WARRNAMBOOL and District Football Netball League feels comfortable with its financial situation despite recording a $12,560 loss after the coronavirus pandemic wiped out its 2020 season.
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President Kylie Murphy, who was re-elected for a second term at Monday night's annual general meeting, said the deficit, while significant, could have been worse given the circumstances.
The league still boasts more than $56,000 in assets.
"The finance is going to be a drop and a worry for everyone, having no football and netball that's guaranteed," Murphy told The Standard.
"But we're not the only ones - the clubs will be struggling as well.
"We'll be looking to next year to move forward and make it a bigger year."
The league suffered a $226,773 drop in income. It fell from $257,644 to $30,871.
Finals gate takings and sponsorship were the biggest contributors.
Sponsorship fell more than $65,000.
"Businesses are going to be struggling but we'd hope we can get the same that we can normally get," Murphy said of the league's 2021 sponsorship target.
"If we can get a couple more that would be great but we understand how the community is and the businesses (given the pandemic impact)."
Expenses, given there were no competitions to run, also fell.
Its 2020 expenses were just $43,431 compared to $237,005 in 2019.
"AFL Western District waived their fees which was nice and it was great some of the board members didn't take any of their honorariums," Murphy said.
Murphy said she was pleased to be re-elected in the top role after quipping in her report - "first female president, first to cancel a season since the war".
"This year was (about) concentrating on protocols and 'are we going to play, are we not going to play?'," she said.
"It was a bit of a stress at the start but I got through it all with all the meetings.
"It will be nice to at least have a game of football and netball under (my leadership)."
Allan Miller, Tafadzwa 'Taff' Chitava and Georgia Harrison, along with Murphy, had one year each remaining on their terms.
Scott Coverdale was re-instated after re-nominating. The board is yet to chose a vice president.
The netball sub-committee will consist of Veronica Cannon (chairperson), Stephanie Townsend, Clare Dunn, Fran Bell and Loretta Doran.
Norm Gibson stood down from the board as did Carolyn Howe, who was also on the netball sub-committee.
"They were unbelievable, valued members of the board and we wish them all the best," Murphy said.
Kaye Hollis and Kim Jamieson also stepped off the netball sub-committee.
Warrnambool and District league has opted to keep entry fees the same in 2021.
Home-and-away matches will cost $10 per adult and $6 for concession with those 17 and under free.
Weeks one-to-three finals tickets remain at $12 for adults, $6 for concession and free for those 17 and under.
The grand final is $15 per adult, $10 for concession with children free.
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