We all hope you are keeping safe and doing well in these very challenging times.
As announced on Wednesday, there will be a 4 week extension on the current lockdown which will end on Saturday 28th August. Here is an update on some key areas in relation to the potential competition calendar including a summary of where our competitions are at in comparison to last year:
| Competition | 2021 – Rounds Played to date | 2020 – Rounds Played |
| Juniors – Saturday | 12 out of 18 | 14/15 out of 18 |
| Juniors – Sunday | 10 out of 18 – impacted by Anzac Day and one round of wet weather | As above |
| Community League | 12 out of 18 | 18 out of 18 – All Age 15 out of 18 – Masters |
| Women’s All Age | 10/11 out of 18 | 14 out of 18 |
| Men’s Premiership | 13 out of 22 | 11 out of 22 |
For competitions that are significantly impacted by co-sharing of grounds with cricket – our aim is to accommodate as many rounds as we can (ideally 3-4 rounds of games). Of course this plan is dependent on an MOU between FNSW and Cricket NSW being approved in relation to ground usage to extend to the weekend including the 2/3 October. This MOU is in the process of being drafted and we will provide further updates in due course.
We have consulted our Player Welfare partner (Matt Whalan from Figtree Physio). The advice in relation to the return to play is as follows:
- Up to U14 – start back ASAP. Players encouraged to undertake 2-3 sessions of technical and physical work at home per week.
- Under 15s and above – 2 weeks is preferred, however where player interchange is allowed across the competitions, 1 week would suffice. Players are strongly encouraged to undertake individual training programs, of 2-3 sessions of technical and physical work at home per week.
Figtree Physio | Individual Training Program – Football South Coast
The consensus to date across all competitions is that a Final Series is highly unlikely and the focus should be on maximising participation across all teams and the need to provide community sport for the mental health and well-being of our players.
We do understand that feedback is/has been sought from clubs across our various competitions to consider a number of factors including the scheduling of junior games during the September/October school holidays and therefore will provide further updates once all club feedback has been assessed and a way forward determined.
Stay safe and take care.
