Sunraysia tennis still up in the air

THE 2020 Sunraysia District Tennis Association (SDTA) season remains in limbo after club delegates this week decided to postpone any decision until June 22.

Following the direction of The Department of Sport and Recreation, the SDTA will continue to abide by guidelines which allow exercise activities that are not competitive.
SDTA president Bill Madafferi said he had spoke to Tennis Victoria officials this week and was still hopeful a shortened season could go ahead if social distancing laws are further relaxed.

“At this stage we are waiting to see if social distancing laws are relaxed further,” Madafferi said.

“If they are, then it might be possible we will be able to start the season in early July, but that is dependent on changes to the current laws.”

If the SDTA winter season is cancelled then Madafferi said they would look at introducing an alternative format to ensure people have the opportunity to play tennis.

“There are things we can do to get everyone together and enjoying a game of tennis,” Madafferi said.

“At the moment the decision of the committee is to wait and see what happens on June 22.

“If things change after June 22 and we are allowed to play competition then we will decide if it is viable to go ahead with a shortened season.

“If we don’t then we will look at alternative formats, but either way we will be playing tennis in some shape or form.”

But while the SDTA remain uncertain about a season start, golf courses across the region are reporting a big spike in usage, particularly the number of green fee paying players.

With the Victorian Government’s announcement around the relaxing of social distancing laws in recent weeks, golfers across Sunraysia have hit the fairways.

The increase numbers has been a financial boost for the local clubs with many offering reduced membership fees to attract more players.

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