The NSWRL is calling on the cooperation of all Rugby League supporters to minimise the number of spectators at community football matches across the state this weekend following a request from the NSW Ministry of Health.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said all community sporting organisations have been asked to help decrease the number of people gathering at sporting events in response to rising case numbers in NSW and the ongoing risk of COVID-19 transmission in the community.
The NSW Ministry of Health has updated the guidelines with entry to indoor facilities and fenced venues limited to one person per participant (one parent or caregiver) at junior sport where practical and restricting spectator entry at adult community sport.
More than 80,000 participants across the state are set to return to community football competitions for the re-start of Rugby League on Saturday 18 July, with the exception of competitions in south-western Sydney. The re-start of these competitions has been delayed for two weeks until 1 August because of the current outbreak in this area.
“It is really important that everyone in the Rugby League family takes the advice of NSW Health on board and works with us to minimise the number of spectators at games and training,” Trodden said.
“We are all very excited about the opportunity to returning to play this weekend but if we don’t follow the advice of government and health officials we are putting the entire community at risk.
“I urge everyone to be patient and only attend if you have to.”
Apart from the usual COVID-19 requirements for participants, officials and spectators to stay away from Rugby League training sessions and competitions, if they are unwell or experiencing flu-like symptoms, the NSW Ministry of Health has also requested the following to be excluded:
· Participants (including spectators and officials) if they have visited Victoria in the 14 days prior
· Participants (including spectators and officials) if they have attended any of the reported case locations listed on the NSW Health website
