LOCAL sports remain in a holding pattern as the coronavirus wreaks havoc on world sport but say they will adhere to advice from governing bodies, including the potential delaying of seasons.
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The coronavirus has already caused massive disruptions to pre-season preparations in all football codes with a host of trial games already cancelled, including Gundagai Rugby League Club's mini mod and league tag trial carnivals scheduled for this weekend.
AFL Southern NSW regional manager Marc Geppert will participate in a phone hook-up with the AFL on Monday where they will be given further advice on how to approach the issue.
"The AFL is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and reminds their clubs, volunteers and players that their safety and health is our number one priority," Geppert said.
"We are prepared to make any decision to ensure their safety. We will have another update via AFL House in Melbourne tomorrow (Monday) and go from there.
"At the moment we've gone out to clubs and reminded them about the safety of players and hygiene, things like that."
Football Wagga president Tony Dobbin said they're receiving daily updates from Football NSW on the best course of action, and are prepared to do whatever it takes to protect the health of their participants.
"Football NSW is sending us updates basically every day. It's still a watching brief but they're saying these are the precautions you should be taking now," he said.
"As an example Henwood Park were going to play a pre season match in Canberra today (Sunday), which got canned.
"We're anticipating there will be further guidance and if it's the case that we have to delay the season or whatever, we have to work around it."
No crowds will be allowed into the Albury Gold Cup carnival on Thursday and Friday, with Racing NSW to advise Albury Racing Club if racing will still go ahead, with only industry participants able to attend.
Group 20 Rugby League's main pre-season carnival has also been canned. Group Nine officials said they are seeking advice from the NSWRL, with fixtures to go ahead at this stage.
Wagga's NRL clash on April 18 between Canberra and Newcastle is almost certain to be scrapped, with NRL games to be played from behind closed doors from next weekend.
The Raiders' round two clash with the Warriors, originally scheduled to be held in New Zealand, will now be played on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The Wagga Wagga-based Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) has also cancelled the National Trap Championships due to be held in the city from March 23-29.
"This has been a difficult decision made after the announcement from the Prime Minister concerning the spread of the coronavirus, and also advice from the Wagga Wagga City Council that they did not want the event to proceed," ACTA national president Mal Dyson said.
Basketball NSW on Saturday made the decision to cancel all their programs, events and fixtures until further notice, and will consult with local associations regarding their domestic competitions this week.
Basketball Wagga said via Facebook that Basketball NSW will advise them on Monday on whether round two of the Southern Junior League will go ahead at Wollongong on the first weekend in April.
- Those suffering acute, cold, flu-like symptoms who have recently returned from travelling or are a contact of a confirmed case are urged to be tested for the virus. To do this, call HealthDirect on 1800 0222 222 to be triaged and advised by a nurse over the phone. Alternatively, contact your GP to book an appointment and let them know in advance if you have symptoms - these might include fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath.
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