AFLCV leagues will decide in the coming days if they follow an AFL recommendation to delay the start of the season until May 31.
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On Tuesday morning the Bendigo, Heathcote District, Loddon Valley, North Central and Bendigo Junior leagues announced they'd pushed back the start of their seasons to May 2 because of coronavirus concerns.
However, on Tuesday afternoon the AFL said that all AFL and AFL state association managed or operated leagues and NAB AFL Auskick Centres programs currently operating and set to begin, will be postponed until May 31, 2020.
The AFL also "strongly recommended" that independently governed junior and senior leagues and associations postpone the commencement of their competitions until the same date.
"Given the current climate of uncertainty and complexity, we felt it was best for our AFL community to take decisive action now,'' the AFL statement said.
"The recommendation was collectively agreed upon based on the nature of shared public facilities across community football clubs and the health and safety of our volunteer network.
"The AFL and AFL State and Territory Associations are committed to supporting community football during this time.
"We are a game, but we are not the main game.
"The main game is looking after the community and that is the clear priority for everyone at the moment. For football families like all families.
"It is paramount that support and engagement in community football continues during these times.
"It is vital players, coaches, administrators, supporters, sponsors, volunteers and kids retain close links to their local clubs, Auskick Centres and wider league network."
Read more: BDCA grand finals cancelled
AFLCV regional general manager Carol Cathcart said "leagues will be in discussion with their members to plan the next steps."
The AFLCV leagues had decided on May 2 in a bid to fixture a full home and away season plus finals.
"This decision was made due to concerns for the coronavirus and the need to protect the health and safety of players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and the broader community,'' Cathcart said in a statement on Tuesday morning announcing the push back to May 2.
"Fixtures will be amended to complete the season resulting in later grand finals. Leagues will continue to explore fixturing alternatives however acknowledge the situation is fluid and any decision may change.
"In the interim, the commission and league chairs are advising clubs to cease all activities in relation to football and netball, including training and practice matches from today, Tuesday March 17 until April 1, 2020. This will be subject to further direction by the Government and AFL.
"We, like many organisations are doing our best to make decisions which are in the best interests of all concerned."
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