The requirement of a negative coronavirus test has been put forward as a way to have spectators attend community sporting finals and spare leagues from almost certain massive losses staging them.
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A no test, no entry rule for the ski fields was ticked off by Victorian health officials and could be the extra layer of protection to allow fans to attend finals in already COVID-free areas.
Cross-border football-netball leagues including the Ovens and Murray, Tallangatta, Murray and Picola are grappling with different crowd rules in Victoria and NSW.
O and M general manager Craig Millar was open to exploring the need to have a negative COVID-19 test to attend finals provided it wasn't a burden on volunteers.
"Most people would consider anything at the moment," he said.
"We would like to think we will have some crowds, but we're forecasting they won't be at a significant enough level to generate revenue to offset expenditure to put a finals series on."
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Murray league general manager Dale Norman was also prepared to consider the need for a negative test to attend a finals match.
"It's an interesting proposal and certainly worth considering, but would we have the resources to make sure everyone complies is my immediate thought," he said.
Labor MP Jaclyn Symes said the COVID situation in NSW was a major factor in crowds being allowed back at community sport.
"Whether that changes in the future will depend on the threat, case numbers and settings in NSW," she said.
But Benambra MP Bill Tilley said all stops must be pulled out to have people safely attending grassroots sporting finals.
"We know clubs and leagues are struggling as is the entire community," he said.
"We're isolated enough and social interaction and a vaccination is what we desperately need right now.
"It should also be remembered leagues and clubs were operating in a COVID-safe manner before the two lockdowns."
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