This announcement specifically relates to games being played at NOLAN RESERVE in our Junior Summer Competition.
> For all games at Nolan Reserve, a total number of three (3) parents/guardians/spectators per team are allowed. This is in addition to one (1) coach or manager per team.
> For all games at Passmore Reserve, one (1) parent/guardian/spectator per player is still allowed. This is in addition to one (1) coach or manager per team.
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Manly Touch has been working with the NSW Department of Health to gain approval for our 2020 Junior Summer FRIDAY Competition to go ahead. Under the current NSW Government Public Health Orders, all community sports must limit public gatherings to a maximum of 500 persons at a venue at any one time.
Due to the nature of having multiple fields and large participation numbers on a Friday afternoon/evening we need to ensure that we do not breach these Public Health Orders.
Under our COVID-19 Safety Plan submitted to NSW Health for approval, we proposed the allowance of one parent or guardian per child playing. Unfortunately, as of 7PM this evening, we have not received the approval required to allow one parent or guardian per player, and as such we have had to make the decision of limiting the total number of parents or guardians per team to a total of three (3).
We appreciate the increased pressure that this rule change may cause but the alternative scenarios presented to Manly Touch were:
a) to cancel the Friday night competition completely; or
b) only play a limited number of games on a reduced number of fields
…both scenarios were deemed unacceptable by Manly Touch Executive and as such, the decision to limit spectator numbers was made.
The change to spectator numbers does NOT affect the games being played at Passmore Reserve as this is treated as a separate venue and has it’s own 500 person limit which will not be exceeded with one (1) spectator per player.
If there are any further updates from NSW Health we will advise via our website and social channels.
Manly Touch wishes all the teams in our Junior Summer Competition the best of luck for the season, and thank all our members for your patience and support.