Cricket Albury-Wodonga is being peppered by a barrage of COVID-19 related bouncers to get its cross-border competitions underway next month.
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The biggest challenge was bowled up late last week when Cricket Victoria released its return to train and play rules for clubs in the state including the decision to ban spectators from attending senior matches, umpires being required to wear face masks during play, no sharing afternoon tea, outdoor training only in groups of 10 and some school ovals used for matches may be off-limits.
But across the border the same rules don't apply and question marks exist on who is responsible for enforcing the rules which could lead to $1652 fines being issued.
Regional Victoria's case numbers are continuing to decline with the 14-day average sitting at just 1.6 and a tighter "ring of steel" in place to prevent Melburnians leaving the city.
Wodonga Cricket Club supporter Bruce Calder queried the legality of preventing someone attending a match at a public venue.
"It is overkill without a doubt," he said.
"Who is going to have the unfortunate job of enforcing these rules and telling someone they can't be on public land?"
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But a spokesperson for Victorian Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said: "Commonsense should guide actions by individuals.
"Cricket matches are usually played on public ovals and gatherings of up to 10 people in public outdoor places are permitted."
"In the third step, clubs and leagues cannot make provisions for spectators, for example in the form of special seating.
"Victorians are urged to do the right thing and adhere to the directions of the Chief Health Officer.
"Individuals who breach directions can be fined $1,652 by Victoria Police."
Spectators are permitted at junior matches, but only players, coaches, umpires, scorers, a COVID officer and anyone operating the canteen can be at a Victorian senior fixture.
Murray Border Cricket Umpires Association president Neil Smith said he accepted the decision umpires needed to wear face masks at Victorian venues.
"If we are to play cricket we need to abide by what the government has set out," he said.
"It's like when a bloke gets given out LBW and he doesn't like it, he is still out.
"The most important thing about sport is that it continues."
Masks will also need to be worn by players and coaching watching their team bat.
Cricket Albury Wodonga chairman Michael Erdeljac said the competition was assessing the full impact of the return to train and play rules for Victorian clubs across four local government areas.
"We are working with Wodonga Council and the clubs to get through this process as we speak," he said.
"At the moment we are just happy to be playing cricket, but there is a lot to get our heads around.
"It is an extensive document and is going to take a bit of time to digest.
"We've got to talk with Towong, Indigo and Alpine shires to make sure we can start when we want to next month."
The return to train and play rules are based on step three of the government's road map to COVID normal, but moving to step four is contingent on there being no active cases across the entire state including Melbourne for 14 days.