Local footy: Heathcote District Football Netball League cancels season
A Victorian country competition has become the first community league in the state to abandon its season amid the coronavirus crisis, citing financial and health risks for its decision.
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The Heathcote District Football Netball League has pulled the plug on its season amid the coronavirus crisis.
The country competition is the first community footy league in Victoria to cancel the 2020 campaign, with the decision coming just days after players were given the all clear to resume organised training under AFL Victoria protocols.
The HDFNL board met on Thursday night and made the call to abandon the season following discussions with club presidents.
“Considering the continued uncertainty around season 2020, the decision, as difficult and disappointing as it is, gives everyone clarity and somewhat relief of the unknown,” the league said in an email to clubs.
“We as a league and our clubs can now focus on and look forward to a very exciting 2021 season.”
The HDFNL said it was “highly unlikely” clubs could return to full-scale training by June 15 – the latest date they requested – ahead of the latest possible start date on July 4.
Under AFL Victoria’s training protocols, which come into effect from Monday, clubs can undertake sessions in groups of 10, with two groups able to use the same oval.
Clubs are expected to abide by social distancing requirements, while tackling, bumping and marking contests are not allowed.
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The league also cited the “increased responsibility on club representatives to administer COVID-19 protocols” as a reason for its decision.
The possibility of players or officials having to isolate for 14 days if they contract the virus was another factor, along with “higher risk” elderly populations in rural areas.
The potential absence of crowds and likely restrictions on clubs’ ability to generate revenue on game-day and from functions was also considered, while they also face an “anticipated lack of sponsorship.”
Nine clubs make up the HDFNL’s senior football competition – reigning premier North Bendigo, Lockington-Bamawm United, Colbinabbin, Mount Pleasant, White Hills, Leitchville-Gunbower, Elmore, Heathcote and Huntly.
The league also houses reserves and under-17s grades and a netball competition.
The HDFNL, which was established in 1955, is managed by AFL Central Victoria, along with the Bendigo FNL, Bendigo Junior FL, Central Victorian FL (women), Loddon Valley FNL and the North Central FL.
The Hume league has announced it will not award premierships, even if the season goes ahead.
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