With the WA Government announcement this afternoon, outdoor community sport is permitted without spectators and club rooms limited to 20 patrons.

Due to the limitations of these restrictions, the Perth Football League has cancelled matches for this weekend – 3rd July 2021.

We appreciate that outdoor community sport is permitted and players want to play but the limitations are problematic for the League and club officials:

• Our matches are at public open space that will attract spectators. Policing this to ensure compliance with WA Government requirements will be difficult.

• With the 20 patron rule, there is no viability for clubs to open bars and canteens.

The WA Government restrictions are to avoid public gatherings over 20 people, which inevitably will happen with Perth Football League matches. As a League we need to respect our part in protecting the community we live in.

Matches fixtured for 3rd July 2021 will not be re-scheduled. This is primarily due to upholding our current fixture structure that players, officials and clubs have planned to. It also provides for further lockdowns.

The League understands this weekend corresponds with the abandoned 24th April 2021 round and some may feel the “integrity” of the competition compromised. With 143 matches fixtured each weekend, the complexities to address this creates additional issues for players, officials and clubs. Therefore, maintaining the current planned fixtures provides some certainty for the remainder of the season.

These are unprecedented times.

From Tuesday 6th July 2021:

1. Training can re-commence.

2. Matches will be played as fixtured with spectators permitted.

3. Masks will no longer be required outside, provided it is possible to physically distance from others. This situation may arise in the coach’s box, landings, patio area or outdoor licensed areas/marquees hosting an event. Where physical distancing cannot be achieved, patrons will be required to wear a mask whilst in this area.

4. Masks will be required indoors which includes changerooms and social rooms.