QRL coronavirus updates: Community sport ban lifted
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Queensland Rugby League will provide ongoing updates below regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community sport to resume in South East Queensland, Cairns
Wednesday, August 18 at 2.30pm
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced today the community sport ban for the 11 South East Queensland and Cairns and Yarrabah local government areas (LGAs) will be lifted on Friday, August 20, at 4pm.
This means community rugby league training can resume in the Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, Cairns and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire LGAs after this time. The resumption of fixtures will be at the discretion of the relevant local leagues.
Face mask and density restrictions (one person per two square metres) will apply as outlined here for those in the 11 South East Queensland LGAs until Friday, August 27, at 4pm.
Clubs should ensure current protocols are being adhered to, including physical distancing and hygiene practices, or are at risk of being fined should these protocols be breached.
Ban on community sport extends to Cairns
Wednesday, August 11 at 6pm
The conclusion of the Far North Queensland lockdown has also resulted in a ban on community sport for the Cairns and Yarrabah local government areas (LGAs) until Sunday, August 22, at 4pm.
During this time, all training and games are prohibited for clubs in these areas, as well as those in the 11 South East Queensland LGAs identified earlier this week.
Clarification around permitted group training in these LGAs was provided yesterday and can be read below.
Clarity around group training
Tuesday, August 10 at 11am
The easing of the South East Queensland lockdown has resulted in a ban on community sport for 11 local government areas until Sunday, August 22, at 4pm.
During this time, all training and games are prohibited for clubs in the Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset and Scenic Rim local government areas (LGAs).
With the intent of the restrictions to limit the number of people coming together, particularly those that would not usually do so, club training is not permitted; however, Sport and Recreation Queensland has further clarified guidelines around group activity.
Activity is unable to occur unless all of the following conditions can be met:
- Maximum of 10 people with no physical contact between participants
- Participants can physically distance
- Venue density requirements are followed
- Participants must wear masks unless they have a valid reason not to do so
- Sharing of equipment is to be limited wherever possible and appropriate cleaning protocols are to be implemented
- Organisations are reminded to ensure they are using the contact tracing app
- No structured competitions are to occur
If your organisation is unsure that the above conditions can be met, please do not undertake any activity during this two-week period.
Further to the above conditions, individuals wishing to utilise a facility must seek landowners’ permission prior to conducting any group activity.
Whilst these restrictions read similar to the conditions imposed when returning to play from the COVID-19 lockdown last year, please understand Queensland is currently dealing with the Delta variant of COVID-19 and as such, all training and games are prohibited.
In relation to the current restrictions for the 11 South East Queensland LGAs, the Queensland Government road map advises all Queenslanders are to reconsider unnecessary travel to unaffected areas.
After consultation with Sport and Recreation and on the strong preference of Queensland Health, Queensland Rugby League has determined that any participant currently residing in an LGA that is under current suspension of community sport is deemed ineligible to participate in competitions across LGAs where community sport is able to continue.
This restriction does not apply to residents of an unaffected LGA that have to travelled to any of the 11 South East Queensland LGAs and returned to their place of residence.
Clubs across Queensland should ensure current protocols are being adhered to, including physical distancing and hygiene practices, or are at risk of being fined should these protocols be breached.
For further information, please contact Sport and Recreation Queensland at SR.Covid19@dtis.qld.gov.au.
Ban on community sport in SEQ; suspension of QRL statewide competitions
Monday, August 9 at 11am
Following the easing of the South East Queensland lockdown, a range of temporary restrictions have been implemented until Sunday, August 22, at 4pm.
During this time, a ban on community sport has been put in place for the next two weeks, and as such, all training and games are prohibited for clubs in the Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset and Scenic Rim local government areas (LGAs).
As a result, QRL's statewide competitions including Intrust Super Cup and Hastings Deering Colts have been suspended during this period.
Mask wearing is required at all times in these LGAs (including workplaces where physical distancing is possible) is required, except when:
- You are alone or with members of your household
- You are eating or drinking
- Exercising with your household or one other person
- It is unsafe to do so
A three-day lockdown is currently in place for the Cairns and Yarrabah LGAs and this means community rugby league is suspended in these areas until restrictions are lifted by the Queensland Government.
Participants can refer to the updated roadmap, outlining the restrictions in place for Cairns, the 11 South East Queensland LGAs and the rest of Queensland.
As information is updated, all clubs and leagues should follow the QRL stop play plan to decide on whether training or games should continue.
Clubs not in the affected LGAs should ensure current protocols are being adhered to, including physical distancing and hygiene practices, or are at risk of being fined should these protocols be breached.
