The BFL is in the midst of creating its own by-laws in regards to COVID-19 safety and will be releasing it in the coming weeks as the season approaches.
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It comes in response to the AFL Victoria return to training and games protocols that has been made available to clubs, leagues and which is accessible on the BFL website.
The eight page document outlines all the information and rules clubs must adhere to in order to train and play safely.
Footballs and other equipment including uniform that is shared must be cleaned in-between training sessions and games. Personal items such as drink bottles, food or towels must not be shared.
Clubs must possess a COVIDSafe plan and publish it on their website if the venue can hold over 500 people.
The template of the plan provided to clubs includes six areas; ensure physical distancing, wear a face mask, practice good hygiene, keep records and act quickly if participants become unwell, avoid interactions in enclosed spaces and create workforce/activity bubbles.
The six areas include an action box, where clubs must outline how they will meet the listed requirement.
One COVID-19 marshall for every 300 people must be available.
Hygiene protocols must be in place in line with the documents requirements. This includes alcohol-based hand sanitizer, hygiene posters displayed and communal equipment be washed regularly.
A register of all players, coaches and volunteers must be maintained and available.
In change rooms it is encouraged to limit access to players and essential staff. Signage must be displayed stating the maximum number of people allowed in the area according to the density quotient.
For warm-ups, exercise and ice baths a density quotient of one person per four square metres applies. For all other team meetings and functions, a quotient of one person per two square metres applies.
The spectator limit of 5000 people will be policed. 1.5 metre social distancing is required.
Games are now considered a low risk tier two event as long as there are less than 5000 spectators and attendance does not exceed 75 per cent capacity of the ground.
Games can take place without approval as long as clubs fill out a form for their eight homes games proving they will meet the COVIDSafe criteria outlined in the form.
Criteria includes density requirements being met, no COVID-19 risk behaviors, record keeping, public health messaging, crowd management, COVID marshal ratio recommendation and hygiene.
It also includes vendors complying with COVIDSafe practices, volunteer training, positive case management, ventilation improvements, directions on mask use and a COVIDSafe plan.
All COVID-19 resources for country clubs can be found on the BFL website at; https://bfnl.com.au/admin/covid-19-resources
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