Season over: VAFA decides to cancel 2020 season
The country’s biggest senior local footy competition has become the fifth Melbourne metro league to scrap its season, leaving just one comp left to make a call about the year.
Vic Amateur
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It’s over and out from the Victorian Amateur Football Association for 2020.
The VAFA tonight joined the Eastern, Essendon District, Northern and Western Region competitions in cancelling the season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The association had planned to meet on July 6 to make a call on a shortened season.
But the surge in coronavirus cases in Victoria served as a game-changer: the board met tonight and decided to abandon its plans to return to play.
It leaves the Southern league as the last competition standing, although there is growing speculation it will also close the door on 2020.
Southern has set July 25 as its opening round but a number of clubs has withdrawn, including Division 1 affiliates Highett, Oakleigh District and East Malvern. and Keysborough, Hampton Park and Hampton in Division 2.
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The SFNL has said Division 1 and Division 2 will have a 10-week season with the top four teams playing finals, and Division 3 and 4 will have an eight-week season and also a top-four finals system.
The VAFA said in a statement tonight that it met in response State Government announcements related to geographical lockdowns and decided to cancel the season.
It said the health and safety risks were too great to push on in 2020.
“This decision is not an easy one and has not been made lightly, however the overriding factor of our social responsibility and the health and wellbeing of the community was at the forefront of our discussions,’’ the statement said.
“At all times the VAFA board, management and the administration team have been conscious of our charter — to provide an amateur football competition for men and women in metropolitan Melbourne, in a safe and enjoyable manner and we have worked diligently to achieve a positive outcome in very difficult and challenging times for all concerned.
“This is clearly not possible in the current environment.’’
Other factors considered included:
* the financial viability of all clubs.
* the burden on club volunteers.
* legal liability relating to insurance.
* The possibility of a compromised season.
* Further COVID-19 outbreaks impacting competitions
“We take this opportunity to thank our clubs for your support and understanding across the last three months of uncertainty and applaud your drive and resilience under very difficult circumstances,’’ the board statement said.
“While it is with a heavy heart we make the decision to cancel the 2020 season, we will now turn our efforts into planning for an exciting ‘comeback’ season in 2021. First and foremost we intend to support our clubs to ensure everyone is back out on the park next year.’’