Kyabram District league pulls the pin on 2020 season
A north-central Victorian footy league has become the state’s third competition to scrap its season, saying football and netball “must finish second on the ladder of importance right now”.
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Another Victorian football league has scrapped its season over the coronavirus pandemic.
The Kyabram District League held an extraordinary meeting last night, and the executive and clubs decided to cancel 2020 and fix their focus on 2021.
It joined the Heathcote District and Millewa leagues in calling off the season.
“We are living in unprecedented times, with local business, employment opportunities and whole communities suffering through what can only be described as the biggest crisis of our generation,’’ the league said in a statement today.
“Football and netball, it is clear, must finish second on the ladder of importance right now and our whole focus must be turned towards rebuilding and future planning.
“That is why we’re turning our attention to 2021, a year that without a doubt will provide some of the greatest community sporting memories imaginable. It will be a time for when clubs can plan to bring people together again, to promote health and wellbeing and help form mateships and connections which will be vital as we look to return to normal life.’’
League president Fraser Kerrins said the decision to cancel the season hadn’t been taken lightly.
He said the executive and clubs had been working tirelessly to get a season going.
But the State Government’s proposed rollout of the easing of social distancing restrictions, the return to full-scale training, contact participation and the ability to host unlimited crowds “fails to fall within a time frame appropriate to conduct a season’’.
KDL operations manager Nathaniel Dedman said there were also concerns about the health and safety of members, supporters and volunteers, as well as the financial impact on clubs.
“Without memberships, gate takings, canteen and bar revenue — combined with an anticipated lack of sponsorship – makes community sport a tough place to operate,’’ he said.
“As a league we went into this crisis with 15 clubs, and we intend to have 15 clubs joining us when the first ball is bounced in 2021.’’
Kerrins said the clubs’ support, patience and commitment to the league had been outstanding during the pandemic.
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