STATE OF PLAY
Sports organisations move to address coronavirus pandemic
JASON GIBBS AND SEAN TEUMA
THE Darling Downs sports community is in a state of upheaval.
Committees, associations and clubs have been forced to reassess their season structures and commitments in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Working in accordance with information and decisions set out by their national governing bodies, many groups have stopped play or delayed the starts of their respective seasons.
The Chronicle has made contact with many local committees to determine the state of play.
The following information is accurate at the time of going to print.
BASKETBALL
Weekend fixtures of the BQJBC were cancelled, with Basketball Queensland suspending programs and fixtures. A decision will be made on further junior representative fixtures today. At a local level, the Toowoomba Basketball Association has called an end to local league fixtures, including the Toowoomba Basketball League wrapping up on Monday night. After meeting with BQ, clubs and the league have been given more time to make a decision on the NBL1 North, with that expected to be made in mid April.
CRICKET
The remainder of the TCI season across all grades has been cancelled.
This follows advice from Cricket Australia, which has also resulted in the presentation evening set down for next month abandoned.
TCI president Angus Rathie said: “The TCI will make a decision on the awarding of the 2019/20 Premierships and Runners-up trophies in due course.
We are awaiting advice on Queensland Veterans Cricket (QVC) season.”
FOOTBALL
All grassroots football in Australia including the NPL, FQPL (South West Queensland Thunder), Miniroos, FFA Cup and futsal has been suspended.
Following ongoing consultation and collaboration with Football Federation Australia (FFA) in achieving a united position, the Football Queensland (FQ) Board of Directors made the decision to immediately postpone all Football
Queensland administered, and all Football Queensland zone administered competitions effective immediately. Working collaboratively with FQ zones, who were informed of this decision at lunchtime Tuesday, followed an ongoing assessment of the situation regarding COVID-19 based on consultation with other Member Federations and the FFA.
HOCKEY
The Toowoomba Hockey season and Iron Jack Challenge is currently underway, however a decision is yet to be made on its immediate future, with the board set to meet tonight.
Hockey Australia has cancelled the U15s and U18s National Championships, with the Queensland Men’s and Women’s Masters also cancelled.
RACING
Racing Queensland has made a determination that will see racing continue at tracks across the state, including Clifford Park tomorrow and in the foreseeable future.
Owners and spectators will be banned from attending the track, with permission only granted to essential personnel.