PLAY for nothing or don't play at all. That's the edict issued by the Illawarra Rugby League board in a proposal for a modified 2020 season, with clubs still divided over whether a season should go ahead amid the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Barring all player payments and sign-ons is the key point in the proposal endorsed by the IDRL Board and circulated to all clubs on Sunday night proposing what could be the first fully amateur season in the Illawarra competition's history.
IDRL general manager Chris Bannerman says it's the Board's view, which has been endorsed by the NSW Rugby League, that an amateur season is the only viable way for a season to go ahead.
"Based on our discussions with clubs we've made the decision that the rules of participation this year will be that there will be no player payments and no sign-on [fees]," Bannerman said.
"We know some other areas have gone down this path and NSW Rugby League support that course of action. It's pretty clear that, if we don't go down this path, we won't enough clubs that can stick their hand up and commit.
"If clubs aren't [playing for free] and some are it could become a very lopsided affair. We felt the best option was to put that condition in there from the start so it's clear and everyone's starting on the same platform.
"It's the best chance to get a viable competition off the ground under these circumstances."
It also poses the likelihood that spectators will be barred from grounds, with health advice indicating public gatherings are likely to be capped at 100 people or less.
It would see clubs take a large hit through loss of game-day gate and bar revenue, with the league urging clubs to take that into account in assessing their viability.
"On the basis that we're removing the primary cost which is player payments, we're asking them to assess their situation financially on the likelihood there'd be no crowds and no financial input from licensed venues and clubs," Bannerman said.
"They're going to have to realise that there's impacts through [loss of] gate revenue and bar and canteen revenue. We just want clubs to fully conscious of the parameters they're facing and what revenue streams they're going to be without before they put their hand up.
"There's also lot of [health measures] that need to be put in place in terms of training and match days and that's going to create a lot of demands on people and volunteers. We've got to make sure everyone's going to be happy to move forward with that."
Clubs have until May 20 to make their decision on the proposal that does not include a reserve grade competition but does include a women's league, under 18s (male and female) competitions, as well as second division (Shield) competition.
The league won't consider a draw until it has a confirmed number of starters but Bannerman said any club that chooses not to go around will not be punished in any way moving forward, urging clubs to base any decision on their long-term viability.
"If any clubs feel it's best they don't participate and they want to wait until next year we understand that," Bannerman said.
"That could be a reality and no one's going to hold any grudges because all clubs are making decisions based on their own circumstances."