Since the most recent announcement regarding return to play protocols and dates, Sherwood Football Club in recent weeks have worked diligently towards the Stage 2 Restriction Date of Friday 12 June, with training to commence the week following.

In somewhat unexpected (but welcome!) news, the State Government has brought forward this date to Monday June 1 !

However, while we are now permitted to train from June 1, there are significant protocols in place that we are required to adhere to and unfortunately while we are extremely well prepared and advanced in our planning, we were not prepared to a return to training for all age groups this week!  Given we have over 700 active male and female playing participants across AFL9's, Auskick, Juniors, Youth, Colts and Senior Football it is next to impossible to have us all back out there this week given the restrictions of 20 people (including coach) per oval per session!

AFL Queensland have put in a submission to the QLD Chief Health Officer to allow Australian Rules Football Clubs to have multiple groups of 20 on a full size oval, but don't expect an answer for approximately 48 hours so all clubs remain bound by these restrictions.  Given you can fit about 40 basketball courts on a full size oval, and the restrictions are the same - we are hoping for a positive outcome from this submission.

This outcome will then form the basis of our final stage planning for a return to training for all grades of football.

There are still significant protocols in place for this return and these are outlined in THIS DOCUMENT 

Headline items from these protocols include:

• No contact & players/coaches must remain 1.5m apart

• No access to changerooms

• No equipment other than footballs and markers

• Come dressed to train & bring your own water bottle

However, for a clear understanding of the restrictions we encourage you to read the document linked above.

Sherwood Football Club MUST appoint at least one COVID-19 Safety Officer.

The COVID-19 Safety Officers bears no liability for a potential outbreak, they are only in place to ensure adherence to protocols to the best of their ability(ies).

ALL Club medical staff (including Doctors, physio, trainer, first aid officers) must complete Australian Government Infection Control Training

However, we also encourage all coaching staff, volunteers and team managers also complete this training.

You should see in the coming fortnight a gradual return to training for Senior Men & Women and Colts with Youth and then subsequently Juniors to follow.  Regular updates will be posted on the club website and social media, while major announcements will be done via the weekly newsletter.

If you haven't already been in touch with your team manager and/or coach regarding your intentions to play in season 2020, please do so ASAP to assist with planning. Your team manager will generally be your best resource for training times once confirmed, though we will endeavour to update websites, social media and via newsletter where practical - but wish to avoid spamming!

In a final note, we once again share the following resources for anyone interested in the return to play protocols:

AFLQ Roadmap

Community Guidelines & Fixtures

We are now very close to a return to football and its an exciting time for all.  Please continue to do your part and adhere to all government regulations, download the COVID Safety App and follow the directions of our club volunteers when training recommences, this has never been more important than it is now!

Huge thanks to our hardworking committee who are adapting to a fast changing environment day by day, while no doubt adapting in their professional and personal lives as well!

Massive thanks also to each of our Magpie family for so far doing their bit to get us to this point, we look forward to seeing you soon.