The Club understands our members and fans have plenty of questions regarding COVID-19 and the impact it is having on our game. Our priority is the health and safety of our players, staff, Club members and supporters, and the broader community.
Whilst we may not have all the answers right now, our aim is to keep you informed and updated as best we can. As further information comes available we will update this page to provide you with the latest news and events.
Tiger Army, take care of yourselves and one another.
AFL season return to play
The AFL has announced that clubs will return to training on Monday, May 18 and the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership season will resume on Thursday, June 11. What are the Club’s thoughts on this?
While there will be no crowds, it will be fantastic to see the players back in action. The AFL will shortly provide us with confirmation of our first block of games which gives us some certainty in the short-term. The balance of the fixture will be released in due course, taking into account any government or health advice that may dictate timings and venues.
This has been an incredibly challenging period for the AFL. The very future of the competition and Clubs has been challenged but there has been a collective commitment to find a way through so we can get back to playing and watching the game we all love.
What measures is the Club taking at Swinburne Centre to keep the players safe?
The health of our players, staff and wider community is our utmost priority and we have taken significant steps to ensure we continue to protect one another as best we can.
There are clear protocols on how training is to be conducted, and the players and football staff will be subject to strict Coronavirus testing regimes. We are committed to adhering to all requirements to ensure football returns safely and for the long-term.
How can I help prevent any further impact or spread of COVID-19?
The Club asks all fans to heed the warnings of health officials. This issue requires a united effort across the country and we know all citizens of Tigerland will play their part.
We can all help to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect one another through the practise of good hygiene and continuing healthy lifestyle habits. We encourage everyone to stay up to date with the latest information published by the Australian Government Department of Health at www.health.gov.au.
I want to help the Club, what can I do?
The COVID-19 outbreak is an unprecedented time for all Australians and, as a Club and League, we are not immune.
We have received overwhelming support from Richmond members and fans and cannot thank you enough. Your continued support will help the Club in continuing to provide an elite environment for our players, coaches and staff.
There are various ways for you to support the Club, such as:
- Purchasing or continuing a 2020 Richmond Membership
- Joining our Fighting Tiger Fund: Scratch 2 Win program
- Shopping online at the Tigerland Superstore
Thank you for fighting with us. Together we will get through this.
Richmond Memberships
I was planning on collecting my member cap or scarf at Round 1, how can I get one now?
We love that our members want to wear their yellow and black with pride, especially this season!
Members can request that member choice items are posted to them at a charge of $10 per household. If this is of interest to you, please email membership@richmondfc.com.au with your preference (including details of any household members) and we can arrange payment via your nominated payment method on file. Please note, family members must reside at the same address and there is a maximum of 6 items per $10 charge.
If you are happy to wait until a later date, rest assured we are considering many other ways in which members will be able to receive their 2020 member item. We will communicate this via email once safe to do so and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Please note that in season 2020, any Gold, Platinum and Yellow & Black members are eligible for a Member Beanie as their choice of item!
I am a Richmond member with AFL game access, what will happen to my membership?
We understand there is now a material difference in the playing of the next phase of the season which impacts certain 2020 Richmond memberships and access to games. We have developed a suite of remedies that are available to members which include:
- A partial or full refund of their Club Membership payments and make a tax deductible donation to the Club via the Australian Sports Foundation
- A partial or full refund of their Club Membership payments in the form of a store credit which can be redeemed at the Tigerland Superstore
- A partial or full credit of their Club Membership payments which can be used towards their 2021 membership
- A partial of full refund of their Club Membership payments
Impacted members will be communicated to directly commencing Wednesday 27th May.
You can view the full list of remedies in the updated membership terms and conditions by clicking here. Our membership phone lines remain open and members are welcome to contact us any time on 1300 742 466.
Can I still retain my current membership even if I can’t attend games?
We have been overwhelmed by the number of members who have pledged their support to the Club by confirming they plan to pledge 100% of their membership fees to the Club.
Members who maintain their current membership will retain all of their benefits (e.g. reserved seats, grand final guarantee, etc.) and be able to renew the same package in 2021.
