MEMO

AFL Barwon welcomes welcomes AFL Victoria’s March 16 announcement regarding changes to the Public Events Framework and ‘Tier 2’ events, which dictate crowd sizes at community sport.

In essence, the change means eligible Tier 2 events can take place without the Government approval process that was previously in place, if the newly introduced lower-risk threshold criteria under the Public Event Framework is met.

Per the changes:

Outdoor events and indoor (seated) events will be designated a lower risk Tier 2 Event if they meet the following two criteria:

• The event has fewer than 5,000 participants/spectators; and
• Attendance must not exceed 75 per cent capacity limit of the venue.

Indoor (unseated) events must meet the following additional criteria to be designated a lower risk Tier 2 Event:

• event does not feature behaviours that present a greater COVID risk (singing, dancing, chanting or consumption of alcohol and other drugs).

The new assessment process for Tier 2 public events will be effective immediately.

Acting AFL Barwon Region General Manager Georgia Hillman:

“We are delighted to see Victoria’s return to COVIDSafe settings has allowed the change to Tier 2 Public Events, we are all excited to see crowds back at the football and netball through the year.

“We continue to work alongside both AFL and Netball Victoria to ensure the safety of all members and participants remains the priority. We understand the challenges our clubs face in terms of providing COVID-safe settings during community sport, however these changes will ease a huge burden on all involved. AFL Barwon will continue to do all it can to ensure the safety of its members during return to play, and we cannot wait to say ‘Play On’ in season 2021.”

Head of AFL Victoria Brad Scott (full AFL Vic statement)

“With this latest development, community footy will be as close as possible to ‘back to normal’ when the season starts, which is really exciting.

“It will be great see big crowds at community football matches while kids will be high-fiving and can have parents, grandparents and family watching their junior footy games. These are all parts of community football that Victorians love, and it’s fantastic to have the season nearly here after the year we had.”

AFL Victoria are currently updated their protocols, and we will pass on any further updates when they come to hand.

To learn more about the Public Events Framework and to complete an online self-assessment to understand the likely status of your public event, please visit the Information for Event Organisers website.