THE decision by the Sunraysia Football Netball League (SFNL) board to push ahead with the 2020 season has been greeted with mixed emotions.
Member clubs, their players and supporters are divided in their opinions about whether to play or not.
The great thing about our society is the freedom we have to express our views.
The SFNL board made the tough call to play this season. The decision was based on the information they had in front of them, no hidden agendas, just what they thought was best for local football and netball in this region.
No different to what the committee of the Robinvale Euston Football Netball Club did by writing to the league and officially withdrawing from the competition before Tuesday’s board meeting.
The people who represent Robinvale Euston believed it was in the best interest of their club and community not to participate in a competition this season because of the risks associated with COVID-19.
They made their call based on what they believed was right for their club and they should not be criticised for having the courage to make what must have been a really tough, but in their eyes, right call.
No different to what the men and women of the SFNL board had to do on Tuesday evening.
But now the decision to play has been made, everyone needs to unite and turn 2020 into a positive.
There are so many great stories which will evolve from this year and it will certainly be a season we will never forget.
For me the biggest reason for clubs to play is their juniors.
Everyone needs to put aside their opinions for a minute and think about what keeps football and netball clubs going year after year.
Sure premierships and financial stability are important, but without juniors, clubs cease to exist.
Those football and netball clubs who decide not to play this year need to consider the long-term effects that might have on their club.
By not playing, clubs are robbing their kids of a game of footy or netball.
I know that might sound pretty harsh, but that’s the reality.
The SFNL board has made it very clear, clubs who withdraw from this year’s competition will not be allowed to play in any grade of football or netball in 2020.
I don’t think there is one club official out there who would want to deny any young boy or girl the opportunity to play.
But for those clubs who make the call not to play, that is exactly what is going to happen.
And what could that mean for club’s junior programs?
You’d expect there will be some juniors who switch clubs just so they can play and how could you begrudge them that?
We all talk about the importance of getting kids off their electronics and out playing sport.
Let’s not deny them this opportunity – just play.
