The AFL has communicated to AFLW clubs a revised set of protocols for all AFLW players and essential club staff ahead of the opening round of the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s season commencing tonight.

The revised protocols have put precautionary measures in place and are designed to minimise the risk across clubs, players, officials and the wider community as we all continue to navigate the Covid pandemic and the new omicron variant.

The protocols are supported by the AFLPA, have been implemented immediately and will be reviewed in a fortnight, ahead of Round Three.

In summary the revised protocols include:

  • Players and essential club staff expected to not attend indoor events with over 100 people
  • Attendance at weddings, funerals and/or cultural or religious ceremonies indoors with more than 100 people is permitted with club approval
  • Players and essential club staff expected to not attend outdoor events if social distancing cannot be maintained
  • Reminder that high density locations such as shopping centres present as high risk
  • Reminder that congregating in the home is the highest risk setting and to avoid socialising with other AFLW players and staff in this setting. 

AFL General Manager Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said:

“Our community is facing a challenging time in the life of this on-going covid pandemic. As we begin our season tonight the revised protocols have been introduced as a precautionary measure to safeguard our players, coaches, officials and the wider community.

“We cannot wait to get the season started and trust that everyone understands in order to continue to play, we all must be really vigilant to minimise the risks for players, their families and the broader community.’

“On behalf of the AFL I want to thank our players, officials and everyone involved in getting us to this point and our importantly our thanks and appreciation to all the health, essential and frontline workers who are working so hard and putting their own health at risk to keep community safe.

“The challenges in the community right now are well documented but that isn’t stopping our excitement and anticipation for tonight. Our preparation and planning has been thorough and we feel really confident we will deliver one of the best seasons of women’s footy of all time.”