Crowd support for football games

Josh Jenner Dsc 7473  TBW Newsgroup
SUPPORTERS ALLOWED: Crowds will be allowed to attend football games in the Limestone Coast as of July 3, albeit with social distancing in place, paving the way for a return to a shortened 2020 season. Picture: JAMES MURPHY

Josh Jenner Dsc 7473 TBW Newsgroup
SUPPORTERS ALLOWED: Crowds will be allowed to attend football games in the Limestone Coast as of July 3, albeit with social distancing in place, paving the way for a return to a shortened 2020 season. Picture: JAMES MURPHY

FOOTBALL in the Limestone Coast could go ahead with the announcement this week games can be played in front of crowds up to 500 people.

South Australian premier Steven Marshall announced the changes, which allow Stage 5 of the SANFL and country football return-to-play road map to be enacted from July 3.

The changes hinge on the assumption there will be no further significant outbreaks of COVID-19.

The 500 figure does not include players, coaching staff and other necessary members such as umpires or medical staff, allowing 500 supporters into grounds.

SANFL CEO Jake Parkinson said the 500 limit was subject to social distancing, with no more than one person per four square metres and a distance of 1.5 metres required between spectators.

“This is a great outcome for the SANFL Statewide Super League and grassroots football in South Australia and is a result of the hard work and dedication from our leagues and clubs in adhering to the return-to-training protocols over the past five weeks,” he said.

“SANFL will continue to be committed to ensuring leagues and clubs are prepared and educated to deliver COVID-safe environments and a return to competition with spectators in a safe and healthy manner.”

The decision has huge ramifications for the Western Border and Mid South East leagues, with crowds one of the sticking points to go ahead with the season.

Border restrictions will play a huge role as well, but at least there is now some light at the end of the tunnel.

Crowds up to 500 should allow leagues to look at a reduced season, with some money then flowing in to help survive through what has become a tough year.

However, until border restrictions are lifted the Western Border Football League is in limbo, with Casterton Sandford still out in the cold.

Rumours are those restrictions could be lifted soon, with the coronavirus finally under some sort of control in Victoria.

However, until the state government makes a decision it is simply a waiting game.

Western Border president Michael Summers said it was a step in the right direction, with crowds at games a real bonus for the sport in the region.

“It is one step closer,” he said.

“That is good for the clubs, the sort of figure they were hoping for.”

Summers said the league would need to manage the junior competitions on the Saturday mornings to allow more supporters into the grounds.

However, he said he was positive it could all be managed.

He said clubs could not hold after-game functions, with the current liquor licensing restrictions still in place, but he said without crowds the league would not have gone ahead.

Now the border restrictions is the final piece of the puzzle to ensure a 2020 WBFL season.

With August 1 set down as the latest start date for the league there is still time to work through the final sticking point.

“Casterton is all we need now,” Summers said.

“We are canvassing the police and the SA government to see if we can get that happening.

“Casterton players who play for Kalangadoo have permission to come over and play, including their coach.

“Their day-to-day routine is to come over to Kalangadoo, train, play on a Saturday and go back.

“That is what I am canvassing now to SANFL to see if we can get an exemption for Tom (Renzi) to go over to coach Casterton.

“Casterton can start training, but he has not gone over there to coach yet.”

Summers said a COVID clause should allow for that to happen.

A league meeting was set down for last night, but Monday night sees another meeting with club delegates which could decide the fate of the competition in 2020.

“It is all positive at the moment – I have not had any negative feedback,” Summers said.

“Hopefully the clubs hold off and do not vote to close it all on Monday night.”