Safety is Essential for Return of Sport

Local sporting clubs throughout regional Victoria want sport to return only when health experts have deemed it is safe to do so, according to Regional Sport Victoria, the state peak body representing a network of 6,500 rural and remote sporting clubs across Victoria.

“Local sporting clubs are the backbone of regional communities. While we are all missing our sport, we’re hearing from clubs in our network that they only want sport to return when health experts deem it is safe to do so,” said chairperson of Regional Sport Victoria Felicity Williams.

“These clubs depend on the hard work of dedicated volunteers. They do what they do not for money, but because they love their sport and their communities.  

“Our early conversations with these leaders have highlighted that they do not want to put the health of their teams and communities at risk by returning to the courts, ovals, pools and fields prematurely.

“Some professional codes will be returning in a matter of weeks, which is concerning for the example it could set. It shouldn’t be one rule for them and another for the rest.

“We’ve been calling clubs throughout our network to hear how they’re coping and what support they need during this difficult time.  

“Many clubs are using this time to reflect on how they can do sport differently. Some are busy with strategic planning, while others are upskilling their volunteers. And we will continue to make contact with our clubs, so that we can truly represent the needs of regional Victorians.

“2020 has been particularly tough for certain regional communities. They’ve found themselves being hit twice: first by the devastating bushfires, and now with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Community sport is going to play a crucial role in supporting communities to emerge from this pandemic, to re-engage their social networks and prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing.

“Our network of 9 Regional Sports Assemblies will continue advocating to Government the specific needs of our regional sporting communities so that the return to sport is safe for everyone.”