The pandemic has hit people, communities and businesses of South Gippsland hard; but it has been a sledgehammer for community sports. There is no social distancing in most team sports. Clubs competitions ceased overnight. Revenues dried up. The games and their supporters are lost potentially for the season.
Community Sports Left to Their Own Devices!
The pandemic has hit people, communities and businesses of South Gippsland hard; but it has been a sledgehammer for community sports. There is no social distancing in most team sports. Clubs competitions ceased overnight. Revenues dried up. The games and their supporters are lost potentially for the season.
All clubs’ presidents and secretaries spoken to complained about the uncertainties and indeed, at this time, the unknowables. Footy clubs were waiting on AFL Gippsland to decide if there is a season and what will be required. Notwithstanding this, no one was throwing the towel in. All were strong and resilient and saw a way forward, albeit with the inevitable difficulties.
Sports clubs are part of the very fabric of our community life. 30% of people are actively engaged in sport. There are 9 footy and 3 soccer clubs and some 19 reserves. Typically, with 200 plus members, we have over 3000 people directly affected and many more supporters. Clubs provide healthy exercise for participants; sport is a proven antidote to depression and is central to our community life.
Sport is central to the culture and vitality of our small town. The rivalry and competition between towns is both a source of pride and a social connection and builder of communities. Our network of 27 small towns reflects the legacy of a day’s bullock wagon trip between small farming towns. We have over 2300 people employed on farms and for many going to town were and remain today a major source of social connection. Some of the reserves like Meeniyan over a year are estimated by Fay Sinclair the Secretary of the Rec Reserve committee to involve 40-50% of the community. Graham Winkler, the secretary of the Leongatha Recreation Reserve said that “700 people daily and 1000 people on weekend can use the reserve complex.”
Some clubs are ok, some are in dire need. Some clubs had made commitments for major infrastructure (i.e. Lights in Nyora). Income collapsed overnight. While clubs have flexible costs that have dropped off, there are however fixed costs, in paying reserve fees, in many
cases insurance, medical supplies, at least part payment for coaches. It varies from club to club. Some are already in difficulties; many may be depending on whether the season restarts or what happens next year.
Restarting compounds problems, as clubs rely on having crowds with entry fees, canteen and alcohol takings. Number will be seriously limited both this year and next year. Clubs may lose membership and sponsorship fees given the economic impact on the shire.
Serious concerns have been raised by the Secretary of Foster Club, Marilyn Flett, about the additional stress on volunteers to police social distancing and being able to fulfill Covid-19 requirements. Marilyn was very concerned about meeting covid requirements, and already concerned about pressure on volunteers. She is worried about the additional stress and burden. They are looking to council to help.
Stress on young people, who have missed a season, and have to go up without the mentoring and another year’s experience was raised by Ray Stefan for Fish Creek and reiterated by Trent Crawford from Toora Club. Some clubs are suggesting that AFL Gippsland should temporarily increase age groups by a year to allow young players given time to adapt to open competition.
There is also concern about the potential loss of players and volunteers. Toora president Gavin Doig said “there is always some loss from season to season, but there is a fear that this will be different with the disruption”. There are some unavoidable costs. All clubs will face additional cost. Sanitizers, reduced crowds, reduced incomes are putting pressure on clubs’ finances and reserves.
Sporting clubs are at the heart of communities. There will be a new normal but there are still many uncertainties. When and if there will be a vaccine? If there is, how long it will be to prove produce and inoculate the planet? Will, there be a second and third wave of the
pandemic? Without a vaccine, how do our community sports live with the pandemic? Is the current model of financing amateur community sports feasible? What help if any will club and rec reserves need? Ted Attenborough from Poowong Club was concerned about restrictions on
crowds and training, which can restart but for limited numbers. There are some funds announced for sporting clubs in Victoria, but this amounts to $1,000 per local club. A drop in what could be a vast ocean. As Gavin Doig from Nyora said “We have not been able to have any income from the lock down, but our bills keep coming in. We have had no support from any government.”
Some Clubs will more than likely need some financial help. This would be compounded if the seasons restart. Without a vaccine, without crowds the model is fraught with difficulties. How does team sport live with the pandemic?
A number of clubs are looking for leadership and help from council. Council has the environmental health expertise and training capabilities that clubs need to access. Council has access to group purchasing for affordable sanitation products and cleaners. Council has the financial capacity to support clubs, where there is a real need. Council lauds its volunteers and its community and sporting clubs. It’s time that they call a Summit and develop a plan and support program to help community sports that play such a crucial role in personal health, mental health and social well-being of our communities.
Andrew McEwen
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