Cricket Victoria and AFL Victoria Renew Facility Agreement with Government

Cricket Victoria and AFL Victoria, in partnership with the Victorian Government, have reaffirmed their commitment to community sports by renewing the Division of Seasons agreement, which focuses on optimising the shared use of sporting facilities across the state.

Extending until March 31, 2028, this updated agreement aims to serve as a valuable resource for Local Government, Community Leagues, Associations, and Clubs, providing clarity on seasonal fixturing and facility usage at the grassroots level.

Commenting on the agreement renewal, CEO of Cricket Victoria, Nick Cummins, said: “The demand on grounds to be ready for play has never been greater,”

“This agreement solidifies the commitment from both cricket and football, and the Victorian Government, to ensure access aligns with seasonal requirements.

“Football can’t wait until May, and cricket can’t delay until November. While each ground has unique characteristics, it’s critical for each code to commence play punctually as the season changes,

“Our new triage process will provide detailed guidance on identifying and escalating issues as needed.

“Local communities are the experts on their facilities, and we aim to empower them in achieving successful outcomes,” Cummins noted.

Cummins concluded that many of Victoria’s remarkable shared sports facilities have been built on a longstanding history of cooperation between cricket and football, spanning nearly 150 years.

This renewed agreement promises to continue this legacy and promote fair access for both sports.

A noteworthy addition to this agreement is a newly established resolution process designed to address scheduling conflicts that may affect ground preparation for both cricket and football.

With a significant number of grounds utilised by community clubs shared between these two sports, there is a strong emphasis on ensuring smooth transitions between the respective six-month playing windows: April to September for AFL and October to March for cricket.

The core principle of this collaboration grants priority usage rights to cricket clubs during the cricket season and to community AFL clubs during the football season.

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