Players entered in the over-35 touch football competition will be compensated for a delayed start to the season, should they choose to register again in 2017.
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“We are looking at reducing registration costs next season to compensate for loss of games,” Wagga Touch spokesman Chris Dolahenty said.
The Over 35’s competition, which plays-out on Monday nights, lifted-off six weeks late at Jubilee Park on October 17.
Teams will not play a finals series, instead, winners will be determined in the preliminary series.
Juniors also endured similar delays, and after consultation, the association declared a series of double-headers was the best way forward.
Junior teams have played four games so far, and will play again on Saturday.
Senior men’s and women’s teams started three weeks late on October 18.
“They said the fields were still a bit heavy, a bit undulating, but other than that it was pretty good,” he said.
“Everyone was glad to be on the park again.”
All games, including finals, will go ahead; the association will consult with teams to either plan double-headers or finish the competition a few weeks late.
Top-tier competitions have diminished slightly. There are five teams registered in the men’s premier league, and five in the women’s premier league, down from six in each last season.
Registrations remain open for the mixed touch football competition, starting at Jubilee Park on November 2.
At this stage, there will be 60 teams registered to play, across three divisions; similar numbers to last season.
Meantime, representative touch players have been flying the flag for Wagga at the Country Championships in Wollongong.
All four of Wagga’s teams qualified for finals, against the best regional teams in the state on the weekend.
Wagga’s mixed open team nearly nabbed the title, but lost the grand final 4-3 in a drop-off.
“It was a good hit-out for the mixed team,” Dolahenty said.
“They’re looking to go to the senior State Cup, in December.”
Wagga’s under 20’s girls narrowly missed out on a title, losing the grand final 6-5.
The senior women and men’s over 40’s were knocked-out in the semi-finals.
“It was a good experience, particularly for the younger girls, many of them will move into junior State Cup sides,” he said.
“It will put them in good stead for that.”
