Letter from Heathmont Jets Junior President
Dear Jets Families
What a season 2020 has turned out to be!
It’s been hard to comprehend that there will be no community football this year. No doubt you are all as disappointed as I am with this situation, but as I have previously said you and your family’s health and wellbeing must come first. The club fully supports the EFNL and can understand what a hard decision they have had to make.
As I write this, I’m reminded of the timing, in normal circumstances we would be playing our last couple of games, gearing up for finals, after what no doubt would have been another fabulous year for the Jets.
So much planning by the hardworking committee had gone in to this season, including ensuring that we had protocols in place recently, so that we could get the players back on the park, even if it was only for a few weeks. It was great so see the enjoyment it brought to everyone and well worth it albeit for a very short time.
I would like to take the opportunity to again thank all the families, players, coaches, team managers, and volunteers for their ongoing support. Also to my committee, especially the executive, Brett Hansen, Joc O’Connor, Warren Mullenger, Justin O’Dwyer, Wayne Judge and Mark Lanyon for their continued support and efforts to make the most out of an ever changing environment this year. It is gratefully appreciated.
To our new players, who are yet to pull on a Jets jumper, we can’t wait to see you again next season! To our top age players, thank you for your time at the Jets and we wish you well in your footballing future and look forward to seeing you at the Heathmont Jets Seniors in 2021. We also hope that you will take fond memories of your time at Heathmont Juniors with you.
What happens next?
After the EFNL season cancellation announcement, the executive committee once again met and commenced planning what we do from here. This will be an ongoing process but we wanted to let you know as soon as we could what initial steps we are taking.
From a league standpoint, the EFNL issued a recommendation to clubs to rollover this year’s club registration fees to season 2021, less the EFNL insurance component, which has already been paid to the league and will be covering operating costs they have incurred this year. They also recommend deducting an administration fee to help cover the costs that have already been outlaid.
The club proposes to follow this recommendation including –
· We will rollover this year’s club registration fee to season 2021. Any players registered this season will be automatically registered for next season guaranteeing your child a place in their team.
· For any top age players (U17/U18G) your club 2020 registration fees will be refunded, excluding the EFNL charge, and we will be in contact in the coming weeks with more information. The League is considering playing options for top age in 2021, but at this stage we are unable to provide certainty on this.
· The 2020 EFNL insurance component ($18) is not included as the annual policy covers player injury insurance for training that has already occurred. This small charge will be levied again in 2021 by the league.