Two more major leagues have been postponed in the wake of government recommendations to stem the spread of coronavirus as the AFL and Football NSW locked down local competitions late on Tuesday.
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The AFL released a statement saying all leagues Australia-wide would be shut down until May 31 at the earliest, following the announcement NEAFL, VFL and other state leagues would be postponed until the same date.
The governing body which takes care of the AFL Central West, AFL NSW, confirmed the move would impact leagues in NSW.
The decision includes recommending local games and training sessions be cancelled for seniors and juniors.
A statement from the overall governing body said the move would help the broader community and health systems to cope with the virus.
"Given the current climate of uncertainty and complexity, we felt it was best for our AFL community to take decisive action now," the statement said.
"The health and well-being of fans, players, umpires, officials, partners, volunteers and communities has been our number one priority."
The AFL will continue to meet with state and territory associations in relation to community football and will continually review the decision based on the changing circumstances and advice.
"We will communicate any updates and provide advice in a timely manner," the statement said.
Meanwhile Football Federation Australia confirmed all grassroots competitions and training would also be suspended.
That includes the new Western Premier League, and all local football association competitions across the state, with no games or training sessions until April 14.
FFA Chief Executive Officer James Johnson explained that while disappointing, reducing community gatherings would help slow the spread of the virus and that this was the driving factor in the decision.
"Our decision today follows extensive discussions with all of Australia's nine State and Territory Member Federations, taking into consideration the latest feedback from all levels of the football community," Johnson said.
"We are also taking into consideration the ongoing response by both the broader international and Australian communities which is evolving almost on an hourly basis now."
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Max Stainkamph
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
