Rip Curl Pro and local footy postponed

THE impacts of the coronavirus pandemic continue to be felt, with several sporting codes forced to postpone or cancel their seasons as part of an effort to reduce social contact.

One of the most significant of these for locals will be the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. A fixture of the calendar over Easter, the Rip Curl Pro was postponed on Tuesday along with all other World Surf League (WSL) events through to the end of May.

Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Adam Robertson said his organisation fully supported the WSL’s decision.

“It is an unfortunate and heartbreaking situation to be in, however the health and safety of competitors, staff and the general public are our priority.

“The fact that the WSL are committed to running the RCP in 2020 shows their commitment to the event.

“We are working closely with the WSL and Surf Coast Shire to look at alternative dates in the future and will provide updates whenever possible.”

WSL chief executive officer Erik Logan said the league had “every intention of starting the 2020 Championship Tour season and the rest of its tours as soon as possible”.

“We are already hard at work doing scenario planning for what a reimagined 2020 tour might look like.”

Late on Tuesday, AFL Barwon postponed all of its competitions – including the BFL, GFL and GDFL – until May 31.

AFL Barwon has also immediately postponed and shut down all training, practice matches, large scale events and gatherings at clubs across the entire region until May 31 in line with health guidelines implemented by the federal government.

NAB AFL Auskick centres and programs operating or set to begin as well as club school visits will also be postponed until May 31.

“This unprecedented situation has presented challenges for everyone, and we want to thank our clubs for being proactive on this issue and know that will continue. The safety and welfare of our players, volunteers, officials and their families remains our number one priority,” AFL Barwon stated on its website.

“While we understand this is a big measure, we believe it is a necessary one. Clubs will still be able to hold matters such as a committee meeting at their headquarters in the interim.”

The GCA board has cancelled the 2019/2020 finals series, and will meet remotely over the next few days to make a determination on the awarding of premierships across the 15 senior cricket grades.