AFL NSW-ACT releases return to training protocols for clubs north of Border

It comes almost a week after the NSW government allowed groups of up to 10 people to assemble outdoors for training under easing COVID-19 restrictions with three groups permitted on a ground at once.

This is in contrast to AFL Victoria's guidelines, which allows the ground to be divided in half for two groups only.

The differing guidelines will hand four Ovens and Murray clubs on the northern side of the border, Albury, North Albury, Lavington and Corowa-Rutherglan, an advantage over the six clubs based in Victoria, to begin preparing for a season start.

The same edge will be granted to Thurgoona as the only NSW-based club in the Tallangatta and District Football league.

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Under the guidelines, no movement between groups can occur, activities must be non-contact, equipment should be limited and if pair work is required, the same players should remain together for the session.

At this stage, the return to small group training in NSW does not include the likes of Auskick players and umpires.

AFL NSW-ACT has recommended clubs take a week minimum to prepare to meet all of the criteria, with clubs to nominate a COVID safety officer to complete the Australian government's online COVID-19 Infection Control Training.

Netball NSW has also detailed it's return to training protocols this week, while the Tallangatta and District Netball Association held a meeting on Thursday night to run clubs through Netball Victoria's criteria.

TDNA president Judy Loorham said it's now up to clubs as to when they return to training, with the guidelines already coming into effect on Thursday.

"It was really just about reiterating the guidelines from Netball Victoria and to stress to each club, as per Netball Victoria, that there is no pressure," Loorham said.

"The clubs themselves shouldn't feel pressured unless they're comfortable in complying with the guidelines."

Ovens and Murray and Tallangatta League football and netball seasons are still currently on hold until at least May 31.