Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today issued the following circular to provide an update on developments regarding the resumption of grassroots football in Australia.
State and Territory restrictions
As previously noted, FFA continues to consult with the Member Federations and all levels of Government and is closely monitoring all COVID-19 developments, including the individual circumstances of each State and Territory.
FFA welcomed the recent announcements by certain State and Territory Governments regarding the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions that may allow for a resumption in certain football activities, such as group training, prior to 31 May 2020 in their respective jurisdictions. We recognise that the position may vary across the different States, Territories and localities in Australia.
FFA supports these opportunities to return to football activities early, provided they are undertaken in line with the medical guidelines and restrictions that apply in the respective State or Territory. This includes ensuring activities adhere to any social distancing requirements and limitations on group sizes involved, as determined by the relevant State or Territory Government and/or Local Public Health Authorities.
The safety and wellbeing of all football participants, and that of the wider community, remains the paramount concern for FFA. We are continuing to work with the Member Federations in supporting the resumption of football in a responsible manner.
Guidelines for the resumption of grassroots football
FFA also welcomed the National Principles for Sport and Recreation recently released by the Federal Government and National Cabinet, available here. These 15 Principles, together with the AIS’s “Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment” (available here) are being used by State and Territory Member Federations to help guide the resumption of grassroots football. This approach is also in line with the “3 step framework for a COVIDSafe Australia” released by the National Cabinet on 8 May 2020, a copy of which is attached to this Circular.
Again, each individual State and Territory may have different circumstances which will influence the approach taken by each Member Federation in facilitating the resumption of grassroots football. However, the State and Territory Member Federations’ guidelines for resuming football activity, considering State and Territory Government and/or local Public Health Authorities requirements, will provide a framework for all participants in football – including players, officials, staff, volunteers and parents.
We look forward to a safe resumption of football activities in line with the respective guidelines in each State and Territory as we continue to play our role as a football community in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
