This post is to restate that all clubs were advised the Ellinbank & District Football League (EDFL) Board of Management Meeting (BOM) made the following decision on 4 June:-
UNLESS ALL RESTRICTIONS ARE REMOVED BY 30 JUNE THE 2020 EDFL FOOTBALL SEASON WILL NOT BE VIABLE.
Therefore the season will not proceed unless the restrictions are lifted. This decision was not made lightly. It was based on feedback from all 10 clubs and had the endorsement from EDNA and the GUA. Among dozens of concerns tabled by our clubs should the season proceed all were worried that with no spectators or if only 500 were allowed it would still not be enough to generate a suitable financial return. All clubs also said they did not want to risk the health of the community and most had doubts they could satisfactorily meet the hygiene requirements.
The BOM agreed that it was vital to put the safety of the community first and not put at risk the finances of the league and clubs in 2020 - in order to ensure a more prosperous base for the EDFL in 2021 and beyond.
The EDFL value the importance of community sport - in particular junior sport and hence propose to host some form of junior competition - but not for premiership points.
We are considering a number of options. These range from a 1 day or 2 day weekend round robin - lightning premiership through to a 4 week or 6 week competition with a final, cup presentation and medals for the winning players. The EDFL hope all clubs will participate at both U16 & 18 level but if not it has a few alternative options for just an U16 or U18 competition. We are confident all clubs will support this proposal.
The final format of this proposed competition and whether it can be played in July, August or September will depend on whether clubs can meet the next round of the Victorian State Government guidelines. As soon as these are released the league will do its utmost to keep clubs informed on its plan for a junior competition.
Last Modified on 12/06/2020 12:02
