Hamilton: We may not be back in action this season
OLDHAM chairman Chris Hamilton has warned the Betfred Championship may not return this season, despite Super League resuming next month.
Hamilton joined a meeting of Championship and League One clubs and RFL officials last week to discuss the potential for returning to training and the resumption of fixtures behind closed doors.
“There is still no decision as to whether or not we will return this season as there is so much to consider, as well as the welfare of so many people, not least the fans, season ticket holders and sponsors, plus the clubs’ and venues’ abilities to be able to comply with all required standards,” explained Hamilton.
“There isn’t, at this present time, a date on the horizon as to when spectators might be able to return to watch games, even in reduced numbers.
“This is the position everybody wants to get to, although it is very much dependent on how the virus continues to be controlled.”
Hamilton praised the efforts of the RFL - which secured an emergency loan in May that clubs impacted by the shutdown of the sport can apply to access - revealing that the initial return-to-training protocols document issued to clubs stretched to 22 pages.
He said: “The RFL has done an impressive job for the game throughout the whole of this pandemic and has kept clubs up to date as much as possible with information and guidance, all of which is following government advice, which is crucial.”
Clubs generally rely on matchday revenues as their main source of income and if matches are played behind closed doors, it is feared many sides would not be able to survive.
In addition, rugby league is classified as ‘high risk’ in terms of the spread of coronavirus and may have significant implications for part-time players who have other jobs alongside their rugby careers.
“The threat of Covid-19 remains very real and rugby league, due to the nature of both training and playing, is a high-risk sport,” said Hamilton.
“It is therefore vital that all the necessary steps and guidelines are strictly followed to ensure the safety of all the people involved.”