NATIONAL PHARMACIES SANFL JUNIORS 2020 SEASON – COVID-19 FAQs

The National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors competition management has produced these Frequently Asked Questions to answer as many questions as possible at this point in time. We understand the uncertainty and stresses that many in the football community are currently experiencing and we are doing our best to keep everyone informed and updated. During this time, we greatly appreciate your patience as this situation continues to evolve and change from day to day.

LAST UPDATED: Friday, 27 March, 2020

The SANFL has made a decision that all Community Club competitions, which includes the National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors competition, be postponed until 31st May 2020, in line with the decision to postpone State League football and more recently the AFL competition.Protecting participants, spectators, coaches, umpires and volunteers to help mitigate risks of COVID-19 spreading in public environments is vital. Therefore, the continued operation of SANFL Juniors clubs risks those environments, becoming a mode for spreading the infection.

The SANFL and AFL have consulted with the Australian Government, World Health Organisation and AFL Chief Medical Officers, and has also worked very closely with the all other State/Territory bodies to arrive at this decision for all Community Club competitions throughout Australia.

At this stage, the earliest that the season can recommence is May 31, 2020. The situation will be constantly reviewed by the AFL, SANFL and SANFL Juniors and any updates will be communicated immediately.

The decision by the AFL to postpone Community Club competitions until 31st May was made for the following reasons:

• Alignment with the decision on State League competitions.
• Given the evolving nature of this situation, allow leagues and clubs time before starting to plan for the recommencement of the season.

The AFL, in conjunction with SANFL and other State/Territory bodies, will monitor the situation and continue to consult and obtain advice from the Australian Government, World Health Organisation and AFL Chief Medical Officers. First and foremost, the health and safety of the football and broader community are extremely important and if the situation has not improved by the end of May, then further considerations and decisions will need to be made. If this was to occur, then communication will be made to all clubs immediately once known. For the latest information, visit play.afl/covid-19.

To understand what to do and for up-to-date information about the coronavirus from a public health perspective, please visit:

All organised and structured club training sessions must cease until further notice. Given the ever changing nature, we unfortunately are unable to confirm when training will be able to recommence. Further communication will be provided once more information is known.

If any trial games or preseason carnivals had been organised between clubs, then these must be cancelled immediately. No matches, including intra-club games, are to be played until further notice. SANFL is considering the opportunity for clubs to play trial games and preseason carnivals prior to the recommencement of the season, however a decision on this cannot be made until closer to May 31, 2020 once there is greater clarity on the situation.

Yes, subject to season commencing. Options are being considered but are still to be determined.

This will be at the discretion of each individual club in the National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors competition.

This will be at the discretion of each individual club, however no refunds should be provided until an official decision about the competition has been made.

This will be at the discretion of each individual club.

If there is a competition as planned, then those who have not yet paid the $10 will still be required to do so. The $10 fee is not based on the number of games played. However, if there is no competition, then a decision about the levy will be made then.

If there is a competition as planned in 2020, then those who have not paid the $50 fee will still be required to pay, regardless. This fee is not based on the number of games played. However, if there is no competition, then a decision about the coaches levy will be made then.

The AFL has removed the National Online Transfer System in SportsTG so that no new transfers can be processed at this time. This went into effect from March 19 and will be closed until May 1, with regular review by the AFL to decide when the system will re-open and if the transfer closure date of June 30 will be extended, given the late commencement date for the season. This will be decided in due course and an update will be provided.

Please note that current pending transfers (those submitted prior to March 19) can still be processed following the AFL National Registration and Transfer Regulations.

No, SANFL will not issue any fines should a team withdraw from the competition.

For further information regarding community football and NAB AFL Auskick (particularly for those SANFL Juniors clubs that deliver this program), please visit: