Decisions around the immediate future of sport in the Wimmera is changing rapidly.
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We will endeavour to keep you up-to-date and informed with accurate information as soon as it comes to light.
Update, 4:50pm:
AFL Wimmera-Mallee has recommended that all clubs in the region cancel training immediately.
"Please stay tuned for an official statement with more detail," a brief statement said.
Update, Tuesday, 4:40pm:
The Mininera and District football league's 2020 season has been postponed.
AFL Western District said none of its six leagues are allowed to begin their 2020 seasons before May 31.
This includes the Western Victoria Female Football League, featuring the Horsham Demons, Stawell Warriors and Ararat Storm.
AFL Western District however said it would review the proposed starting date in mid-April.
"If at that point in time conditions have dramatically improved, there is potential for a commencement of the competitions at the beginning of May 2020," AFL Western District's operations manager Matthew Ross said.
"AFL Western District and leagues have taken advice from AFL, AFL Victoria and relevant government agencies in determining that there is an unacceptable threat to our community through commencing seasons on their scheduled start dates.
"AFL has made a strong recommendation that no community football and netball is played until at least 31 May 2020.
"Accordingly, no league within AFL Western District will commence their 2020 season prior to 31 May 2020."
Mr Ross encouraged clubs to cancel group trainings until further notice.
Mr Ross also encouraged clubs to broach the issue of player payments for the upcoming season.
"During these unprecedented conditions, it is incumbent on all stakeholders of the game to work together to ensure the future viability of their clubs," it said.
"AFL Western District asks all clubs to have strong and robust conversations with players on the topic of match payments.
AFL Western District would strongly advocate a position that players forgo any agreed match payments for 2020 to reduce an unnecessary strain on club finances. If this is not possible, we would encourage stringent measures to reduce the ongoing costs associated with running your clubs.
"There will be considerable questions around the detail involved with this direction. We ask that clubs and stakeholders hold specific questions until after a FAQ document is put together."
Tuesday, 3:25pm:
The start date for upcoming football and netball league seasons remains in doubt.
Clubs and fans were awaiting an official decision from AFL Wimmera-Mallee on whether the start of the 2020 Wimmera league and Horsham District league seasons would be postponed.
AFL Wimmera-Mallee said it was working in consultation with the AFL and AFL Victoria on a decision.
Several other leagues in Victoria postponed their seasons on Tuesday, as community reaction to the coronavirus continued to rapidly progress.
AFL Central Victoria announced the five football-netball leagues in its region - including the North Central football league - would be postponed until at least May 2.
RELATED: Horsham cricket season canned
On Tuesday morning, AFL Wimmera-Mallee area manager Jason Muldoon said he was hopeful a decision would be announced within 24 hours.
"The AFL are continuing to work with state bodies and the World Health Organisation to consider the options for the 2020 season," Mr Muldoon said.
"We appreciate the community's patience while we make a decision that is based on facts and the best interests of the region."
In a statement, Netball Victoria recommended that netball competitions be suspended until Tuesday, April 14, the end of the Victorian term one school holidays.
Netball Victoria said it was also working in consultation with AFL Victoria on whether to postpone regional leagues.
While awaiting a formal decision from AFL Wimmera-Mallee, several clubs have cancelled training sessions.
Horsham District league club Pimpinio announced it had cancelled football and netball training until further notice.
"The health and well-being of our players, coaches, supporters, volunteers and the wider community are of the utmost importance," club president Trevor Baker said.
"After discussions with coaches, directors and committee, it has been decided to implement 'social distancing' and as a result, training has been suspended until further notice and direction."
Nhill and District Sporting Club - which includes the club's hockey teams - announced the same decision on Tuesday afternoon.
Several of the Wimmera's football and netball clubs also released statements encouraging greater hygiene from players and club personnel.
Some clubs told players not to shower at the club, to use their own water bottles, not to share bibs or clothing, and to stay away from the club if presenting any flu-like symptoms, among other recommendations.
The NAB League Boys and NAB League Girls seasons were also put on hold.
18 Wimmera footballers had been selected in the Greater Western Victoria Rebels junior programs. The NAB League Girls season had already started, while the under-18 boys were to begin later this month.
An AFL statement released on Monday said the season would be postponed, along with all premier state leagues such as the VFL and VFLW, until at least May 31.
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