Congratz to Cookshill on being promoted to ZPL.
Who now fills the void in ZL1?
If we get the green light for a start at the end of May or early June. How many weeks will teams need as a preseason before the season starts
Double edged sword isn't it. More prep time = an increase in congested fixtures whereas less prep time = reduced congestion. Considering injury risk would be biggest worry I would probably prefer a couple weeks prep and then realistically treat the first 2-3 games as 'trials' physically and mentally rather than have a little extra training but have to play 3 games every week
In the NPL this season, reserve grade and 18's are able to use 5 substitutions off the bench. Maybe adopting this rule for one season would alleviate a lot of pressure on fitness levels and injuries in the lower divisions
Does anyone know how some ZPL or ZL clubs will manage physical distancing rules if a comp re starts? Grounds like Kotara, Swansea, Connolly are public space. Is Newcastle Football leaning toward pulling the entire season for their Interdistrict clubs from 6s to Zone? Surely Senior Zone League games could be relocated to grounds with one entry/exit. Not NPL grounds but if Mayfield Girls are cancelled on Sundays could it host an alternate week and host Kotara? Garden Suburb? Administrators need to think big picture.
No plans that I have heard to pull the seasons for U6 through Zone. Once you get to U12's the issues for crowds are the same as Zone. If one comp goes ahead they all will.
I think the biggest issues for social distancing will be the mini-roos games. Going to need to be some big changes in scheduling at some of the bigger clubs to make that work.
I hear some talk of not all 10 teams are going to play in this years comp once it starts back up. Could be a 7 or 8 team comp. Don’t blame any club for pulling out if it’s half a season with no final and clubs still having to pay full freight to the association. Plus all the other restriction.