COVID-19 INFORMATION
We are running this page to keep all players, members and supporters across the latest communications covering COVID-19 to ensure consistency. If you have any questions please feel free to contact any member of the Committee.
|
|
COVID-19: An Update From The Management Committee
Wednesday, 18 March 2020
A message from the Management Committee in regard to COVID-19.
Last night the Management Committee convened a meeting by videoconference to determine our path forward on the back of the latest directives and recommendations from the AFL in response to the ongoing Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
These are unprecedented times, not just for our football club but, for the entire world.
The AFL released a statement (see below or CLICK HERE) directing all AFL and AFL state managed or operated leagues to cease all training, education sessions and practice matches up until May 31, 2020. Additionally, all competition start dates are also postponed till May 31, 2020.
As the AFL Masters Vic Metro League and therefore Coburg Superules FC comes under this jurisdiction, in response, we have effective immediately, cancelled all training and practice matches till this time awaiting further instructions.
In additional, the Club's Season Launch planned for March 28, 2020 has been cancelled upon consultation between ourselves and the Grandview Hotel. We thank Dave Pengelly, Kim Tully and the Gillman brothers for their efforts in setting up the function.
With the season postponed we do not have any clear view at this stage of what the league plans to do in regard to the competition for season 2020. We are confident they are working on revised fixtures as we speak and we will keep you across any information as it comes to hand.
Our priority is the health, safety and welfare of our players, members and supporters and we would be neglectful in regard to individual’s welfare if we didn’t take the appropriate action.
We understand that for some (if not most of us), football is a key outlet for physical and mental health and temporarily removing that platform may be derogatory to those interests however, it would be completely irresponsible of us if we continued training and games at this stage.
We will find ways to keep club members informed and up-to-date and, we are current discussing alternate options for the players and members in regard to keep everyone involved and keeping fit. We want to keep the lines of communication open. The situation is quite fluid and as we have seen things can change quickly so we will continue to communicate out updates as they become available.
You may have questions and the Committee are only too happy to answer any questions you may have, if you have a question please email [email protected] or send a text to 0435 036 689. We will respond to you and add the questions and answer to an FAQ we are setting up.
What is really important right now is that we look after ourselves and look after one another. We encourage to read and adhere to the “Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus” fact sheet below, we have set up a separate page on our website which provides the latest updates in regard to COVID-19 as it relates to football and the Club CLICK HERE. In addition, despite social distancing and in some cases isolation, we encourage you to keep in touch with and check in with club mates. This is extremely important.
Finally, remember members of the Committee are only a phone call away so don’t hesitate to contact any one of us.
Take care folks.
Last night the Management Committee convened a meeting by videoconference to determine our path forward on the back of the latest directives and recommendations from the AFL in response to the ongoing Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
These are unprecedented times, not just for our football club but, for the entire world.
The AFL released a statement (see below or CLICK HERE) directing all AFL and AFL state managed or operated leagues to cease all training, education sessions and practice matches up until May 31, 2020. Additionally, all competition start dates are also postponed till May 31, 2020.
As the AFL Masters Vic Metro League and therefore Coburg Superules FC comes under this jurisdiction, in response, we have effective immediately, cancelled all training and practice matches till this time awaiting further instructions.
In additional, the Club's Season Launch planned for March 28, 2020 has been cancelled upon consultation between ourselves and the Grandview Hotel. We thank Dave Pengelly, Kim Tully and the Gillman brothers for their efforts in setting up the function.
With the season postponed we do not have any clear view at this stage of what the league plans to do in regard to the competition for season 2020. We are confident they are working on revised fixtures as we speak and we will keep you across any information as it comes to hand.
Our priority is the health, safety and welfare of our players, members and supporters and we would be neglectful in regard to individual’s welfare if we didn’t take the appropriate action.
We understand that for some (if not most of us), football is a key outlet for physical and mental health and temporarily removing that platform may be derogatory to those interests however, it would be completely irresponsible of us if we continued training and games at this stage.
We will find ways to keep club members informed and up-to-date and, we are current discussing alternate options for the players and members in regard to keep everyone involved and keeping fit. We want to keep the lines of communication open. The situation is quite fluid and as we have seen things can change quickly so we will continue to communicate out updates as they become available.
You may have questions and the Committee are only too happy to answer any questions you may have, if you have a question please email [email protected] or send a text to 0435 036 689. We will respond to you and add the questions and answer to an FAQ we are setting up.