COVID-19 lockdown ends for South East Queensland, begins for Cairns and Yarrabah
Sunday, August 8 at 12pm
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced this morning lockdown in the the South East Queensland local government areas will be lifted Sunday, August 8, at 4pm.
However, a three-day lockdown will begin for the Cairns and Yarrabah local government areas and this means community rugby league is suspended in these areas until restrictions are lifted by the Queensland Government.
Clubs permitted to play should ensure current protocols are being adhered to, including physical distancing and hygiene practices, or are at risk of being fined should these protocols be breached.
With the easing of the South East Queensland restrictions, a ban on community sport has been put in place for the next two weeks and Queensland Rugby League is currently working with the Queensland Government to understand what this means for both community rugby league and statewide competitions including Intrust Super Cup and Hastings Deering Colts.
Further information will be released tomorrow.
COVID-19 lockdown for South East Queensland
Saturday, July 31 at 3.30pm
South East Queensland will enter a three-day lockdown from 4pm Saturday, July 31.
This will mean that community rugby league is suspended in these areas until restrictions are lifted by the Queensland Government, and as such all training and games are cancelled for clubs in the Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset and Scenic Rim local government areas.
These restrictions will apply to anyone that has visited these local government areas from 1am Saturday, July 31.
As such, these people should adhere to lockdown measures for this period and not attend any club venues.
The following local leagues have postponed their fixtures this weekend (July 31-August 1:
- Rugby League Brisbane
- Rugby League Gold Coast
- Rugby League Ipswich
- Sunshine Coast / Gympie Rugby League
- Sunshine Coast / Gympie Junior Rugby League
- Toowoomba Rugby League
- South Burnett Rugby League
Whilst not all fixtures in the above leagues are in the lockdown areas, players and officials from these areas participate in neighbouring competitions and therefore applying significant issues for these fixtures to continue.
Updates regarding if or when fixtures will be rescheduled will be communicated by the above local leagues at a later date.
At this stage, restrictions only apply to those who are in the listed areas and do not apply to participants who may have had contact with other participants who have been in the identified local government areas.
It is important participants monitor the Queensland Government contact tracing alerts and get tested and quarantine immediately for 14 days should one of those venues have been attended at a potential exposure time.
Under these conditions, it is possible for clubs located outside the aforementioned areas to continue training and / or playing; however, there may be volunteers that are required to isolate, which may reduce clubs’ capacity to conduct training and / or games.
Clubs and teams who are in the affected local government areas and are set to attend sanctioned QRL carnivals must adhere to the restrictions imposed by this recent announcement by the State Government. This will mean travel to attend rugby league training and / or matches is not permitted until the lockdown measures are lifted.
In the meantime, all clubs and leagues should follow the QRL stop play plan in order to make a determination on whether training or games should continue.
Clubs should also note they are to ensure current protocols are being adhered to; including physical distancing and hygiene practices and are at risk of being fined should these protocols be breached.
Mask mandate extended for South East Queensland
Thursday, July 15 at 1pm
In response to a number of locally acquired COVID-19 cases recorded in Queensland today, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced restrictions for South East Queensland will continue for a further seven days.
Face mask and gathering restrictions will apply as outlined below for those in the Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset local government areas.
Restrictions will ease for Townsville, Magnetic Island and Palm Island - restrictions will be the same as for the rest of Queensland.
COVID-19 venue conditions
Wednesday, July 7 at 4pm
The below information is provided to support host venues in ensuring they are compliant with current health directives issued by the Queensland Government.
The following conditions summarise the most relevant parts of recent directives affecting community activity:
- Visitors and participants attending rugby league facilities statewide may be required to check-in via the Check-in QLD app pending the requirement of the lease holder and / or land-owner
- Visitors and participants (aged 12+) attending venues in impacted areas (South East Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Townsville) or those that are from impacted areas are required to carry a face mask at all times.
- Indoor venues / clubhouses must comply with indoor occupant density restrictions and provide contact information via the Check-in QLD app.
- Visitors and participants in impacted areas must wear a mask when entering, exiting and moving around venues.
- Visitor and participants identified in impacted areas must wear masks in indoor spaces unless they are seated and are eating/drinking.
- Visitors and participants identified in impacted areas are not required to wear masks in outdoor spaces provided physical distancing (1.5 metres between people) is maintained.
- On field participants must make reasonable effort to maintain physical distancing on bench areas and dressing sheds. If this is not possible, masks should be worn.
As required, all host clubs should also check with the landowner to confirm any additional restrictions that may be imposed on venues.
