Return to Training Protocols – 18 May 2020

With the announcement of the WA Government’s COVID-19 Road Map, the WA Football Commission has provided Return to Training Protocols for all of football in WA. These are applicable to all Perth Football League clubs.

There are additional obligations required from clubs wishing to train from Monday 18^th May 2020. These additional obligations include;

Return to Training Documents

Season 2020 Update

On initial government lockdown in March, the League had proposed re-commencing the season on the 13^th June 2020. This is no longer the case. The WA Government’s COVID-19 Road Map now plans for contact sport to commence in mid-June, which would allow clubs to undertake pre-season contact training.

Therefore, we are currently planning that if this became the case, the season would commence mid-July with nine home and away rounds but with a shortened finals series as to complete the season by 30^th September 2020. However at this stage, we are unable to confirm a season re-commencement date till the WA Government review current restrictions in mid-June.

Neither is the League able to confirm fixtures and how many home matches each club could have till clubs are requested to re-submit team nominations. This request will come from the League within the next couple of weeks.

League support

We appreciate the financial impact a shortened season may have on clubs. The League is here to support clubs through this period and in 2021 by absorbing some costs such as ground hire, umpire coaching, finals and insurances normally contained within affiliation fees.

To assist clubs budget for a likely 2020 season, affiliation fees would indicatively be $400-$500 per team.

To support club cashflow, clubs who have placed playing jumper and short orders will not be required to pay these invoices till next year.

There are many issues still to be confirmed for clubs to consider re-nominating teams such as players returning, sponsorships, local council ground hire, insurance and umpire pays rates.

We do not have any directions regarding 100+ gatherings as it relates football matches played at public open spaces at this stage. It is expected the WA Government will detail this information mid-June.

We do not have any directions regarding umpire rates at this stage. We are currently discussing this with the WA Football Commission.

The League appreciates from club feedback that a season commencing is dependent on the WA Government’s requirements relating to social gatherings (100+ and how this relates to public open spaces) and hygiene requirements and costs applicable for community clubrooms and changerooms (e.g. COVID deep clean).

Contacting your local council for approval to train and confirming 2020 ground hire

Local council (or lessor) approval is required before clubs can train at their local ground. Facilities are not to be opened at this stage.

Ground hire is a significant cost included within club affiliation fees. Some local councils have indicated that if a season commenced they would waive these charges. To assist us in confirming an affiliation fee we seek your support by contacting your local council.

The League requests that you contact your local council and advise then League;

Your approval to commence training at your local ground

If the local council will charge, discount or waive ground hire, lighting and facility hire for 2020.

Please email this information to Ashlea Renshaw, Football Operation Co-ordinator: arenshaw@wafc.com.au

Bar/Canteen

We understand that bars/canteens generate 45% of club revenues and their capacity to open may have bearing on your team nominations and player fees.

We do not have any directions that bars/canteens at community facilities can re-open.

We do not have any directions regarding hygiene requirements applicable for community clubrooms and changerooms (e.g. COVID deep clean) at this stage. However, in preparation for a possible season, we strongly recommend appropriate club personnel complete the basic online hygiene course to gain a better understanding of venue hygiene requirements conducted by the AHA.

Complete the free venue hygiene course available at:- https://hospitalityhygiene.com/

Next Steps

By End of May

Mid- June