If there is an opportunity for members to attend games in 2020 the Club will communicate the process and any terms and conditions that may be imposed on game attendance (due to government, AFL and/or venue directives on venue and game operations).
Can I convert my membership to a tax-deductible donation via the Australian Sports Foundation?
Yes, this can be done and if you choose this option, your membership payments (less $65) will be provided to the Australian Sports Foundation as a tax-deductible donation with a nomination to support the Club as a beneficiary. You will receive a receipt from the Australian Sports Foundation for your donation.
If you choose this option, you will not be entitled to match access for 2020 and your donation cannot be reversed.
$65 from your membership amount will be retained by the club to reflect the value of benefits already provided and this component of the membership amount is not tax deductible.
Can I convert my membership payment to a store credit which can be redeemed at the Tigerland Superstore?
As there has been a material difference in the playing of the next phase of the season which impacts memberships that have access to games, members are entitled to request a refund.
Yes, you can choose to convert your membership payments to Tigerland Superstore credits.
If you request a full Tigerland Superstore credit, all benefits associated with that membership will be cancelled including consecutive years of membership, access to home & away games and access to finals games etc.
If you request a partial Tigerland Superstore credit, members must retain at least 50% of their membership fees to retain their current membership benefits including access to games in 2020. If there is an opportunity for members to attend games in 2020 the Club will communicate the process and any terms and conditions that may be imposed on game attendance (due to government, AFL and/or venue directives on venue and game operations).
Can I request a partial refund of my 2020 membership?
As there has been a material difference in the playing of the next phase of the season which impacts memberships that have access to games, members are entitled to request a refund. A partial refund can be in the form of a credit card refund/bank transfer or a credit towards your 2021 membership.
If you request a partial refund, members must retain at least 50% of their membership fees to retain their current membership benefits including access to games in 2020.
If there is an opportunity for members to attend games in 2020 the Club will communicate the process and any terms and conditions that may be imposed on game attendance (due to government, AFL and/or venue directives on venue and game operations).
Can I request a full refund of my 2020 membership?
As there has been a material difference in the playing of the next phase of the season which impacts memberships that have access to games, members are entitled to a full refund.
A full refund can be in the form of a credit card refund/bank transfer or a credit towards your 2021 membership.
An administration fee of $35 will be deducted to cover the cost of Club membership merchandise, card printing and fulfilment, postage, barcodes, and communication costs.
Once the full refund has been processed all benefits associated with that membership will be cancelled including consecutive years of membership, access to home & away games and access to finals games etc.
Are there any other substitute benefits available to me to make up for the games I can’t attend instead of requesting a refund?
We are encouraging all members to call the Club and discuss their own personal circumstances so we can tailor a membership remedy that works best for their situation. The Club is happy to consider free membership upgrades, guest passes and free memberships for family members as alternatives to a refund or membership credit in 2021.
Is it possible to make an additional donation to the Club via the Australian Sports Foundation?
Members have been making tax deductible donations to the Club for several years via the Australian Sports Foundation. This initiative was initially setup when the Club launched the Fighting Tiger Fund to reduce debt and deliver sustained on-field success. The focus has now shifted to the redevelopment of Punt Road Oval and the Club welcomes donations via the following dedicated page: https://asf.org.au/donate/fighting-tiger-fund
Tigerland Superstore
Is the Tigerland Superstore still open at Punt Road?
In line with the current Victorian Government restrictions, the Tigerland Superstore at the Swinburne Centre, Punt Road Oval, is now temporarily closed. We will re-open when it’s deemed safe to do so.
In the meantime you can shop with us online, through the Tigerland Superstore, with FREE SHIPPING on all orders within Australia.
The Tigerland Superstore can be contacted via email (tigerland@richmondfc.com.au), online chat and phone (03 9426 4419), and are happy to assist with any questions you may have about your order.
How can I speak with someone from the Tigerland Superstore?
Our Tigerland Superstore team is on hand to assist with further queries the best they can and can be reached at tigerland@richmondfc.com.au.