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15th March 2020

JUNIOR UPDATE #1

The Beaumaris Football Club would like to issue the following statement regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the potential impact on the upcoming 2020 Season.
The Beaumaris Football Club is currently taking advice from the AFL, AFL Victoria, VAFA, SMJFL, Department of Health and Human Services and the Australian Department of Health and Victorian Department of Sport and Recreation.
There is significant concern in the community about the spread and potential spread of the virus and the implications this may hold. As has been widely reported, whilst every measure is currently being undertaken to contain the spread, the list of countries where COVID-19 has been reported continues to grow. The number of reported cases in Australia and Victoria remains relatively low at the moment, but does continue to change daily. We want to ensure we are doing everything possible to minimise the spread of the virus and act in the best interest of our members and community.

The Beaumaris Football Club takes the health, well-being and safety of its members and supporters very seriously
We ask that members of our community assist us to limit your exposure and prevent the spread of germs. The following measures are requested at a minimum.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitiser
• Cover your mouth to cough or sneeze using a flexed elbow or tissue
• Dispose of tissues in an enclosed bin.

We ask players and supporters that if they are feeling unwell, that they seek medical advice from a health care professional.
If you have travelled overseas or intend to travel please take into consideration the risk factors as well as any potential quarantine situations that may arise.

Based on best practice, and taking the health and well-being of our members into consideration we have decided to postpone the 2020 Season Launch held by the seniors on Tuesday 17th March 2020 :

Junior Training and Practice Matches.
Effective from today all junior club training and practice matches will be suspended.

This is based on a blanket suspension by the SMJFL, our governing body league wide released this morning.

It is still hopeful that the season will be able to make a start on the 19th April 2020. As the environment in terms of the virus is changing so rapidly, we will be guided by best practice, as to how the season will play out. It may well be a modified format, and it is something we will need to prepare for.

Please see extracts from the SMJFL communication below, which will be released via social media later today.

"The purpose of this memo is to provide an update regarding the 2020 SMJFL season and the Government’s Emergency Response Plan in relation to the ongoing situation with Novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Australian Government is currently in emergency talks today regarding the second stage of its Emergency Response Plan in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (COVID-19 Plan) and continues to monitor the situation.

The SMJFL is making the call now to suspend all training for clubs, umpires and all other league programs, including practice matches and social gathering events, to be effective immediately, until further notice.

The league’s main priority remains the health and wellbeing of all players, coaches, umpires and volunteers of the league. The league strongly believes that the suspension of these gatherings will minimise the risks posed to all within our league.

The league understands that this is a difficult time for all, but remain confident that we will
endure the current circumstances if the SMJFL sticks together as a community.

Round One of the SMJFL is presently scheduled for Sunday 19 April 2020 (in five weeks’ time). The league is hopeful that the season will be able to proceed as planned, but are preparing to take necessary precautions as we are advised by the Australian Government and the AFL.

These precautions may involve a delay to the beginning of the 2020 SMJFL season.

We appreciate the ongoing support of our community, as we work together in these extraordinary circumstances to accommodate the best needs of our club, its members and our community".

The Beaumaris Football Club will continue to provide updates, based on information provided to us, when they come to hand. Please continue to look at our social media pages, website and emails.

Thank you for your support.

Nicki Spencer (President – Juniors)

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