Dear Rovers Families
It wasn’t the news that we wanted to hear, but it’s the news that we all know that we need to accept. COVID-19 restrictions have been extended for metropolitan Melbourne for a further seven days (until at least 11:59pm Thursday 10 June), with a few minor changes.
A quick reminder, there are five reasons to leave your home:
- Shop for food and supplies (however now up to 10km from home)
- Provide care and caregiving
- Exercise (for two hours per day with one other person and now up to 10km from home)
- Authorised work or study
- To receive a vaccination.
We all need to continue to wear fitted face masks both inside and outdoors.
What the restrictions mean for our footy
In compliance with the Victorian Government’s directions and AFL Victoria advice, the SMJFL have advised that the following rules remain in place:
- All training remains suspended until further notice.
- All footy matches and social gatherings remain suspended until further notice.
These restrictions also apply to any ‘unauthorised’ training. No Rovers balls or equipment are to be used in public spaces and there is to be absolutely no training at Castlefield or Boss James. Of course, you are encouraged to exercise, but again, this can only be with one other person (outside your household) for up to two hours a day.
Round 8 has now been declared a ‘bye’. I am meeting with the other SMJFL Presidents to determine what this means for our season and future games. I’ll keep you updated as decisions are made.
Looking ahead
While this all feels like a shocking case of déjà vu, I also am confident that we, as a club, will get through this again. Please look out for yourselves and each other. Head to the park with your kids and do one (or many) of the great training programs we have on our website.
We’d also love to see a wave of Rovers Passion across Hampton’s streets. When heading out for your exercise, ask your player to throw on their Rovers hoodie and wear it with pride. Take a photo and send it to photos@hamptonrovers.com.au, or tag us on your socials. We might be apart, but we are still very much together.
Giving for others
While we are doing everything we can to keep ourselves, our families and our community safe, please also continue to think of others. The Rovers is a huge supporter of the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal. It’s not too late to donate. Please do if you can – this lockdown will have a significant impact on many local families.
And we have the official ‘Kicking Goals for Brain Cancer’ round coming up on 25 July, in support of the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation. We’d love to see a sea of red socks for this game with all Hampton Rovers Junior players wearing special RCD socks ($15). Please order by Monday 7 June by visiting the RCD Foundation store.
Stay safe everyone. Stay home. Take care.
Rohan Bardwell
President
Hampton Rovers Juniors
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