SA sport matches and events cancelled or postponed amid SA Covid-19 lockdown

SA sporting leagues have been thrown into confusion at the height of the season and have to decide whether fixtures and events will be rescheduled – or scrapped completely.

Sporting leagues have been thrown into confusion at the height of the winter season as matches, events and training are cancelled amid SA’s seven-day lockdown.

No sport will be played this weekend following the state government announcement on Tuesday morning of raft of strong measures in response to the state’s growing Covid-19 cluster.

Leagues and organisations will next have to decide whether fixtures and events will be rescheduled or scrapped completely.

Football, soccer, basketball and netball clubs were among the major winter codes left in limbo with most competitions beginning to approach finals.

Action from an Adelaide Footy League clash between Old Ignatians and Sacred Heart Old Collegians on Saturday. Picture: Matt Loxton

Adelaide Footy League chief executive John Kernahan said while the integrity of competition remained a significant consideration, the welfare of its volunteers was the highest priority.

The state’s largest senior football competition has a range of contingency plans in place, including extending the season past September and revamped finals systems.

“There’s no point assuming outcomes so we’ll take a breath, see how the coming days unfold and then have a rethink about what the options are going forward,” Kernahan said.

“The reality is today’s announcement doesn’t change the framework around our contingency plans, the dates just become a moving feast and we all know there are some things out of our control.”

No matches or training will be permitted during the lockdown. Picture: Dean Martin

The majority of the competition’s women’s divisions were due to begin finals this weekend.

SANFL chief executive Darren Chandler said the league would consult clubs and consider a range of options for the remainder the season.

“We will continue to review the situation over the coming days but are fully committed to seeing the season out,” Mr Chandler said.

“There are a number of options as part of our contingency planning, depending on the length of Covid restrictions.

“We have some flexibility to reschedule this weekend’s Round 16 matches across the upcoming split round and there is the possibility of extending the season beyond the current scheduled grand final date of September 19 should this be required.”

He said the SANFL would continue to assist the state’s community leagues to get their seasons back up and running after the lockdown period.

Many families will also be affected by the SANFL Juniors competition.

Athletics SA postponed this Saturday’s State Cross Country Championships – which were set to be live streamed by The Advertiser – as well as the Winter Walks State Championships.

School Sport SA has postponed all events, while the Sports Association for Adelaide Schools will look to rework its football, basketball, soccer and hockey fixtures for the coming weeks.