2021 Winter Season Update and 2022 Discount Fund - Message from BDAFA
On the 20th of August 2021 Bankstown District Amateur Football Association (BDAFA) announced the abandonment of the 2021 Winter Season.
“Unfortunately, given the current challenges we all face at this point in time with respect to COVID, and the associated lockdowns, it has made the viability of completing the 2021 Winter Football Season untenable. The extended lockdown and restrictions announced by the government today only confirm this is our only course of action available.
We are sure many in the Bankstown Football family, like us, share the disappointment in the season being cut short. Unfortunately, the current landscape left us with no choice.”
2021 Competition Outcomes
When reviewing the competitions and possible competition completion scenarios, it was determined by the Board that the fairest outcome for all participants was to not declare any Minor Premiers or Premiers for the 2021 Season. With many competitions having multiple variables to consider in determining an outcome, we are of the belief that football competitions should be won on the pitch and not via a formula or an arbitrary decision in an office. We hope all participants share this view and understand BDAFA’s decision is the most equitable one of all the options which could be considered.
Small Sided Football participants will still receive their participation medallion from BDAFA through their Club when safe to do so. Further communication will be provided to Clubs to co-ordinate the pick-up of medallions at such time.
Player Fees – 2022 Discount Fund
The BDAFA Board has resolved to establish a fund of over $100,000.00 to be used for discounts by our Member Clubs for participants who played in the 2021 BDAFA Winter Season returning to play in the 2022 BDAFA Winter Season. This discount will be provided directly to Clubs who provide discounts on their 2022 season registration which will allow them to further discount this amount from players registration in 2022. The Clubs must also not have any outstanding invoices to be paid to BDAFA to be eligible for the discounts. The Board recently met with our Member Clubs in respect to this and many have already agreed to review and provide discounts for returning players where possible on their registration fees in 2022.
Lastly, BDAFA would like to acknowledge and say thank you to our Clubs and their volunteers who have served Bankstown Football tirelessly, in which we would recognise that in our 75 year history as a sport in this area, these may well be the hardest times in our community’s history. Many of you are experiencing great personal hardship and you have, over the last 2 years, still graciously given your time to the Football community. Without you Bankstown Football would not be a success. To all the players, parents and families that make-up Football in Bankstown, we would not exist without you, and this process over the past 8 weeks has revalidated that Football has a very special place in Bankstown and a passion shared by many for this great game.
We now must look forward to 2022, we look forward to finally being in a position to enjoy football in an uninterrupted season where we can all come back together to enjoy the highs and lows of a game of football. Finally, thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and we cannot wait to get back to the fields in 2022!
Panania Diggers Soccer Club
Panania Diggers SC will discount 2022 fees for all players, returning or new. Our proposed fee structure for 2022 is as follows:
- Joeys – (currently $60) - free
- Juniors – (currently $160 6-12, $200 13-18) - $100, effectively free after the Active Kids Voucher
- Seniors – (currently $300) - $200
- PL – (currently $350) - $250
We will also be looking for sponsors, for individual teams or a whole grade, to cover the cost of shorts & socks. This would range from $300 for 6’s to $1,000 for senior sides and would make soccer effectively free for all juniors. Accordingly, there will be no family or student discounts under this model.
Below is a list of common questions that the Panania Diggers SC Committee has fielded so far, with answers.
| Why did BDAFA call of the 2021 winter season ?
It is clear that even if we get out of lockdown at the end of September restrictions will remain for some time, there is no realistic chance of being able to complete the competition.
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| I only got to play ½ a season. Will I get part of my 2021 rego fees refunded ?
No, your registration payments go through FFA so we don’t have access to bank account details, nor do we have he resources to facilitate payment of around 700 refunds.
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| What happens to the fees I paid in 2021 ?
The majority of those fees is distributed to BDAFA and FNSW, the club retains a small portion to meet operational costs.
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| What about the pre-paid referee’s fees?
BDAFA will refund the unused portion of what has been paid to the club, which will be incorporated next year’s discounted fees.
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| Will I get a discount on my 2022 rego fees ?
Yes, as per above.
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| I won’t be playing in 2022. Can I get my 2021 fees refunded ?
No. |
| Will BDAFA be running a Summer Comp in 2021 ?
That will depend on many factors and won’t be known for some time. |
