WAFC Statement: Coronavirus information update 13.3.20

The West Australian Football Commission’s number one priority is the health and safety of all West Australian football participants, players, umpires, officials and volunteers who underpin our great game.
 
The WAFC, as part of a national working group including the AFL and other State football bodies, is closely monitoring the situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and taking advice from the Australian Government, World Health Organisation and AFL’s Chief Medical Officers regarding best practice.
 
It is crucial that all practical measures are taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate any potential impact on State League and community football competitions. This includes ensuring that the number of people at venues does not exceed 500 to help prevent the spread of the virus.
 
Based on this advice received by the national working group today, WAFL Futures fixtures and Colts and League practice matches will be postponed tomorrow Saturday, March 14^th at New Choice Homes Park (East Fremantle), Steel Blue Oval (Bassendean) and Fremantle Community Bank Oval (South Fremantle).
 
Based on the current advice from the Government in relation to group gatherings, community football matches with limited crowds (500 or less) can proceed until further notice. It is recommended that match attendance is limited to players, families, and key match officials.
 
The WAFC has set up a risk management working group that will continue to monitor the situation and take a proactive approach. The welfare of staff, volunteers, players, coaches, umpires, and spectators remains at the forefront of all decisions.  
 
The following precautions are recommended to limit exposure to COVID-19 and prevent the spread of germs:
 
Personal 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

• 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
• 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 WAFC and the national AFL working group will continue discussions over the course of the weekend to develop recommended guidelines around a range of scenarios relating to State League, community competitions, Auskick and school programs. Further detail around these guidelines will be provided as soon as possible.
 
Whilst the WAFC will continue to provide updates at www.wafootball.com.au/covid19 the football community is also urged to remain informed via the following key sources of information:
 
Australian Government Department of Health

 WA Government Department of Health
 
Smartraveller