Starting dates for district sport to return have been locked in.
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The Victorian Government announced on Sunday contact sports could resume full-contact training for those over 18 from July 13, followed by full competition on July 20.
For juniors aged 18 or younger, full-contact training and competition can resume from June 22.
Premier Daniel Andrews also said non-contact sport competitions were able to resume from June 22 for all age groups.
In a statement the government detailed the changes to restrictions.
“Local footy teams, soccer clubs and other contact sports will be able to resume training for over 18s from July 13,” the statement read.
“And, from July 20, full competition can begin too.
“Recognising the lower rate of transmission amongst younger people, all sports training and competition will resume for those 18 and under.
“Non-contact sports competition can also begin across every age group.”
Despite the dates being set, there is yet to be any confirmation on the limit of spectators at community sport.
However, clubrooms at sport venues can have up to 20 people per indoor space from June 22.
The easing of restrictions on community sport comes after two district leagues cancelled their seasons.
Kyabram District League and Shepparton Netball Association decided to cancel their seasons because of the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria welcomed the announcement from the government.
AFL Victoria thanked the Victorian Government for its support and health and essential workers for the role they have played in allowing for sport to resume.
The government also announced indoor sports centres and gyms would be able to open to 20 people per space, with a cap of up to 10 a group.
Indoor sport and recreation activities can resume with a maximum 20 people per space or zone, with up to 10 people a group, but there are no limits on the number of people per group or class if all participants are 18 or younger.
● The NSW government has announced its own plans, with all sport able to return from July 1 in the state.
However the question of crowds still remains unclear, as does how sides in Victorian-based competitions will be affected by different rules for different states.
While junior sport was to be allowed from that date, it was last week announced the rules would expand to allow all sport to return.
Players will have to adhere to strict health protocols, while food and beverage stands will be allowed to operate so long as there are no more than 50 people inside a single venue at a time.
Acting Sport Minister Geoff Lee said there will likely be some crowd at games, however state Health Minister said that for now crowds would not be able to gather in stands quite yet.
“(This) announcement is about a staged re-opening of the sports economy in a way that minimises the risk to the public,” he said.
“This makes a level playing field for sports stadiums, in line with clubs and pubs re-opening to patrons.”
Clubs will also be able to train together as normal on July 1.
It leaves confusion for the Murray Football and Netball League, which has five of its 14 clubs based in NSW - with Cobram and Barooga a prime example of differing restrictions within a drop-punt of each other.
Murray League general manager Dale Norman said regulations were frustrating.
“Having different rules on each side of the border is hampering progress,” he said.
“It's frustrating to have one state who seems to be moving a lot faster than the other, it definitely makes things difficult.”
The league reaffirmed its intention to hold a season earlier this week, although no start date is being targeted.
Though some clubs will remain off the training track until further details are made available.
“This, of course, will be subject to government restrictions and ‘Return to Play’ protocols yet to be released by the governing body,” a league statement said.
“The league has not confirmed a date of return and is taking the time required to explore fixture alternatives.
“As a league it is acknowledged the situation remains a moving target and any decision may be subject to change.
“As a league we are constantly reviewing matters such as crowd restrictions and the financial viability of a season for clubs, the ability to generate revenue is critical.
“Clubs must be able to host crowds and functions. All clubs agree, that with no crowds — there can be no play.”
If no senior football and netball is played this year, the league said it was still committed to providing a junior program.
An outlined format of the competition will be sent to clubs in the coming weeks.