The announcement means 4000 more fans, than was previously stated, will be able to watch their teams when the region's Victorian matches kick off in just more than two weeks’ time.
In February, Shepparton Football Netball Club asked the government for an exemption as it was expecting more than a 1000 fans to come through the gates for its season opener against Shepparton United.
Now clubs can breathe a bit easier as games that feature more than 5000 fans are the only ones needing approval from the Andrews Government.
“Football and netball clubs across Victoria can now plan for matches to be played with up to 5000 people in attendance, without seeking formal approval,” a Victorian Government spokesperson said.
“This change reflects the current public health conditions in Victoria and the assessment that football/netball match days are low-risk events.”
The government said if the football or netball event was held outdoors and organisers anticipate a crowd of between 1000 and 5000 and the anticipated crowd is no more than 75 per cent of the venue capacity, the event would be considered a low-risk tier two event.
Organisers of a low-risk tier two event must lodge a COVID-safe event plan with the Victorian Government's public events team and complete an attestation form confirming that necessary measures are in place to ensure the event is held in a COVID-safe manner.
If less than 1000 are expected, this event will be classified as tier three, meaning organisers only have to submit a COVID-safe event checklist.
While tier one events, of more than 5000 fans, will require an approved COVID-safe event plan to be completed, as well as a sign-off by the Victorian Chief Health Officer and the major events taskforce.
Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott said the news was a positive development for community football across the state, especially clubs and leagues expecting large crowd numbers.
“We are continuing to work closely with the Victorian Government on a daily basis and advocate for community football, and the situation has been evolving quickly since we were in a lockdown only a few weeks ago,” Scott said.
“We thank the state government for understanding AFL Victoria’s position on the challenges faced by community football clubs and volunteers, working with us and considering community football as guidelines evolve.
“With this latest development, community footy will be as close as possible to ‘back to normal’ when the season starts, which is really exciting.
“It will be great see big crowds at community football matches, while kids will be high-fiving and can have parents, grandparents and family watching their junior footy games.
“These are all parts of community football that Victorians love and it's fantastic to have the season nearly here after the year we had.”
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