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Dear All,

I trust this email finds you safe and well, we know this is an uncertain time for everyone involved in Wheelchair Rugby League.

While the full impact of COVID-19 is yet to be realised, Wheelchair Rugby League is committed to ensuring our members participate in Rugby League programs in a Safe and healthy setting.

The advice in this memo is based on the latest available information from Federal Government and the NRL. We will continue to follow this advice and monitor the development of the COVID-19 situation throughout the month of May 2020 and will provide direction for June and beyond as new information becomes available from the relevant Federal Government authorities.

In the very recent times Australia has seen the way we conduct sport across our Nation change dramatically on the domestic front.
As an Affiliate of the NRL we automatically agreed to cease all our competitions /programs to ensure the safety and welfare of our participants is maintained.

As the Wheelchair RL Board we are currently prioritising our planning for what our return to play for Wheelchair Rugby League looks like, including training, domestic competitions and representative fixtures.

This will depend upon when indoor sporting facilities open again and once it becomes safe and practical to do so – and ensuring that we maintain the standards of Social Distancing in a safe manner.

Why has Community Rugby League been postponed?
The National Rugby League (NRL), in partnership with State governing bodies (NSWRL, NRLVIC, NRLSA, NRLWA, NRLNT & QRL) has postponed community rugby league in Australia until at least the first weekend of June. This decision has been informed by advice from Government and relevant Health organisations with view to stopping the spread of COVID-19 virus.

The postponement includes all junior and senior community club rugby league competitions including wheelchair Rugby League games, training, gala days and promotional events.
Note: any commencement date will be continually reviewed in line with advice from relevant state jurisdictions.

When will Community Rugby League commence?
At this point in time the postponement applies through to the first weekend in June. The postponement includes all junior and senior community club rugby league competitions, training, gala days and other Club based Community events.
We will continue to review this position when the advice from the relevant health and government authorities deem it safe to do so. Please note that the NSWRL has recently indicated Junior Competitions will recommence in late July – however other States have yet to make decisions on a return date please refer to your relevant State organisation for competition specific details.

Will Community Competitions commence this season?
We remain optimistic that Community Competitions may commence again in 2020, however we will only do so when the relevant health and government authorities deem it safe to do so. Unfortunately, due to the critical travel and health restrictions imposed to help stop the spread of COVID-19, a number of state-wide competitions and events have had to be cancelled. Please refer to your relevant State organisation for competition specific details.

What happens if the situation hasn’t improved by June?
We are constantly reviewing the situation and any decisions that are made will be based on the advice of the Government and relevant Health authorities. Any change in the current position based on new information will be communicated immediately.
The situation is evolving rapidly and its important Rugby League plays its part in not only stopping the spread of the virus but also safe-guards our valuable volunteers, players and broader Rugby League community.

Are there any other helpful sites?
The State bodies have been pro-active in keeping their stakeholders informed. If you’re still looking for further information please go to your respective State body website.

Where can I find out more about Covid19?

The Australian Governments Department of Health is a reliable source of information relating to Covid19. Click here to access this information

Should you have any concerns or queries please contact your local State based Coordinators – now more than usual we need to look out for each other and stay connected.

Your sincerely

Martin Meredith
Chair
Wheelchair Rugby League Australia

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