Romsey withdraws from RDFNL season citing health and safety issues
Riddell District premiership contender Romsey won’t play this season if the league decides to push ahead due to growing community health concerns and pressure on volunteers.
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If the Riddell District Football Netball League goes ahead this year, it will be without Romsey.
The Redbacks officially withdrew from the 2020 season on Sunday due to health and safety concerns for players, volunteers and the wider community.
The RDFNL has committed to waiting for advice from AFL Victoria before making a decision to play on this year or cancel its season.
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Romsey is the first club to pull the pin, leaving the competition with nine teams.
Redbacks president Eden Jedwab said there were more important things than football in times like these.
“It wasn’t a financial decision for us,” he said.
“Ultimately, it was the health and welfare of our supporters, our community and our players.
“When you look at businesses like Coles and McDonalds and they can’t keep it under control. “For a community football club to keep it under control is a big ask and to put that responsibility on volunteers, it’s just too much.”
The RDFNL will hold a board meeting on Monday night to discuss the viability of a season.
Romsey has been a perennial premiership contender, finishing fourth last year.
While the league is yet to make an announcement, it has set strong guidelines for a return.
Crowds of 500, the ability for clubs to hold social functions and reduced burden on volunteers have been identified as critical for clubs’ sustainability.
Jedwab praised the RDFNL’s handling of the situation but said his players and supporters needed some clarity.
“The league has been good, they haven’t changed their view on following the AFL guidelines,” he said.
“But the uncertainty has been a real issue for players – are we playing, aren’t we playing, are we training or aren’t we – so it was weighing on people.
“The league have been really strong on (crowds), they made it clear if there weren’t going to be 500 then they weren’t going to more forward.
“That’s what community football is, having your community there, so if you can’t have crowds there’s no point moving forward.”
Neighbouring league Bendigo is also still holding out before making an official announcement, while the Essendon District league cancelled but has since opened the door to reconsider its decision.