TJRL pushing on with 2020 season
A JULY 25 date is in the sights of the TJRL, as the board announces what the upcoming season will look like.
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RUGBY LEAGUE: The fog of uncertainty has been lifted on the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League season, with the league to proceed in 2020.
In a decision that gives kids in Toowoomba and surrounding regions a boost, the TJRL is looking to July 25 and 26 as the inaugural weekend of the competition.
Junior league president Dan Aldons said there were challenges in returning, but ultimately they were confident they could do it in a safe environment.
"The key objective for the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League under our constitution is to foster, promote and encourage the game of rugby league in the local area," Aldons said.
"As the chairman, it has been my vision and intention at these challenging times to do everything possible to make the return to play a reality.
"The TJRL has engaged in lengthy discussions with the government, QRL and clubs on the feasibility of a return to competitive community sport.
"In order for clubs to participate, they nominate a COVID-safe co-ordinator and have completed a COVID-safe plan for endorsement."
The league decided on boys grades from U8s through to U16s, with girls to take the field in U14s and U16s.
To keep players, officials and limited spectators as spread apart as possible, games from U13-U16 will play on Saturday, with U8-U12 games on Sunday.
With the intricacies of creating and maintaining a low-risk COVID environment, as well as volunteers, not all clubs will be on board for the 2020 season.
"As of Sunday night, five clubs have indicated their intention to play," he said.
"A couple of clubs have indicated that they could not meet the requirements of our proposal and as such have advised they do not intend on participating.
"We respect their decision as these are unique circumstances and everyone has different challenges they need to be comfortable they can address before taking to the field."
"Our first fixture games will be held on July 25, with games to be held over the following seven weeks, culminating on September 12.
"Given that there are only five clubs involved at this point in time, we will not be holding finals.
"The rationale for this is that with only five clubs involved, it is not a normal competition, and in any event, our main concern is providing children with the opportunity to get back on the field and play as much football as possible."
Gatton confirmed on social media that it was one of the three clubs not returning in 2020.
For the five clubs that will proceed, they will have to follow guidelines for both training and match-day, including requirements regarding cleaning, spectators and screening.
Aldons said that willing players from clubs not participating this year would have a chance to still get on the field.
"We've spoken to the QRL and there is a portability option just for this season," he said.
"If there's a certain number of players at those clubs, they can play for another club for this season and go back to their club (in 2021)."
The board of the TJRL is hoping to formulate a draw in the coming days.
The current stage-three restrictions for spectators will remain in place in line with government guidelines (100 people per venue), however this could change in time.
Rugby League Ipswich and Warwick and Districts joined the Toowoomba Rugby League in cancelling their 2020 seasons.