WESTFIELD – Citing the uncertainty of COVID-19, the Suburban Amateur Football League announced the cancellation of the 2020 fall season Monday.
“After reviewing the guidelines set forth by Governor (Charlie Baker) for athletes, team staff, and officials, the difficult decision was made to cancel the 2020 Suburban Amateur Football League season,” the league’s Board of Directors announced on their Facebook page and league website late Monday. “It is in the best interest for the health and safety of the players, cheerleaders, coaches, officials, volunteers, and families to not move forward with a season.”
League officials said the requirements and guidelines set for by the governor’s office were too “complex and cumbersome” for a youth football season in 2020.
“Although, this decision weighed heavily on all of us, the importance of keeping our players, cheerleaders, coaches, officials, volunteers, and families safe outweighed a decision to move forward with a regular season,” the league stated.
The SAFL is comprised of teams from Westfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, Longmeadow, South Hadley, Springfield, Wilbraham, Agawam, Dalton, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, West Springfield, Amherst, Belchertown, Franklin County, Ludlow, Palmer, Frontier, Northampton, Quabbin, Ware, and Warren West Brookfield.
Despite the league’s cancellation, Westfield Youth Football is still not giving up without a fight.
“Our president … is looking into what options may be availab(l)e for our teams,” Westfield Youth Football announced on its Facebook page late Monday. “Dont panic yet. We know how much Westfield loves their football and those of you who know our President, know he doesn’t give up that easy.”
More information is expected later this week.
