keeping with a Federal Government direction being introduced on Monday in response to the coronavirus outbreak, and to be enforced by state governments.
The AFL stated that health and safety of the football community - participants, umpires, volunteers and fans - is paramount.
"We are closely monitoring the situation with respect to COVID-19 and it is important that any information you receive with respect to Covid-19 or any other infectious illness comes from a reputable source.
"We are regularly consulting with the Australian Government, the World Health Organisation and the AFL's chief medical officers on the best advice for our football community."
The AFL statement continued that given COVID-19 remained a situation with the potential to change rapidly, the AFL had recommended to state and territory bodies, community leagues, Auskick centres and clubs to mitigate the consequences that might arise:
COMMUNITY MATCHES
We strongly encourage that strict hygiene protocols are followed as outlined below
If anyone associated with your club/centre is feeling unwell, they should refrain from playing and club activities immediately, seek medical advice and where appropriate, advise the club of their absence.
Further, any participants and volunteers who are at high risk from a health perspective should follow the medical advice as per the link above.
FOOTBALL HYGIENE
COVID-19 or not, communal use of water bottles should be avoided at all times. All players should be in possession of their own drink bottle, and should not share with any other players.
Do not share drinks, towels, lip balm, sunscreen with others.
Place hand sanitisers around the change room and encourage use of them.
Ensure all player facilities are maintained and cleaned to a high standard with appropriate cleaning agents - consider more regular cleaning of facilities.
Limit physical contact such as avoiding shaking hands, pre or post game.
Work with other community clubs that share Club facilities, if appropriate, to implement practices consistent with this communication.
Limit travelling party to matches/training/sessions where possible.