TOPIC:

Can someone explain why some scratch matches were canceled today because of virus?
Talk about adding "fuel to the fire of hysteria".

I was fortunate to catch up with (apologies if should not mention) Wintacott vs Mossie Pk game all seemed to go well?

If the PM can go to a rugby game with hundreds in attendance, especially with his Home Affairs Minister just being diagnosed as having Cov 19, then why not keep our 'shyte' together?

Lets just follow the instructions of the 'Powers to be' and act accordingly.
Other wise we may as well go and hoard all the toilet paper

Probably because the Amateur Football League is starting to enter panic mode?
Sadly there are too many whom are over-reacting. People simply need to be careful and unnecessary hysteria is an impediment and un-helpful.

We hosted an East Perth vs Carey Park game yesterday without issue.

Given the guidance coming out of AFL, WAFC and PFL, all of whom are being guided by governments both Federal and State, I can't seriously see the season as we know it going ahead.

Financial issues will be huge, as our Club, like most I assume, gets the bulk of it's income from bar, canteen and sponsorship - all of which will be adversely affected.

Yes, our costs will go down too, but will that be enough to balance loss of income?

Could make for one tough year all round and affect years going forward.

It shouldnt be an issue at amateur level. Apart from A and B Grade, most games in the lower grades would struggle to attract a crowd of 200 at the most.

it is still only a 'recommendation', sports bodies are over reacting

Can not see how community sport would be affected if people are still allowed/required to go to work.

The only over riding circumstance would be a complete lock down and isolation.

Also cant see this (cancellation of scratch matches) being ordered by the PFL if games are going ahead as per yesterday??

Make no mistake, the PFL season will shut down. Junior sport will stop as well.
The AFL is clutching at straws to play round 1, but it wont happen. VFL has suspended season and also the ammo league in Vic has stopped. Id say by the end of this week the WAFL & PFL will suspend as well.
Carona is coming and we cant stop it. The only thing we can do is slow the spread to lower the impact on the health system or a fair few older people are going to die. There are only so many beds to go around.
Footy clubs would be a breeding ground for the virus. Water bottles, sweat, spit, blood. How do you protect bar staff who touch glasses and bottles that people drink out of.
Its the biggest issue Australia has faced since WWII. Just go to your local doctor and see how serious they are taking it. you cant walk in the door unless pre-approved. For Most people it will be a cold, but for you parents, grand parents and anyone who is already sick with cancer or immune issues, it could be a death sentence.
I don't want to sound like the doom day guy, but its the truth.

Sniper you are probably right...however i would be disappointed.
Eg Supermarket employees are still going to work and thus exposed to mnany, many people.

Why shut down the AFL particularly as they to are employees yet are not exposed as any where near the same risks.

Australia needs its sport, more now than ever!!
Unless circumstances change (which they probably will) lets just see what unfolds.

I believe the PFL is set to make an announcement within the 48 hours.

For me I guess the sensible thing to do for any club is to tell there players that if they are sick stay home.
I would like to think that a big majority of players in the PFL are in the 20 - 30 year age bracket and are not that high of a risk on catching the virus. So it will be interesting to see what happens either way.

I think as Blunder has outlined the bigger issue is stopping the spread of the virus.

Sure most of the players are in an age group where potentially they will get minimal effects from the virus, however what needs to be considered is the bigger picture.

What happens if someone gets exposed to the virus on a Saturday, goes home to their pregnant wife and exposes them, and then has lunch on the Saturday with their parents and inlaws and exposes all them. This will all happen before the person knew he was exposed to the virus or had the virus.

The main reason to stop the games is to slow the spread.