Hampden league round nine matches to be played without spectators

Ambiguity surrounding coronavirus restrictions has caused headaches for officials in the lead up.

Under the protocols people at outdoor sporting events is capped at 150.

Leagues and clubs were unsure if players and officials were exempt from that figure and asked for clarity.

Hampden league officials put a deadline of 12pm Friday before deciding to play the round nine football and netball fixtures without spectators.

The state government responded at 2.30pm confirming players and officials were in fact included in the cap, leaving little wriggle room for fans regardless.

Perrett, who is calling for "common sense" from the state government in time for next week's matches, said it was incumbent on everyone to play their part to ensure senior football and netball resumed after a forced two-week break.

"We have to try and get as many games into the season as we can," he told The Standard.

"I know it's going to upset a lot of local supporters but they have to be a bit forgiving as well and realise what we're up against and what the clubs are up against.

"All the volunteers and presidents and committees, they are under pressure as well.

"It's just a hard gig at the moment. The players themselves have to give a bit as well.

"They should be playing for nothing as far as I am concerned.

"If there's no crowds, there's no money."

Perrett said it was a baffling situation and questioned why football and netball caps were so tight, particularly given the sports are played outdoors.

"There is going to be 700 people in Bunnings tomorrow," he said.

Perrett said a lack of communication from the state government had exacerbated frustrations.

He spoke to The Standard shortly before clarification was relayed.

"There's no information, it's terrible," he said.

"They said we can go and play but we don't know the rules, what are the protocols?

"We don't know about crowds. They need to give us all the finer details.

"At the moment it's an absolute disgrace. We have had that many phone calls from presidents and I am saying to them 'you know as much as I do'."

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