Lockdown hits pause on local footy and netball

NO LOCAL football or netball matches, training or Auskick will be allowed from midnight tonight (Thursday, May 27) in line with the snap seven-day lockdown announced by the Victorian Government today.

As a result, all the fixtured AFL Barwon games in both sports will not be held this weekend (Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30).

Community sporting activity such as training can still take place tonight as scheduled up until 11:59pm, provided existing COVID protocols are followed.

“We have never shied away from doing everything to prioritise the health and safety of the community, and this remains today. We also encourage everyone to comply with current restrictions,” AFL Barwon said in a statement this afternoon.

AFL Barwon has also revealed the process for what happens next following one round of matches, or several rounds, being called off.

Should an entire round or rounds of matches be abandoned, no points or percentage will be awarded to any team.

The season will restart with the next scheduled round, whenever that may be, and continue until the previously scheduled finals are scheduled to start.

“With the situation constantly evolving and uncertainty on what 2021 may hold, it is our belief this framework will give our competitions and clubs the best opportunity to have a fair and equitable season,” AFL Barwon stated.

According to the AFL Victoria by-laws, should a round be abandoned, the Allowable Player Payment Cap shall immediately be calculated on a pro rata of games played. Finals eligibility remains the same.

These processes apply to all AFL Barwon sanctioned junior and senior competition, including GFNL, BFNL, Female Football, and has also been adopted by the CDFNL.

As an independent league, the GDFL is also working through their competition’s next steps.

“While the interruption to community sport is disappointing, we anticipate there will still be plenty of football and netball played this year when it is safe to do so, and hopefully this is as soon as next weekend,”  AFL Barwon stated.

The governing body said it would continue to work closely with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria and would be guided by advice from the government and health authorities.

For updated football and netball protocols, head to AFL Barwon’s website.