COVID-19 lockdown lifted
Saturday, July 3 at 3pm
As per today’s announcement by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Brisbane City and Moreton Bay local government areas lockdown will be lifted at 6pm Saturday, July 3.
This will mean that community rugby league training and / or games can resume in these areas after this time. Please note as per advice yesterday, all junior and senior fixtures scheduled for this weekend (July 3-4) in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Sunshine Coast remain postponed.
It is imperative that participants in Brisbane City and Moreton Bay as well as those in the Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, Townsville City and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire local governments areas wear masks when not playing; in line with the recent Queensland Government mandate that applies until Friday, July 16. This includes coaching staff, on-field trainers, volunteers and spectators.
It is also important participants get tested and self-isolate if they feel sick. They should also monitor the Queensland Government contact tracing alerts and get tested should one of those venues have been attended at a potential exposure time.
Clubs should also note they are to ensure current protocols are being adhered to; including physical distancing and hygiene practices and are at risk of being fined should these protocols be breached.
COVID-19 lockdown ends for most parts of Queensland; extended for Brisbane, Moreton Bay forcing fixture changes
Friday, July 2 at 10.45am
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the three-day lockdown will be lifted at 6pm Friday, July 2 for all parts of Queensland excluding Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
This will mean that community rugby league is still suspended in these areas until restrictions are lifted by the Queensland Government, and as such all training and games are postponed for clubs in these two local government areas until such time.
The following local leagues have postponed their fixtures this weekend (July 3-4):
- Rugby League Brisbane
- Rugby League Gold Coast
- Rugby League Ipswich
- Sunshine Coast / Gympie Rugby League
- Sunshine Coast / Gympie Junior Rugby League
Whilst not all fixtures in the above leagues are in Brisbane and Moreton Bay local government areas, players and officials from these areas participate in neighbouring competitions and therefore applying significant issues for these fixtures to continue.
Updates regarding if or when fixtures will be rescheduled will be communicated by the above local leagues at a later date.
Participants, clubs and teams who are in the affected local government areas and are set to attend sanctioned QRL matches and carnivals must adhere to the restrictions imposed by this announcement by the State Government. This will mean travel to attend rugby league training and / or matches is not permitted until the lockdown measures are lifted.
It is important participants monitor the Queensland Government contact tracing alerts and get tested and quarantine immediately for 14 days should one of those venues have been attended at a potential exposure time.
Clubs should also note they are to ensure current protocols are being adhered to; including wearing masks when not participating if in the Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, Townsville City and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire local government areas.
This extended lockdown measure is set to be reviewed on Saturday, July 3.
COVID-19 lockdown for South East Queensland, Townsville, Palm Island and Magnetic Island
Tuesday, June 29 at 3pm
South East Queensland, Townsville, Palm Island and Magnetic Island will enter a three-day lockdown from 6pm Tuesday, June 29.
This will mean that community rugby league is suspended in these areas until restrictions are lifted by the Queensland Government, and as such all training and games are cancelled for clubs in the Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, Townsville City and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire local government areas.
These restrictions will apply to anyone that has visited these local government areas from 6pm Tuesday, June 29.
As such, these people should isolate in their homes under these conditions for this period and not attend any club venues.
At this stage, restrictions only apply to those who are in the listed areas and do not apply to participants who may have had contact with other participants who have been in the identified local government areas.
It is also important participants monitor the Queensland Government contact tracing alerts and get tested and quarantine immediately for 14 days should one of those venues have been attended at a potential exposure time.
Under these conditions, it is possible for clubs located outside the aforementioned areas to continue training and / or playing; however, there may be volunteers that are required to isolate, which may reduce clubs’ capacity to conduct training and / or games.
Clubs and teams who are in the affected local government areas and are set to attend sanctioned QRL carnivals must adhere to the restrictions imposed by this recent announcement by the State Government. This will mean travel to attend rugby league training and / or matches is not permitted until the lockdown measures are lifted.
Given Townsville City is one of the local government areas affected, the Townsville and District Junior Rugby League have made the devastating decision to cancel the Gorden Tallis Cup which was scheduled to be played this coming weekend.
In the meantime, all clubs and leagues should follow the QRL stop play plan which is available here in order to make a determination on whether training or games should continue.
Clubs should also note they are to ensure current protocols are being adhered to; including registering attendance, physical distancing and hygiene practices and are at risk of being fined should these protocols be breached.
QRL's statewide competitions including Intrust Super Cup and Hastings Deering Colts fixtures are still expected to proceed as per scheduled; providing the lockdown is lifted on Friday, July 2 as anticipated.
