VAFA Statement: COVID Update

Brett Connell – VAFA CEO

The VAFA Board met last night and discussed a number of matters in relation to the remainder of the 2021 home and away season and finals series. Please see the following updates:

• In light of the Victorian State Government announcement that Metropolitan Melbourne will extend the current lockdown until 11.59pm on Thursday 2 September, the home and away season for all VAFA competitions has concluded

• The VAFA Board will meet again on Monday 30 August to review its position on returning to play and remain totally committed to completing the 2021 VAFA finals series for all sections under the final four (4), three (3) week model (except for Under 19 Division 3 Men’s and Under 19 Division 4 Men’s where a final six (6) applies)

• The VAFA Board will consider scheduling finals from Friday 24 September to Sunday 26 September if required to complete the 2021 VAFA finals series

• Clubs competing in finals will receive a short survey this week regarding returning to play if Victorian State Government restrictions permit

• A decision on promotion and relegation will be postponed until the conclusion of the 2021 VAFA finals series. We understand this decision may provide uncertainty to clubs, however it will allow the VAFA Administration and Board time to consider the Women’s competition and Men’s Divisional competition structures for 2022 which both have significant influence on promotion and relegation.

Again, we reiterate that due to the evolving nature of COVID, we will continue to closely monitor the advice from the Victorian State Government and relevant authorities and changes may occur to ensure we complete the VAFA finals series for all sections. We kindly ask you all to be patient and to continue to follow the current list of restrictions in place across metropolitan Melbourne.