THE 2020 Riverland Women’s Football League (RWFL) season was officially cancelled last week.
The RWFL 2020 season was initially cancelled along with senior and under 18 football, however further discussions were had regarding the possibility of still running a competition, like the under 18s, which start their season on Saturday, after a change from the original decision.
The women’s competition joins the senior men’s grades and Independent competition in being officially cancelled, while all junior football commences this weekend.
RFL commissioner Steve Tillett, who oversees the RWFL, said a number of factors played a role in the final decision, which was made by a vote involving all clubs involved in the competition.
“The delay and uncertainty of the season, due to COVID-19, resulted in most clubs losing player numbers, making it very hard to have a competition,” he said.
“While the decision to call off the season, for reasons mentioned above, was relatively easy, it was a hard to make the call knowing that it was a good opportunity to keep the momentum of women’s football going, with no netball as competition.”
Mr Tillett is hopeful the cancellation of the season won’t affect the competition moving forward.
“Hopefully we don’t lose too many players permanently and that the 2021 season returns bigger and better for all,” he said.
RFL chairman Shane Uren believes cancelling the season was the right call.
“I feel the correct decision was made, as with the stringent current game day protocols it would be very difficult for some clubs to adhere to them and stay compliant,” he said.