GIPPSLAND LEAGUE MEDIA RELEASE
ROUND 8 JUNIOR MATCHES
AFL Victoria has released COVID Functional Framework for a return to play that outlines a variety of by law recommendations. Gippsland League is working toward a return to play as soon as possible however will factor in the ability of clubs and their volunteers to host matches in its decision making.
Gippsland League consulted all 10 member clubs and gave both football and netball stakeholders a chance to provide feedback around playing junior matches on the 5th of June. Being a football and netball League with 3 grades of junior netball and 2 grades of junior football the League placed a high level of importance on ensuring that all parties had an opportunity to provide feedback before making a decision.
The League stated in the recommendation that all 10 member clubs must be unanimous in agreeing to play junior matches on the 5th of June for the round to go ahead. From the feedback provided 7 of the 10 member clubs were not in favour of any junior matches being played this weekend. There were several factors from the updated restrictions that hinder club’s abilities to play and host match days. Key factors for consideration from the feedback included the availability of volunteers and coaches for our western and southern clubs and the patron limits of 50 per venue with five matches to be played on the matchday. With 70% of our clubs not in favour of playing round 8 the League will implement the following.
Two rounds interrupted – Round 7 & Round 8
- No football or netball matches will be played on the weekend of 5th June 2021
- All matches that were scheduled for Round 7 and Round 8 will be abandoned.
- Teams will be awarded no points and no percentage for the abandoned rounds.
- Gippsland League will adjust the fixture to ensure that the 10th of July bye weekend is being utilised. The emphasis will be on ensuring all clubs play each other once as early as possible.
- Gippsland League will assess the impact on the fixture and work with clubs affected by missing home matches in an attempt to give each member club and equal amount of home matches.
- Player finals qualification to remain unchanged.
- Finals series to remain unchanged.
- As per the recommendations in the COVID framework, the Gippsland League Allowable Player Payments salary cap which currently is at $120,000 will be adjusted on a pro rata of games played. All member clubs will be notified of the adjusted cap.
For any questions please contact daniel.heathcote@aflgippsland.com.au.
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Last Modified on 03/06/2021 10:03