The Ballarat and Central Highlands football and netball leagues have welcomed news that up to 5000 spectators will be allowed at games in 2021.
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The Victorian Government made the announcement lifting the number from 1000 to 5000.
Clubs were going to have the ability to have more than 1000 fans at games through an application process however, the lifting of the numbers calls an end to this issue.
Central Highlands Football League president Doug Hobson said it was great news for country football as a whole.
"It's going to be really good. It's one of those ones that we've been hoping for it to be relaxed a bit," he said.
"We're probably not going to have a lot of crowds that are going to be over that number, but any sort of loosening up is going to be helpful for our finals."
Clubs will need to continue with their COVIDSafe plans however, they will not be as onerous as previously expected.
Ballarat Football League general manager Shane Anwyl said it will still be a major focus for clubs however the relaxing of the restrictions is helpful.
"There's still work to be done on game day to meet all the protocols and all the safety aspects which you'd expect will be done anyway because they're important to keep this all under control," he said.
Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott said that it's a great result for clubs and its volunteers.
"While we know the protocols are important, we've been able to work with the state government on helping them understand the challenges that volunteers have putting those protocols in place," he said.
"There was an application process to have up to 5000, 10,000, but the great news is that now country football clubs can have up to 5000 participants without going through an application process."
"We still need to be vigilant in making sure we create a safe environment ... but the process has become a lot easier."
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