HILLS FOOTBALL LEAGUE ANNOUNCEMENT – 17 March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - HFL 2020 Season Delayed Commencement Date
Please be advised that today the SANFL has made a recommendation to Leagues that all Community Football be postponed until after 31 May 2020.
The Hills Football League Board strongly supports this SANFL direction in the interest of public safety, and will postpone all HFL matches until Saturday, 13 June 2020 (Saturday after June long weekend).
As the COVID-19 situation changes, the HFL will continue to be guided by the direction of the SANFL, AFL, government and public health authorities.
Further details and information will be provided by the HFL to affiliated clubs in due course, including a list of frequently asked questions. This will include specific recommendations on club functions and gatherings in the period ahead of the season commencement in June.
In closing, the HFL supports the SANFL decision which is in the best interests of all players, coaches, umpires, officials, staff and volunteers at the forefront of community sport. We thank you for your continued patience and support through this challenging period.
Kind Regards,
Don Cranwell
President,
Hill Football League Inc.
Please refer below SANFL Statement for your information.
Tuesday, 17 March 2020
SANFL update: SANFLW, SANFL Juniors, AFL Auskick &
Community Football
SANFL today announced the postponement of the 2020 Statewide Super Women’s League until May 31 and strongly recommended that all Community Football competitions across South Australia also be postponed until that date.
In addition, SANFL has postponed National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors and NAB AFL Auskick until May 31.
The 2020 SANFL U16 Torrens University Cup, which commenced two weeks ago, has been cancelled.
Today’s decision is consistent with the earlier postponement of the men’s Statewide Super League and state talent programs as a measure to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
SANFL CEO Jake Parkinson said the health and well-being of fans, players, umpires, officials and communities has been the number one priority throughout this decision-making process.
He said SANFL Club CEOs were supportive of the League’s decision to postpone the Women’s League competition, due to play Round 5 this weekend.
In line with a national decision on Community Football by the AFL, SANFL is strongly recommending that all affiliated leagues in SA cease any play until May 31, including training.
SANFL will continue to review these decisions based on the changing circumstances and advice from government and relevant health authorities.
“The recommendation to all affiliated leagues was collectively agreed upon due to the nature of shared public facilities across community football clubs and the health and safety of football’s volunteer network,” Mr Parkinson said.
SANFL is continuing to work with all affiliated Community Football leagues to provide ongoing support during this extremely challenging time.
ends
Update | SANFL Community Football | Coronavirus (COVID-19) | 16 March at 6:30pm | Please Forward to Clubs
***Further 16 March Update***
We understand that you will have seen the delayed commencement date for the SANFL Statewide Super League season, Reserves and U18 Torrens University Cup competitions until May 31.
With respect to Community Football, SANFL remains in constant discussions with the AFL and other State football bodies, as well as community football stakeholders, regarding the implications of any direction on the scheduled start date for community football competitions.
We understand the desire for a decision, as such, we are endeavouring to rapidly finalise a national position, with the AFL and all other States, and update the South Australian football community accordingly as soon as possible.
A united approach across South Australia regarding a decision on the scheduled start date for community football competitions is critical to ensure industry consistency.
As such, we ask for your continued patience and support as a national approach is finalised, with a decision that will ultimately be made in the best interests of all players, coaches, umpires, officials, staff and volunteers.
In closing, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our football participants and the wider community that we are all a part of, and this will remain at the forefront of this process.
We will continue to update community leagues and clubs daily regarding the situation.
Kind Regards,
Tom Hurley
Head of Community Football
SANFL