The COVID-19 outbreak has clearly affected us all.
That said, we are sure you would all agree and appreciate, we all play our part in minimising its spread so as to bring it under control as soon as practically possible. Parallel to all government and community announcements about ‘social distancing’, good hygiene practices, football and indeed all sport has a role to play amongst our members and all involved in the game.
To this end, today our National Governing Body, Football Federation Australia (FFA) has released an updated Circular (Circular No 20-06), suspending all community football activities (i.e. below A-League and W-League), effective from 12:00am on 18 March 2020, all sanctioned grassroots football activity in Australia will be suspended until 14 April 2020.
To view a copy of Circular No 20-06 please click here.
What does this mean for our Association, our competitions/leagues and your clubs ?
- Effective immediately, all games, training and other football activities must cease; until 14 April at the earliest.
- Where possible, unnecessary meetings and other gatherings should either cease or be minimised. We suggest that you look to alternative forms of meeting (teleconferences) or by utilising other forms of technology (e.g. Skype).
- No competitions will commence at this stage and the St George Football Association is currently working on a revised competition structure based on this directive. A meeting with Club Presidents is scheduled for this Thursday 19th March, where an update will be provided and discussed.
- Any football activity which takes place during this period is not sanctioned by the Association nor Football NSW and, therefore, the Personal Accident insurance cover that is provided as part of a player’s registration may not apply
As you would appreciate, we are working with our state governing body, Football NSW, who is in turn constantly liaising with FFA and relevant government agencies, and everyone is committed to keeping you informed and up to date in these rapidly changing times.