In the light of the continuing uncertainty around the Coronavirus situation the YDL management committee held a Skype meeting on 29 March to look at all the possibilities for the 2020 season and have decided regretfully that all matches scheduled for the 2020 season will be cancelled forthwith.
There were a number of factors influencing the decision, namely:
Whilst government guidelines have forbidden mass gatherings until the end of May, it’s by no means certain that this won’t be extended, indeed if one were to use other countries as a model, it’s more than likely that this will continue for at least a further month if not longer.
Awareness that first aid support from St John’s Ambulance at meetings is likely to be withheld until at least the end of June.
Awareness that a number of tracks intend to extend their closure until June or July at least.
It was felt that it would be helpful to clubs if a definitive decision could be made such that they have as much notice as possible to cancel tracks or transport arrangements to avoid possible charges.
With the limited number of weekends likely to be available for competitions, there would be undue pressure on those dates, and clubs and athletes may be more willing and able to compete at a more local level than having to travel some distance to compete. This being the case it has been requested that any dates previously allocated for YDL, be reserved for clubs who wish to organise local and open competitions.
YDL wish to support the Home Countries in their endeavours to try and salvage what remains of the 2020 season, and hope that the decision gives a little clarity to a confusing situation.
It is also considered the duty of care owed to officials, some of whom may have to undertake a 12-week isolation period, which takes the time-frame well into June.
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