While lockdown has lifted as of today, community sport competitions are still on pause with only training and exercise currently permitted. 

The latest change in the state’s battle with COVID was announced on Wednesday afternoon with regional Victoria getting a ticket out of lockdown number seven as of 11.59 pm last night. 

Stay at home restrictions and the five reasons to leave home no longer apply in regional areas of the state, with the exception of Shepparton which is currently dealing with an outbreak.

While in the past this has meant sport can return, competitions have been met with a lift only on outdoor training with strict guidelines attached.

Permitted outdoor training for all sport can only be conducted with the minimum number of people required to train. 

Spectators are not permitted at training with the exception of one parent per child. 

Outdoor community recreation facilities such as croquet, tennis courts, golf courses, ovals and pitches are only open to 20 people per facility and outdoor pools are permitted to open with up to 50 people.

Travel to regional Victorian Alpine Resorts is permitted provided visitors have had a negative COVID test within the previous 72 hours.

Indoor facilities such as the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre and gyms are not yet permitted to open.

Outdoor gym equipment, skateparks, all playgrounds and outdoor personal training with a maximum of 10 people is allowed from today.

While there is no date set for competition sport to resume, these restrictions are in place until the end of the month. 

Unless a change is made between now and then, the finals series’ for male and female football, netball and soccer cannot commence until the first weekend in October after what will be a six-week break. 

This delay for winter sports may also may delay the start of the summer sporting calendar, namely, the cricket, tennis and bowls seasons.