Another one bites the dust.
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Horsham District Football Netball League 2020 senior premiership seasons have been cancelled, it was announced on Tuesday morning.
Both the senior football and netball competitions will not go ahead, however there will be junior competitions in a bid to develop younger players this year.
The decision to abandon the HDFNL season was made after meetings with clubs and feedback from key stakeholders in light of further easing of COVID-19 restrictions which would have allowed a return to competition on July 20.
HDFNL Chairman Fred Mellington said he was "disappointed to announce the cancellation of the 2020 senior football and netball season".
The HDFNL remain committed to giving the opportunity to junior players for the remainder of the 2020 season
- Fred Mellington
He said that the "sustainability and long term survival of all 11 HDFNL Clubs was the priority of the HDFNL Board".
The board and clubs met on Monday night and made the decision to abandon the senior season after it became apparent that despite COVID-19 restrictions easing it was still not viable.
Concerns raised by clubs included player numbers, uncertainty around how to generate revenue without the opening of bars and canteens - including social functions, the burden placed on volunteers, the inability to effectively manage crowds to comply with the State Government restrictions, health concerns with COVID-19 and varying financial implications.
Clubs had been supportive of a united approach to the outcome of the 2020 senior football and netball premiership season, the league said.
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The decision will allow HDFNL clubs to regroup for a senior premiership season in 2021.
The HDFNL will continue to work closely with AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria and clubs to manage the issues resulting from the cancellation.
The Victorian Government announced on Sunday that local footy teams, soccer clubs and other contact sports would be able to resume training for over 18s from July 13.
From July 20 full competitions could also kick off. Clubs and community facilities will also be able to reopen their changerooms.
All sports training and competition will resume on June 22 for those aged 18 years and under, with non-contact sports competition also beginning across all age groups.
-Wimmera Mail-Times
