JUST like their senior counterparts, Group Seven Junior Rugby League are mapping out plans to commence their 2020 season in the near future.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Group Seven president Scott McLaurin recently outlined how his senior competition has drafted up plans to kick-off their 12-week campaign on July 18 and 19, before a five-team final series - culminating in a potential grand final day on November 8.
Similarly, the South Coast competition's junior board have been in discussions to "get players back on the field as soon as is possible".
"Paramount to any move forward will be the safety of our players, officials, parents and supporters, so we will be guided by and fully adhere to health guidelines and protocols once released," a Group Seven junior board spokesperson said.
"Although government guidelines and NSWRL regulations are yet to be confirmed at this time, it is clear that restricting crowds/gatherings of adults/parents will be a requirement/priority."
As such, the draft plans for the draw will see the Group Seven mod competition run for 10 weeks, from July 18 to September 19 - to coincide with the school holiday term.
In the proposed system, there will be no gala days or finals series - with premiers being determined on who finishes on top of the point score at the conclusion of the 10 rounds.
The new draw will also see minis play an eight-round competition from 18 July, while the new girls tackle league will span five rounds - with teams playing every second week from July 25 to September 19.
"While this format is vastly different from normal, we need to make the necessary compromises required to ensure we can keep everyone safe and get back and stay on the field," a Group Seven junior board spokesperson said.
One part of the draw still being discussed is the under 13s to under 16s Group Seven/Illawarra merged competition.
It is hoped this format will be confirmed in the coming weeks, once the two boards come together with the finer details - which will be determined when NSWRL, in conjunction with the Australian Government, releases its requirements.