Dear Members
With the current lockdown orders until August 28 at the earliest, even if the NSW Government was to end the lockdown on that date, indications from Football NSW are that the NSW Government will follow last year’s plan in easing restrictions in a staggered manner meaning it is highly unlikely football matches will be able to be played until late September at the earliest. Together with the increased risk to children from the current variant, we need to be conscious of the health and safety of our players.
Therefore, the NWSF Football Management Committee supported by the NWSF Board, has made the difficult decision to abandon the 2021 season. It should be noted that many other local Associations have also cancelled their seasons in recent days, as has other sports.
The NWSF board have made the following decisions:
2021 Premiers
Premiers will be declared in all competitive divisions (U12 and above) based on a Points per Match calculation.
This method was used in many competitions around the world last year in determining Premiers.
Premiers Medals
All teams declared Premiers in the competitive divisions (U12 and above) will receive Premiers Medals.
Arrangements will be made to distribute these to clubs as soon as possible.
Perpetual Trophies
No perpetual trophies will be awarded for the 2021 season. This includes Club Championships and other annual awards.
Promotion and Relegation (Mixed PL and SL)
Promotion and relegation in PL/SL will not apply in 2021.
The NWSF Board will also be considering the financial implications of these arrangements, but need to wait until FNSW provide some confirmation on whether there will be an adjustment to their fees. However, due to the impracticality of paying refunds to over 15,000 individual players, we will consider other measures for 2022. Please understand that trying to calculate and return part of fees to over 15,000 players throughout the association is a logistic nightmare.
One option discussed has been to offer discounted registration fees in 2022. But, lets give them some time to work through this.
We appreciate this has been another difficult year for clubs and we thank you for your patience whilst the implications from the latest outbreak have become clearer.
We will still be looking to hold only our minis u6-u11 annual presentation day if and when health regulations allow - probably 3rd October at this stage. Unfortunately the junior gathering u12+ & senior adult teams presentation evening won’t be going ahead.
I'm sure a lot of people will be very disappointed, I am personally gutted, but in these times I'm sure we can agree that there is a lot more to worry about than missing football. Although I know we miss it very much.
Keep safe and we will see you all on the park again in 2022.
Regards
Kathy Tracey
President