What is really important right now is that we look after ourselves and look after one another. We encourage to read and adhere to the “Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus” fact sheet below, we have set up a separate page on our website which provides the latest updates in regard to COVID-19 as it relates to football and the Club CLICK HERE. In addition, despite social distancing and in some cases isolation, we encourage you to keep in touch with and check in with club mates. This is extremely important.
Finally, remember members of the Committee are only a phone call away so don’t hesitate to contact any one of us.
Take care folks.
AFL Update For Community Football: COVID-19
Tuesday, 17 March 2020
AFL UPDATE ON COVID-19: 17 MARCH 2020
PUBLISHED 17 MARCH, 2020, 4.48PM AEDT
National Statement
A note to the AFL football community,
The health and well-being of fans, players, umpires, officials, partners, volunteers and communities has been our number one priority.
We are determined to be part of the whole of community response to slow this COVID-19 virus down – and in doing so, help the broader community and our health systems to cope.
Following a series of meetings over the last number of days involving the AFL and all State and Territory CEOs, recommendations have been made in relation to Community football.
Consistent with the decision yesterday in relation to State League football and the national and state talent programs, all AFL and AFL State association managed or operated leagues along with the NAB AFL Auskick Centres programs currently operating or set to begin, will be postponed until 31st May 2020.
The AFL is also strongly recommending that independently governed junior and senior leagues and associations postpone the commencement and/or operation of their leagues/associations until the same date.
This decision and recommendation covers AFL community matches, AFL community training sessions and face to face AFL, WAFC and SANFL education courses.
Given the current climate of uncertainty and complexity, we felt it was best for our AFL community to take decisive action now.
The recommendation was collectively agreed upon based on the nature of shared public facilities across community football clubs and the health and safety of our volunteer network.
The AFL and AFL State and Territory Associations are committed to supporting community football during this time.
We are a game, but we are not the main game.
The main game is looking after the community and that is the clear priority for everyone at the moment. For football families like all families.
It is paramount that support and engagement in community football continues during these times. It is vital players, coaches, administrators, supporters, sponsors, volunteers and kids retain close links to their local clubs, Auskick Centres and wider league network.
The AFL will continue to meet with state and territory associations in relation to community football and will continually review this decision based on the changing circumstances and advice from government and relevant health departments and medical experts. We will communicate any updates and provide advice in a timely manner.
Football has had many challenges and despite the size of this one, football will find a way through.
PUBLISHED 17 MARCH, 2020, 4.48PM AEDT
National Statement
A note to the AFL football community,
The health and well-being of fans, players, umpires, officials, partners, volunteers and communities has been our number one priority.
We are determined to be part of the whole of community response to slow this COVID-19 virus down – and in doing so, help the broader community and our health systems to cope.
Following a series of meetings over the last number of days involving the AFL and all State and Territory CEOs, recommendations have been made in relation to Community football.
Consistent with the decision yesterday in relation to State League football and the national and state talent programs, all AFL and AFL State association managed or operated leagues along with the NAB AFL Auskick Centres programs currently operating or set to begin, will be postponed until 31st May 2020.
The AFL is also strongly recommending that independently governed junior and senior leagues and associations postpone the commencement and/or operation of their leagues/associations until the same date.
This decision and recommendation covers AFL community matches, AFL community training sessions and face to face AFL, WAFC and SANFL education courses.
Given the current climate of uncertainty and complexity, we felt it was best for our AFL community to take decisive action now.
The recommendation was collectively agreed upon based on the nature of shared public facilities across community football clubs and the health and safety of our volunteer network.
The AFL and AFL State and Territory Associations are committed to supporting community football during this time.
We are a game, but we are not the main game.
The main game is looking after the community and that is the clear priority for everyone at the moment. For football families like all families.
It is paramount that support and engagement in community football continues during these times. It is vital players, coaches, administrators, supporters, sponsors, volunteers and kids retain close links to their local clubs, Auskick Centres and wider league network.
The AFL will continue to meet with state and territory associations in relation to community football and will continually review this decision based on the changing circumstances and advice from government and relevant health departments and medical experts. We will communicate any updates and provide advice in a timely manner.
Football has had many challenges and despite the size of this one, football will find a way through.
A Message From The AFL Masters Vic Metro Board
Monday, 16 March 2020
The Vic Metro Superules Board met tonight to discuss the COVID-19 Pandemic, and would like to advise our position as a matter of urgently.
The safety and welfare of our Players, Official, Volunteers and their Families are our first priority.
