Late on Friday night 15 May, we received the latest concise update from the hardworking staff at AFLQ that gives the clearest indication to date of a return to play. It’s important to note that all announcements are subject to Government endorsement once these dates arrive.

This week we saw the announcement from the elite game of its planned roadmap to Return to Play. AFLQ are now in a position to be able to share more definitive plans in terms of what this means for Community Football in Queensland.  

Returning to play in a safe, hygienic, and controlled manner is paramount to the AFL. The safety and well being of participants is the number one priority. As such, the Return to Play strategy has been focused on ensuring clear endorsement of State Government and public health officials at every phase of return.

Each State Government is responsible for determining what level AFL football is at in their State and approving when we can transition from one stage to the next.  Formal announcements will be made by AFL Queensland to leagues and clubs when they receive official approval to transition into each stage. It is imperative that clubs and individuals do not move ahead of next stage and restrictions in place until formal approval is granted. Failure to adhere to directives and guidelines can put the entire process at risk.

The current state of play:

• From 15 May, Queensland will transition to Stage 1 on the roadmap towards easing restrictions. The State Government has confirmed that this means solo or pairs training can continue. Group or formal training cannot commence during Stage 1.

• The State Government has indicated a transition to Stage 2 from 12 June. Subject to Government endorsement, this will involve extending the training group size to 20 people, although non-contact training with strict protocols continues. 

• Pending further review, when the State Government moves to Stage 3 on 10 July and provides formal endorsement, AFLQ will provide further information on plans for return to competition, with hygiene and safety protocols firmly in place.

Communication will come once there is formal approval at each stage. Rest assured that the Sherwood Football Club is well prepared for each level and have plans in place should the transition from each stage to the next be a smooth one.

The primary focus for Stage 1 is preparing to return in a safe, well prepared and educated manner. In order for this return to training and competition to be successful and approved by State Government, it is essential that we all play our part in implanting the clear health and safety protocols across all parts of our game. Again, we reiterate that this cannot occur until Stage 2 training is permitted.

Whilst our focus remains on safety and education preparations in Stage 1, AFLQ have also produced a detailed framework of what the season may look like for Junior and Senior football based on Government timings, as we progress through from Stage 1 to Stage 2 and 3. We understand how important it is for Clubs to plan and prepare for  what a potential season could look like. We must reiterate however, this fixtures forecast cannot be guaranteed and is subject at any time to changing advice from the State Government.

In addition, an important part of this return to play process is the requirement of each Club to appoint a COVID Safety Officer that is responsible for ensuring these protocols are adhered to and participants can return to a prepared and safe environment. Sherwood Football Club have a number of exceptional candidates for this role and will announce an appointment before Stage 2 is implemented. Should you wish to register interest in this role, contact president@westernmagpies.com.au

We also strongly recommend all participants immediately download the COVID-SAFE App, to ensure we can quickly trace and manage any outbreaks in the community. We all have an important role to play in ensuring that not only football returns, but Australia returns safely towards a normal way of life. 

AFLQ have created an in depth section of their website relating specifically to what the season may look like for various levels. There is a significant amount of information to digest in this documentation and the link can be found HERE

Sherwood Football Club will spend time working through the available information before summarising it for our Magpie family in the next 10-14 days so it contains relevant information to our participants and volunteers.

The AFL have also provided a section on their website providing a suite of educational resources and COVID safety posters. The link for this can be found HERE

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we look forward with cautious optimism towards getting a season underway in due course.