The chances of football and netball competitions, including the Upper Murray league, starting in the North East this season still hang in the balance.
On Wednesday June 3rd AFL North East Border (NEB) convened a meeting  to ensure that leagues were fully informed of the latest information relevant to the government’s COVID-19 restriction as they apply to community football and to plan, as best as possible in a changing environment, the decision-making processes for the respective leagues.
The Ovens & King Football Netball League announced that it had cancelled the 2020 football and netball season after responding to the consultation and feedback from clubs during the pandemic.
“With the Victorian  government indicating their next round of announcements will occur around June 22nd, any decisions on other senior leagues would be held over pending further information and consultation with their respective league clubs,” said AFL NEB general manager, John O’Donohue.
“Key factors which will influence the decision making process at that time will be the health and wellbeing of the football netball community, the capacity of volunteers to manage COVID-19 hygiene obligations and importantly, lifting of restrictions to commence the season to allow 500 spectators plus participants with a projection of extended limits to enable the conduct of feasible finals series.
The Upper Murray indicated at the meeting  that it may be feasible with less than 500 spectators.
AFL NEB is expected to convene again on Monday next week and gauge the mood for play this year or  to abandon the season.
In the meantime, the Upper Murray Football Netball League  has called for nominations from interested individuals for the Upper Murray Football Netball League (UMFNL) Club Amalgamation Working Party.
“The Working Party will explore opportunities and develop a model for a potential new amalgamated club which supports the continuation of football and netball participation opportunities and pathways for the communities of the Upper Murray,” Mr O’Donohue.
The working party of up seven people plus a facilitator and secretary  will also be tasked with considering other sporting activities and potential opportunities in the Upper Murray which may be beneficial to participation and community engagement.
It will commence by June 17th and be completed with a proposal to be presented to the league clubs by August 15th to ensure alignment with AFL Rules.