The Board have therefore taken the precautionary step of postponing the start of the Season.
This decision will be reviewed when more advice is received from AFL Victoria ( there are meetings tomorrow ), the State Government and Chief Medical Officer. We will communicate any updates as soon as they become available.
In the meantime we are seeking guidance from AFL Vic in regards to Practice Matches and Training, and will keep Clubs advised.
Several suburban Leagues have advised Clubs to cease ALL activity, but we want further information from AFL to pass on to you, so you can have some input on this decision.
We trust you all stay safe.
Regards,
Chris Spencer
General Manager
The safety and welfare of our Players, Official, Volunteers and their Families are our first priority.
The Board have therefore taken the precautionary step of postponing the start of the Season.
This decision will be reviewed when more advice is received from AFL Victoria ( there are meetings tomorrow ), the State Government and Chief Medical Officer. We will communicate any updates as soon as they become available.
In the meantime we are seeking guidance from AFL Vic in regards to Practice Matches and Training, and will keep Clubs advised.
Several suburban Leagues have advised Clubs to cease ALL activity, but we want further information from AFL to pass on to you, so you can have some input on this decision.
We trust you all stay safe.
Regards,
Chris Spencer
General Manager
A Message From The President Regarding COVID-19
Monday, 16 March 2020
Pending further information from AFL Masters Vic Metro Executive, President Tony Lombardi has made the following statement:
Well it’s official, the world is changing and it’s not a secret that there is a virus outbreak.
The World Health Authorities believe it to be a pandemic, however approximately 130 cases in a population of 25 Million people equates to 0.0000052%, not exactly a pandemic in our country and it surely doesn’t justify the behaviour and actions of some members of our community.
In football terms we need to just slow down, take a deep breath and keep calm.
We believe that it is vital that we all stay informed and make decisions based on information from reliable sources, such as the Department of Health (Commonwealth) and your State Government Health website.
To assist you, Coburg Superules along with Vic Metro have identified some simple and sensible precautions to take to aid the protection of yourself and others, and we have provided information in the attached documents.
As a club we also need to assist one another. If you are sick, be smart and stay home. These small selfless acts could be the difference between a great year and a disaster.
You can be assured that we are putting precautions in place here so that the normal course of season may continue as usual and we are implementing systems for our team so that we can adjust as more developments present themselves.
It’s our commitment at Coburg Superules to continue to support you and we will alert you to any updates on the virus as information becomes available. We will always put our players, supporters & members first and we will continue to do so by being on the front foot. So don’t panic as your safety is our priority.
If anyone should need any assistance during this time please feel free to contact the committee.
We look forward to seeing everyone at training Wednesday night and our first practice matches on the 22nd and 28th of March.
Regards,
Tony Lombardi
President
Well it’s official, the world is changing and it’s not a secret that there is a virus outbreak.
The World Health Authorities believe it to be a pandemic, however approximately 130 cases in a population of 25 Million people equates to 0.0000052%, not exactly a pandemic in our country and it surely doesn’t justify the behaviour and actions of some members of our community.
In football terms we need to just slow down, take a deep breath and keep calm.
We believe that it is vital that we all stay informed and make decisions based on information from reliable sources, such as the Department of Health (Commonwealth) and your State Government Health website.
To assist you, Coburg Superules along with Vic Metro have identified some simple and sensible precautions to take to aid the protection of yourself and others, and we have provided information in the attached documents.
As a club we also need to assist one another. If you are sick, be smart and stay home. These small selfless acts could be the difference between a great year and a disaster.
You can be assured that we are putting precautions in place here so that the normal course of season may continue as usual and we are implementing systems for our team so that we can adjust as more developments present themselves.
It’s our commitment at Coburg Superules to continue to support you and we will alert you to any updates on the virus as information becomes available. We will always put our players, supporters & members first and we will continue to do so by being on the front foot. So don’t panic as your safety is our priority.
If anyone should need any assistance during this time please feel free to contact the committee.
We look forward to seeing everyone at training Wednesday night and our first practice matches on the 22nd and 28th of March.
Regards,
Tony Lombardi
President
Statement From The AFL Regarding COVID-19
Friday, 13 March 2020
AFL COMMUNITY AND NAB AFL AUSKICK GUIDELINES ON COVID-19
PUBLISHED 13 MARCH, 2020, 7.30PM AEDT
AFL Community Club and NAB AFL Auskick guidelines for weekend for community matches and current operating Auskick centres
Background
The health and safety of our football community – our participants, umpires, volunteers and fans is paramount.
