Staff writers
THE start of local football and netball competitions have been pushed back until May 31 at the earliest.
AFL Gippsland, which oversees 16 different leagues and competitions across the region, revealed the further postponement in a statement.
“In line with the Victorian Government’s announcement on Sunday, April 12 that the Sate of Emergency has been extended until midnight May 11, 2020, AFL Gippsland will be extending the postponement date, for the earliest commencement of a season, to May 31,” the statement read.
“It it expected that Stage 3 restrictions will be in place until at least May 11, therefore the postponement until May 31 would allow for close to a three week lead-in period, providing an appropriate wind back of restrictions from the Government is in place as of May 12.”
Competitions affected include the Mid Gippsland, North Gippsland and Gippsland leagues, as well as the Traralgon District and Central Gippsland junior leagues.
AFL Gippsland remains optimistic that we will see some play in season 2020.
“Again, we thank all leagues, clubs and their members for their understanding and collaborative approach to combating the impact the virus may have in Gippsland,” the statement read.
“It is our intention to play football and netball at some stage in 2020 and this is the basis of our ongoing operational and budgetary planning across a range of season start date scenarios.”
