Frequently Asked Questions - Postponement of WA FootballMonday, March 16, 2020 - 5:37 PM

Will the WAFL & WAFLW season go ahead in 2020?

The WAFL and WAFLW competitions have been postponed until May 31st in an effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus throughout our community. The decision has been made together with the AFL and State football bodies around Australia as part of a national approach to protect the well-being of all players, coaches, umpires, officials, staff and volunteers.

Why has WAFL Club funding been reduced for the remainder of the season?

The WAFC risks losing half of its revenue this year which means we have been forced to make extremely difficult decisions about our people, competitions and the programs that we help to fund and support.

The WAFC will act in the best interests of our game, being prudent on spending only what we can afford whilst exploring all options to lead the industry through this difficult period.

We have a responsibility to all levels of football in Western Australia and must take this approach to financial management to ensure we can see out this difficult period, with the uncertainty of not knowing how long the current conditions will last.  

The planning and decisions we are making today will enable us to be ready to rebound when the green light is given for football to recommence. Once we get through the worst of this virus, footy will play a huge part in reconnecting communities right across Western Australia, led by our people.

To assist clubs, the WAFC will be providing a range of support packages and resources.

The WAFC will also contribute $1m from its Reserves to establish a WA Football COVID-19 Emergency Sustainability Fund and access to short term interest free loan facilities.

Are talent programs also being postponed?

Both female and male talent programs across Western Australia, including Colts, Futures and Jan Cooper Cup, will be postponed until the end of May. This is in conjunction with the postponement of WAFL and WAFLW. Players and parents will be notified of any changes over the coming weeks.

What about community football and Auskick?

All community football, both metropolitan & regional, across Western Australia has been postponed until May 31st in an effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus throughout our community. The decision has been made together with the AFL and State football bodies around Australia as part of a national approach to protect the well-being of all players, coaches, umpires, officials, staff and volunteers.

When does the postponement come into effect?

The decision to postpone all football in Western Australia is effective now. Training and face-to-face education sessions should have ceased from the decision being announced on Tuesday March 17.

I have paid my membership / registration fees will I get a reimbursement?

The WAFC is working with stakeholders to discuss the financial implications of the postponement of all levels of football across Western Australia. In consultation with key stakeholders, we will review our decisions around registration fees. The impacted parties will be contacted in due course.

Can training continue despite no games being played?

Effective immediately no players will be permitted clubs for training, meetings or club commitments until further notice. Conditions for players returning to clubs is being considered, with a consistent approach across the entire competition to be implemented.

Will this impact on AFL National Championships?

At this stage we are awaiting details from the AFL in relation to all male and female talent championships. Players and parents will be made aware of any changes that come to hand.

How will this effect AFL & AFLW National Drafts?

The WAFC remains in discussions with the AFL and other State bodies about the impact on AFL National Drafts and will provide an update as soon as possible.

What’s going to happen with fixtures after May 31st?

The WAFC will be working through this with the relevant clubs, competitions and affiliated bodies and will provide an update as soon as possible. We will commence looking at a range of options for what could occur post May 31st, however we will take the advice of the AFL, the Government and relevant health authorities.

What happens if the situation hasn’t improved by May 31st?

This is an ever-changing landscape and we will continue to rely on the advice of health authorities, the government and AFL with the health and safety of our players, umpires and staff at the forefront of our decision-making. The WAFC will be working through this with the AFL and other State bodies and will provide an update as soon as possible.

How will WAFL clubs survive with no revenue from matches?

To assist clubs, the WAFC will be providing a range of support packages and resources.

The WAFC will also contribute $1m from its Reserves to establish a WA Football COVID-19 Emergency Sustainability Fund and access to short term interest free loan facilities.

What is the current message to WAFL players and fans?

To players, continue preparations for the season to recommence after May 31 and stay in touch with your club and teammates to ensure everyone is receiving the support they need during this challenging period.

To fans, we are doing everything possible to ensure our historic WAFL competition can meet this unprecedented challenge and return as soon as possible. We appreciate your ongoing support and patience during this demanding time and look forward to seeing you back at the football soon.

How would an AFL mini-draft impact on the WAFL competition?

The WAFC will need to assess the impact of any mini-draft based on whether that goes ahead and the format that is decided. We will continue discussions as part of the national working group with the AFL and other State football bodies. 

How does the decision by the AFL to postpone the AFL season impact on the WAFL or grassroots footy in WA?

All State League and community football across metropolitan and regional Western Australia has also been postponed until 31st May. The WAFC, as part of a national working group including the AFL and other State football bodies, will continue to review the decision based on changing circumstances and advice from the AFL, Government and relevant health authorities. Longer term, the financial impact of any AFL decision on Fremantle and West Coast will have to be assessed in relation to their funding contribution to the WAFC.

Will any financial impact on Fremantle and West Coast affect grassroots football funding?

The integrated football system in WA is heavily dependent on the success of our AFL clubs so it will be very important for the WAFC to work through this from a sustainability perspective. This will include calling on our industry to look at significant cost reductions and operational changes to ensure the game can overcome this unprecedented challenge so that football not only survives, but thrives.