We are closely monitoring the situation with respect to COVID-19 and it is important that any information you receive with respect to Covid-19 or any other infectious illness comes from a reputable source. We are regularly consulting with the Australian Government, the World Health Organisation and the AFL’s Chief Medical Officers on the best advice for our football community.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have now declared Coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The advice and updates are changing quickly, so please find below some links to key advice:
World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Australian government: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
COVID-19
The current understanding is that COVID‐19 is spread from person‐to‐person when people are in close contact or when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing the virus into the air as droplets. These droplets can then enter another person’s mouth or nose or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Infection may also be spread by touching a surface contaminated with COVID‐19 then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
Symptoms of COVID‐19 infection typically begin 2‐14 days after exposure and include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and cough. More severe symptoms include diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia. Older people and those with chronic illness are at increased risk. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID‐19 infection.
If you have not been in an area where COVID‐19 is spreading or been in close contact with someone who has and is now infected, your chances of getting COVID‐19 are currently low. However, it’s understandable that people may feel anxious about the situation.
Given COVID-19 remains a situation with the potential to change rapidly, the AFL makes the following recommendations to our State/Territory bodies, Community Leagues, Auskick Centres and Clubs to mitigate the consequences that may arise.
For weekend 14th and 15th March 2020
Club Note: still relevant as at 16/3/2020
Community matches
General hygiene
Meetings between the AFL and health authorities are taking place regularly to monitor any changes in the situation and to consider implementing any further measures. We are also monitoring the situation as it relates to School closures and the impact of any closures may have on our Community Leagues, Clubs and Auskick centres.
As such, the AFL is currently working with our State/Territory bodies and Affiliates to develop recommended guidelines around a range of scenarios, in the event matches need to be delayed or cancelled. Further detail around these guidelines will be provided in the coming days.
We will continue to take the advice of the Government and the World Health Organisation and will make preparations based on that advice. And we will continue to review our position, and will update the football community accordingly.
Our game is strong and resilient and we will work through whatever challenge is ahead of our football community.
Should you require any further information it can be sourced here: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
PUBLISHED 13 MARCH, 2020, 7.30PM AEDT
AFL Community Club and NAB AFL Auskick guidelines for weekend for community matches and current operating Auskick centres
Background
The health and safety of our football community – our participants, umpires, volunteers and fans is paramount.
We are closely monitoring the situation with respect to COVID-19 and it is important that any information you receive with respect to Covid-19 or any other infectious illness comes from a reputable source. We are regularly consulting with the Australian Government, the World Health Organisation and the AFL’s Chief Medical Officers on the best advice for our football community.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have now declared Coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The advice and updates are changing quickly, so please find below some links to key advice:
World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Australian government: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
COVID-19
The current understanding is that COVID‐19 is spread from person‐to‐person when people are in close contact or when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing the virus into the air as droplets. These droplets can then enter another person’s mouth or nose or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Infection may also be spread by touching a surface contaminated with COVID‐19 then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
Symptoms of COVID‐19 infection typically begin 2‐14 days after exposure and include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and cough. More severe symptoms include diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia. Older people and those with chronic illness are at increased risk. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID‐19 infection.
If you have not been in an area where COVID‐19 is spreading or been in close contact with someone who has and is now infected, your chances of getting COVID‐19 are currently low. However, it’s understandable that people may feel anxious about the situation.
Given COVID-19 remains a situation with the potential to change rapidly, the AFL makes the following recommendations to our State/Territory bodies, Community Leagues, Auskick Centres and Clubs to mitigate the consequences that may arise.
For weekend 14th and 15th March 2020
Club Note: still relevant as at 16/3/2020
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
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
- 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
Meetings between the AFL and health authorities are taking place regularly to monitor any changes in the situation and to consider implementing any further measures. We are also monitoring the situation as it relates to School closures and the impact of any closures may have on our Community Leagues, Clubs and Auskick centres.
As such, the AFL is currently working with our State/Territory bodies and Affiliates to develop recommended guidelines around a range of scenarios, in the event matches need to be delayed or cancelled. Further detail around these guidelines will be provided in the coming days.
We will continue to take the advice of the Government and the World Health Organisation and will make preparations based on that advice. And we will continue to review our position, and will update the football community accordingly.
Our game is strong and resilient and we will work through whatever challenge is ahead of our football community.
Should you require any further information it can be sourced here: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov