The Canadian Junior Football league has announced the cancellation of the 2020 season.
As many expected the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has made it financially impossible to have a season.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the #CJFL has determined that it is not feasible to operate a regular season or playoffs for the 2020 season. @tvnatasha @TSN_Sports @Sportsnet @JayOnrait @tsnotoole https://t.co/5JMRfJXrY0 pic.twitter.com/3I5ufdhqCc
— CJFL News (@CJFLnews) August 6, 2020
“It is very disappointing to make this announcement today, but our priority is the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, and team administrators”, stated CJFL Commissioner Jim Pankovich in a news release.
Since the beginning of this pandemic, the CJFL has followed all public health guidelines and will continue to support them in the future. Unfortunately, at this stage, return to play guidelines do not allow for large enough gatherings to make training and competition safe for athletes.
The league says it looks forward to returning in 2021.
The news means the Regina Thunder will not suit up this season. It is news that Head Coach Scott McAulay didn’t want to hear, but he says it now gives the organization a chance to take August off before they reconvene in September to stay sharp. MacAulay is hoping that process could involve some controlled scrimmages with the Saskatoon Hilltops, but conversations need to be had at a variety of levels before that can happen.
McAulay adds this will show him how hungry some of his players are as they work to stay in shape for when that day comes that they get back on the field to play.
“If you want to be a football player, be a football player.” McAulay said. “We will find out over the next few months who really loves the game of football.”