Changes to contact tracing information requirements
Tuesday, May 4 at 1pm
Queensland Rugby League has received further clarification from Queensland Health indicating outdoor-based organisations are no longer required to collect contact tracing information.
It was also advised that indoor occupant density requirements no longer apply to all change rooms, outdoor can bars and canteens, and that these facilities also do not require contact tracing information to be collected.
However, any indoor spaces used as part of delivering outdoor activities, such as clubhouses etc are still required to follow occupant density requirements (one person per two square metres) relevant to that space, as well as keeping contact information via the Queensland Government's Check In Qld app and adhering to the current public health controls.
This means the EVA Check-in process is no longer required and will cease through the QRL's existing contract with EVA.
However, if clubs still wish to collect this information to assist with game day operations, then contact with EVA will need to be made directly to create a separate arrangement.
It has also been confirmed that industry approved plans are no longer applicable; however, it is encouraged that clubs and venues continue to promote COVID Safe messaging with supporting resources available on the QRL's Clubhouse.
Updated Community Rugby League protocols
Tuesday, April 6 at 2pm
Following the conclusion of the recent Greater Brisbane area lockdown, the Queensland Government has confirmed some restrictions will remain imposed until 12pm on Thursday, April 15.
Click here to view the eased restrictions in Queensland.
This will mean there are small additional changes to the current COVID-19 protocols for all community rugby league clubs across the state during this period.
These include:
Face masks
You must carry a face mask with you at all times when away from home unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must wear a mask in indoor spaces such as:
- Indoor recreational facilities and gyms (including dressing sheds)
- Indoor workplaces (where it is safe to wear a mask and you can’t physically distance)
- Public transport, taxis and rideshare services, including queues for this transport
It is strongly recommended that you wear a mask when outdoors if you are unable to stay more than 1.5 metres from other people, such as the entry and exit points to club venues and other busy walkways.
Masks do not need to be worn in some circumstances; including children under 12 years, where people have certain medical conditions, and in workplaces where it is not safe to do so.
Please note, face masks are not required to be worn on the ‘field of play’ or outdoors where participants cannot physically distance. They may remove their mask if they are puffing or out of breath.
Canteens and bars
Inside clubhouses / bars, all patrons must be seated.
At outdoor bars / food stalls etc, patrons must maintain more than 1.5 metres distance from other people and where this is not possible, a mask is to be worn.
Attendance registering
Check-in processes remain the same with participants advised to download the EVA Check-in app prior to going to the venue to make the check-in process quicker and easier.
Hygiene practices
Hygiene practices shall still be maintained. Information relating to these protocols can be found on The Clubhouse.
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Clubs are reminded they must ensure the current protocols are being maintained and could be subjected to fines of up to $6670 if found non-compliant.
Greater Brisbane COVID-19 lockdown concludes
Thursday, April 1 at 3pm
The Queensland Government has announced the Greater Brisbane area lockdown has now concluded, however some restrictions will remain imposed across Queensland until 12pm Thursday, April 15.
Click here to view the eased restrictions in Queensland.
With no sanctioned matches occurring over the Easter long weekend, the QRL will provide an update on Tuesday, April 6 to outline the changes (if any) to the current COVID-19 protocols in place.
Participants are actively encouraged to monitor the Queensland Government contact tracing alerts and get tested should they have COVID-19 symptoms.
COVID-19 lockdown for Greater Brisbane
Tuesday, March 30 at 12.30pm
The Greater Brisbane area is now in lockdown until Thursday, April 1 at 5pm.
This also means that community rugby league is suspended in the Greater Brisbane area for this period, and as such all training and games are cancelled for clubs in the Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay and Redlands local government areas.
These restrictions also apply to anyone that has visited these local government areas between March 20 and 28, 2021 (excluding those that have only transited through Brisbane Airport).
As such, these people should isolate in their homes under these conditions for this period and not attend any club venues.
At this stage, restrictions only apply to those who visited the Greater Brisbane area during the above mentioned timeframes and do not apply to participants who may have had contact with other participants who have been in the five identified local government areas.
It is also important participants monitor the Queensland Government contact tracing alerts and get tested and quarantine immediately for 14 days should one of those venues have been attended at a potential exposure time.
Under these conditions, it is possible for clubs located outside the Greater Brisbane area to continue to training and / or playing; however, there may be volunteers that are required to isolate, which may reduce clubs’ capacity to conduct training and / or games.
In the meantime, all clubs and leagues should follow the QRL stop play plan which is available here in order to make a determination on whether training or games should continue.
Clubs should also note they are to ensure current protocols are being adhered to; including registering attendance, physical distancing and hygiene practices and are at risk of being fined should these protocols be breached.
