Dear VCFA members,
The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak presents an unprecedented challenge for our community and for the VCFA. Firstly, our prayer is that all our members and their families are safe and remain healthy. Please take time to send through any items for prayer that we may be able to uphold during a trying and unusual time.
The VCFA Board are elected to make decisions in the best interest of our members and communities. We know that our decisions will not always be popular, however they are made in good faith and following serious consideration. We have been monitoring public health advice and the recommendations of national sporting bodies on a daily basis. Based on what we currently know, and in the interests of protecting our community from the spread of COVID-19, the VCFA will be postponing the commencement of the 2020 season at least until after the Easter long weekend.
Our intention and hope is that the season will be able to proceed in a modified format. The details will be subject to public health advice over the coming weeks, and we will keep you informed as the situation develops. Please note that team nomination invoices have been sent out and are coming due. If you have not yet paid that invoice we ask that you do so in the ordinary course. In the event that the 2020 season does not go ahead, those invoices will be refunded in full.
Regarding VCFA pre-season events please see the following table for advice:
Referee Workshop - MEETING CANCELLED. Webinar will be held via Facebook Live - more information to come.
VCFA Coaching Course - POSTPONED. This will be rescheduled once it is safe to do so.
VCFA Referee Course - POSTPONED. This will be rescheduled once it is safe to do so.
Pre-season Cup - CANCELLED.
Women’s Season Launch - CANCELLED.
Team Briefing - MEETING CANCELLED. Information will be provided via email and website.
AGM - To be held via Teleconference. Notice of meeting to follow this communication.
League Fixtures - POSTPONED until further notice.
Club-managed events/training - At the discretion of club committees.
Whilst the VCFA has taken these actions to minimise the spread of CORVID-19, we cannot direct our member clubs as to their own internal operations. We note that the Football Federation of Australia has advised its affiliated competitions to suspend trainings as well as matches. However ultimately clubs must make their own decisions on these matters. Where possible, please avoid large and unnecessary meetings. If you wish to continue training please be aware of current advice and take sensible precautions (See attachment in documents).
We understand that postponing or cancelling VCFA events will cause great disappointment and a potential loss of community at this difficult time. If you or members of your club community are feeling isolated or lonely, please reach out to us and we will assist in any way we can.
We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis and provide updates via email, socials and on our website should this position change. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. If you have any further questions or require assistance, please contact us via gm@vcfa.org.au.
