Statement from South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL) Chief Executive Officer Sarah Loh
7 July 2020
Based on the Premier’s announcement this afternoon, metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to a State of Emergency and Stage 3 Stay at Home lockdown restrictions after 11:59pm tomorrow night (Wednesday 8 July 2020).
Based on this announcement, I can now confirm that the 2020 SMJFL season will be delayed for the period of at least six weeks or until otherwise notified by the government. This includes a suspension of all club training and other related events. The league recommends that clubs take action to cancel any training sessions immediately.
There are only four reasons to leave the house:
To shop for food and essential goods and services;
For care or compassionate reasons (for example, this includes shared parenting obligations or providing care and support to an unwell, disabled, elderly or pregnant friend or relative);
Exercise; and
For work or study – if you can’t do it from home.
We understand this decision will come as a disappointment for many, as you have all invested an incredible amount of volunteer time this season. I want to recognise the work done by all of you and make the commitment that we will continue the preparation for an alternate start date this year in collaboration with the clubs and based on government advice.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this incredibly challenging period for the state of Victoria. We’re all in this together, and the SMJFL Board and Staff are committed to running the 2020 season in some format as previously stated.
