Mansfield and Seymour will recommence the Goulburn Valley League football and netball seasons this weekend, after a meeting on Wednesday night.
The league board, club presidents and netball co-ordinators met to discuss the remainder of the 2021 home and away season.
After the meeting, the board met to review the feedback from clubs.
“We are pleased to be able to announce the resumption of the GVL home and away season, even with the limitation of no crowds,” league chairman David Roff said.
“Our member clubs expressed a strong desire, on behalf of their players, to resume play as soon as could be facilitated.
“We know people will be keen to get to their local footy and netball matches, but we are reminding everyone that general spectators are not allowed.
“Whilst we are hopeful that this is only for the next two weeks, we understand that by following the recommendations of the state government we will be doing all we can to ensure the health and safety of everyone within our communities and that our players can play the game that they love.
“If the general public do not adhere to restrictions, including no general spectators, it could seriously jeopardise the remainder of season 2021.”
Roff said the lack of spectators had significant financial implications on clubs and to support this, the board also discussed options to be able to assist clubs in reducing their costs for Round 13.
“The board has agreed to underwrite the cost of all GVFUA-appointed umpires for Round 13 games,” he said.
“Further to this, the board also agreed to fund each club $200 to cover the cost of netball umpires for Round 13.
“It is hoped that this will assist clubs with their match day operational costs.
“This measure will be in place for this one round only.”
While no crowds will be present, those involved in making the games happen must sign in using the QR codes around the ground and face masks must be worn at all times except during play.
While the Eagles and Lions will restart the season this weekend with a 2pm clash, which is a make up game from round three, the rest of round 13 will be played on August 7.
The remaining matches will start at 2.35 pm, with Tatura hosting Mooroopna, Seymour backing up against Echuca and Mansfield doing the same against Rochester, Kyabram and Shepparton United doing battle, Benalla will tackle Shepparton Swans and Shepparton and Euroa will play at Deakin Reserve.
A full Picola District Football League round will take place this weekend, while the Kyabram District and Murray leagues have called a general bye.
Along the boundaries of the McPherson Media Group sports coverage area, the Heathcote District and Ovens and King football netball leagues will also take to the oval and court this weekend.
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No spectators, no worries? District leagues make call on return to play