"It is recommended that players avoid team huddles and group celebrations where possible. Teams are encouraged to consider more creative ways to celebrate.
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"All players, including goalkeepers, are to refrain from spitting and other unhygienic actions like clearing your nose at all times."
Welcome to football in the world of COVID-19.
Soccer players will return to the Hunter's playing fields this weekend under a set of Northern NSW Football guidelines designed to limit the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Balls should be washed before each game, dressing rooms wiped down and spectators instructed to stay 1.5 metres apart. No shaking hands. No wearing masks.
Cooks Hill United Football Club president Matt Helinski, who also coaches an under-14 girls team, said the club would do its best to impress on its young players the need to follow the guidelines.
"We can't control them at the best of times, so who knows what will happen," he said.
"Obviously we're conscious of passing that on to all the parents and all the coaches and managers and advise them that we want to see them celebrating goals, but if they can refrain on the hugging and celebrations together, then that would be great."
The first of about 20,000 Hunter soccer players, 9000 fewer than usual, returned on Friday night for men's, women's and over-35 inter-district competitions.
Other "community" football competitions will resume on Saturday and Sunday before elite competitions start on July 11.
Netball, rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules and hockey will roll back into action over the next three weeks.
Mr Helinski said the club's registrations had fallen less than 10 per cent, despite the long delay in starting training and competitions.
"We had a club survey six or eight weeks ago, because we really weren't sure where everyone was sitting in terms of interest in the season, and that came back with about 85 per cent of respondents saying they were keen to get into it.
"The club saw it as a daunting task to get everything up and running again, but given that response we had an obligation to the members to try to make it work as well as we could.
"We only lost 8 or 9 per cent. It wasn't many at all. We only dropped three or four teams out of 92."
He said it had been difficult for some players to stay motivated during lockdown.
"I'm having a bit of trouble getting my daughter interested again. She's always been pretty keen, but it's just been that kind of year; everyone's been pretty comfortable sitting on the couch.
"While no one's playing it's easier to say you don't want to play, but as soon as you see everyone out there playing you probably get a bit more keen."
Community football has retained its 14-round season, without finals. The elite National Premier Leagues competitions have been abbreviated but will still have a finals series stretching into November.
Rugby league, hockey and Australian rules will start on July 18 and netball and rugby union the weekend after.
NORTHERN NSW FOOTBALL COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES
Can we stay to watch other games other than ours?
Yes. However, once your match is concluded you are considered a spectator and should abide by all social distancing guidelines including standing or sitting 1.5m away from others.
Can we celebrate goals? Undertake team huddles?
Teams should try to maintain social distancing wherever possible. It is recommended that players avoid team huddles and group celebrations where possible.
Teams are encouraged to consider more creative ways to celebrate.
Will change rooms and wet rooms be open for training and match days?
Yes, however, they are limited to essential players and team staff only.
Players are encouraged to shower at home prior to and following training and matches wherever possible to minimise contact with others.
Maximum numbers of people allowed within an indoor space will be indicated on the entry to the room.
Can I wear a mask while playing?
Masks can be worn during training sessions, however not during competition matches. They are considered as extra equipment and have the potential to be unsafe to the individual or other players.
Can we still carpool with other players?
You may carpool with other players if you come from the same household, however, it is up to you as an individual to abide by NSW Government public health orders in terms of social distancing.
How often does equipment need to be cleaned?
Frequently touched equipment (particularly balls) should be wiped down prior to each match or training session.
What should I do when a player comes within 1.5m of me?
During play, this is unavoidable. Whenever possible when one-on-one conversation is required, match officials and players are encouraged to maintain the 1.5m distance between them.
What should I do if a player coughs or shows any other signs of symptoms of COVID-19?
Match officials are not required to determine who is well or unwell. Participants with any symptoms are discouraged to play or attend football matches or training. It is up to the individual to take responsibility to not spread the virus.
What should I do when a player deliberately coughs at another player or myself?
This should be dealt with by the referee and is considered unsporting behaviour. You should caution the player and follow through in accordance to the laws of the game.
May I bring my entire family to watch games or training?
Yes. However, some venues may have limited numbers allowed to enter at one time and you may be asked to wait until it is possible to enter.
Where can I sit?
In most cases you will be able to sit as per prior to the pandemic as long as per the Public Health Order spectators maintain 1.5m distance from those not from their household.
Spectators may be able to sit in grandstands or permanent seating, however, in accordance with local council orders, this will vary from venue to venue.
In some venues there may be markers identifying 1.5m. Please always adhere to venue signage and club official advice.
Can the club be held responsible for someone contracting COVID-19?
According to the advice we have received, as long as you and your club have undertaken and can demonstrate reasonable measures to uphold the public health orders and have encouraged social distancing and good hygiene you will be supported by all relevant insurance policies.
By agreeing to, implement and communicate your club's COVID-19 safety plan to volunteers and officials, you will enable everyone to have a greater understanding of what is required.
Can clubs operate a canteen?
Yes. As long as your landlord (council, school, etc.) permits you to do so.
We recommend considering pre-packaged foods, providing gloves to volunteers and try pricing in 'whole' amounts to minimise unnecessary cash handling.
To assist volunteers, ensure there is hand sanitiser and disposable gloves available for use. If there is a sink, ensure soap is available and hand-washing procedures are clearly visible.
Make sure you check the requirements of your hiring agreement and councils so that you are abiding by local requirements specific to your venue.