David Braithwaite
MOST senior sport was sidelined for the second consecutive weekend.
Despite restrictions across regional Victoria easing on Friday, community sport was only permitted to resume for junior (18 years or younger) outdoor sport, with adults only able to train.
For outdoor physical recreation and sport, there is a patron cap of 50 people per venue, with group sizes capped at 10.
Spectators are only permitted to supervise children or dependents.
For matches and training, only the minimum required number of participants required to conduct the activity are permitted, with participants urged to arrive shortly before their activity and leave as soon as possible after it.
Club rooms, changerooms and indoor seating areas remain closed, but access to toilets is allowed.
Indoor physical recreation and sport still can’t resume.
The Gippsland League has abandoned its seventh and eighth rounds.
The league’s 10 clubs were asked whether they were prepared to play junior football and netball matches on Saturday, with only three in favour. There were concerns with the availability of volunteers and coaches for the league’s western and southern clubs, as people from metropolitan Melbourne aren’t allowed to travel into regional areas, and patron limits of 50 people per venue with five matches to be played at each venue.
No points or percentage were awarded for the two abandoned rounds.
The league will adjust the fixture to ensure clubs play each other once as early as possible. The finals series will be unchanged.
The East and North Gippsland football-netball leagues didn’t go ahead with their matches, with decisions on whether to reschedule or cancel them to be made in consultation with clubs.
Junior sport went ahead, including in the Sale and District Junior Football Association, East Gippsland Hockey Association, Latrobe Valley Soccer League and Latrobe Valley Baseball Association.
Golf was played at the weekend, but not competitions. Social play could go ahead, with caps on attendance applying.
Handicapping of social scores is permitted.
Horse and greyhound racing can continue without spectators.
