As the COVID-19 situation changes by the hour, the HFL will be guided by the direction of the SANFL and AFL who are in turn guided by the Federal Government. The Hills Football League will issue updates on this evolving health issue, as further information is released by the AFL, SANFL, government, and health authorities.
Please see below protocols and current guidelines.
Don Cranwell
President,
Hills Football League Inc.
AFL COMMUNITY AND NAB AFL AUSKICK GUIDELINES ON COVID-19
FOR WEEKEND 14TH AND 15TH MARCH 2020
COMMUNITY MATCHES
BASED ON THE CURRENT ADVICE FROM THE GOVERNMENT IN RELATION TO GROUP GATHERINGS, FOOTBALL MATCHES AND AUSKICK CENTRES WITH LIMITED CROWDS (500 OR LESS) CAN PROCEED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE – OUR RECOMMENDATION IS THAT MATCH ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED TO PLAYERS, FAMILIES, AND KEY MATCH OFFICIALS
• Individual leagues, clubs and players can elect not to participate in any activity at their discretion
• We strongly encourage that strict hygiene protocols are followed as outlined below
• If anyone associated with your Club/Centre is feeling unwell, they should refrain from playing and club activities immediately, seek medical advice and where appropriate, advise the Club of their absence
• Further, any participants and volunteers who are at high risk from a health perspective should follow the medical advice as per the link above
Recommended hygiene protocols
The protocols outlined below are essential to limit your exposure and prevent the spread of germs, in particular as they relate to COVID‐19:
General hygiene
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol‐based hand sanitiser
• Wash or sanitise your hands before eating
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home and seek medical treatment when you are sick
• Cover your mouth to cough or sneeze
Football hygiene
• COVID-19 or not, communal use of water bottles should be avoided at all times. All players should be in possession of their own drink bottle, and should not share with any other players
• Do not share drinks, towels, lip balm, sunscreen with others (have own)
• Place hand sanitisers around the change room and encourage use of them
• Ensure all player facilities are maintained and cleaned to a high standard with appropriate cleaning agents – consider more regular cleaning of facilities
• Limit physical contact such as avoiding shaking hands, pre or post game
• Work with other community clubs that share Club facilities, if appropriate, to implement practices consistent with this communication
• Limit travelling party to matches/training/sessions where possible