AFL introduces no jab no play COVID-19 vaccination policy

AFL gamers and workers is not going to be permitted to participate within the 2022 season until they’re absolutely vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

Victorian-based gamers and workers might want to have had each vaccination doses by November 26, a date set for all authorised employees by the Victorian authorities.

The coverage protecting AFL and AFLW gamers and workers was launched by the AFL along with the AFL Gamers Affiliation (AFLPA).

“The coverage displays the AFL’s strongly held view that because the governing physique of the game, we share a accountability to handle the danger of publicity to COVID-19 of our gamers and soccer program workers, and in delivering upon this accountability, TGA-approved vaccines supply the absolute best safety in retaining our individuals protected, wholesome and collectively.

The assertion mentioned the vaccine coverage offered the sport with the chance to get well from the COVID-19 interruptions which have beset each the AFL and AFLW competitions in these previous two years.

“The coverage strongly encourages all individuals within the AFL trade to be vaccinated as quickly as they’re practicably capable of be. The AFL acknowledges and thanks the trade for the degrees of vaccination which have already been achieved.”

Gamers and workers in NSW will must be absolutely dosed by December 17 upfront of anticipated apply matches and the AFLW season’s begin in January 2022.

All remaining AFL gamers and workers in WA, SA and Queensland will must be absolutely immunised by February 18 earlier than possible scheduled apply matches in late February and the beginning of the season in March.

Gamers and workers who fail to adjust to the vaccination coverage will be unable to attend membership or AFL premises to coach or play.

Well being and security AFL’s ‘tenet’

“In brief, they will be unable to carry out their contracted providers for his or her golf equipment,” the AFL assertion mentioned.

Gamers who don’t adjust to the coverage and don’t have an permitted medical exemption face being transferred to the inactive participant checklist, face a wage lower or be terminated with the participant’s settlement.

AFL government normal supervisor soccer and normal counsel Andrew Dillon mentioned the well being and security of gamers, workers and the broader group was a tenet governing the AFL’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The uptake of AFL trade individuals being vaccinated has up to now been extraordinarily encouraging and we’re more than happy the overwhelming majority of our gamers, coaches, workers members throughout the AFL and the 18 golf equipment have on the very least acquired their first vaccination shot,” Mr Dillon mentioned.

AFLPA chief government Paul Marsh mentioned the organisation had made clear its perception within the significance of COVID-19 vaccinations.

“In saying this, our view is that vaccinations are a person determination … It has, nonetheless, grew to become obvious in current weeks that unvaccinated gamers will be unable to fulfil their contractual obligations resulting from numerous state border restrictions, and the brand new employee necessities in Victoria,” he mentioned.