THE Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association (BLGFA) announced its first postponement of a season since World War II last week.
After the SANFL, along with every other major footballing body in the country, officially put their season on pause until at least May 31 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the local league was forced to follow suit.
The uncertainty has put clubs in a worrying position financially, with support from councils and local government required to ensure survival.
BLGFA president Mick Brien said the decision was out of his hands, but that it was common sense.
“We didn’t have to discuss anything because they laid down the rules about May 31,” Mr Brien said.
“Of course we want to see all the people playing, because that’s part of the social and economic (makeup of the region), and they’re competitive and want to play.
“But they set the guidelines, and we have to follow them for the safety of everybody.
“Everything will be monitored fortnightly and we’ll be receiving updates from the SANFL about how things are tracking.”
Mr Brien said once the decision was made, he was quickly on the phone with local MPs to get on the front foot.
“It will impact all the clubs – they’ve got to pay their bills and they have no income coming in,” he said.
“There is a plan – I’ve been in contact with the local, federal and state governments, and there is a meeting scheduled with the mayors and the government.”
Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said Gawler Council is “cognisant” of the troubles facing all local sporting clubs, but that the plan is still not certain.
“Council will work collaboratively with its sporting clubs and community groups, towards exploring opportunities and assistance that is able to be provided to mitigate and minimise financial impacts whilst the global COVID-19 health emergency remains,” she said.
“Whilst broader support is expected to be provided via Federal and State Government stimulus packages, the council will nonetheless be considering what financial measures it is able provide to our community, including local sporting clubs, across coming weeks.”
Gawler Central Football Club president Tom Lane said while the club expects to be able to keep the lights on, it will require government assistance urgently.
“We need income and revenue to survive, because we’ve still got to pay rent, and all the fixed costs, so it’s touch and go,” Mr Lane said.
“We’ve approached the government and council for some relief… it all depends on how they come back to us.
“We had one of the councillors ring to ask us about all of our costs, outgoings and what they can do to help; so they’ve been pro-active which is good.”
Like many being impacted by the crisis, Mr Lane said the uncertainty is the most worrying aspect.
“We’re in a better position than we would have been two years ago, don’t get me wrong, but we’re still a bit nervous about how things will go,” he said.
“We’re not allowed to train until May 31, and then we’d need a six-week block of training, which would mean the middle of July before we even start, and then what would that look like.
“What we’ve done as a committee is decided not to pre-empt too much, and whatever happens, happens.
“It’s just about the costs of keeping the club going that we’re concerned about.”