CEO Update: COVID-19

Brett Connell – VAFA CEO

Dear VAFA Community,

Firstly, can I reiterate on behalf of the VAFA Board that the health and well-being of our players, volunteers, umpires and staff remains our priority.

There have been ongoing meetings at all levels across this week – from AFL Victoria, to Community Leagues and the VAFA Board and its sub-committees.

Following is an update by way of keeping our community informed:

• Our aim remains to start our season on May 2; based on current information
• We are preparing contingencies for competition to begin on May 2 (18 Rounds Men; 14 Rounds Women), May 30 (14 Rounds Men; 10 Rounds Women), July 4 (9 Rounds Men; 7 Rounds Women), no season at all or a scenario in between somewhere
• All of the above contingencies have ramifications for our football clubs, umpires and partners as well as impacting on club and Association finances
• All VAFA Season events have been either cancelled (Season Launch) or postponed (Members’ Meeting) until further notice
• No later than (COB) Wednesday April 15 the VAFA Community will have certainty as to whether we will proceed with a competition on the weekend of May 2. At this time advice regarding practice matches, team and umpire training will be confirmed – until then all of these activities are to cease

I reiterate the position of the VAFA Board and Administration – our focus remains on the sustainability of our clubs and the competition, the health and welfare of our players, volunteers, umpires and staff and the solvency of the Association as we manoeuvre our way through extremely uncharted and unprecedented times.