OSBORNE president Jason Gooden has slammed the Hume league hierarchy for the lack of consultation with its clubs before "prematurely" announcing there would be no premiership awarded this season.
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The Hume league made the bombshell decision on Wednesday night after clubs voted nine to three against playing into October to enable a shortened season.
The Tigers alongside Culcairn and Lockhart were the only three clubs in favour of playing beyond the traditional season endpoint of mid September.
Gooden said he was outraged that the Hume league made the drastic decision to scrap playing for the premiership without further consultation with its clubs.
"It's disappointing that a minority of people can take away the hopes and dreams of the players within the league of being part of a premiership this season," Gooden said.
"The Osborne football club feels that the Hume league board has made its decision prematurely.
"The Hume league clubs were robbed of the opportunity to consider and discuss the pros and cons of playing for a premiership this season.
"Clubs were only asked to email in their vote on whether they were prepared to play into October and club delegates didn't get to attend the meeting.
"I then read on The Border Mail website on Thursday that there is no premiership and that's the first time I had heard about it.
"What a joke."
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Gooden said there was nothing in the Hume league constitution that states how many matches must be played before a premiership can be awarded.
"Prime minister Scott Morrison has told everyone to remain calm, patient and most importantly stay connected through this pandemic," he said.
"I feel for one league to then come out and publicly announce its going to suspend the premiership season is irresponsible.
"There should have been extensive consultation with its own clubs, neighbouring leagues and with the AFL before the announcement."
Gooden said the majority of Osborne players were shocked by the announcement.
"Our players are flat at the moment," he said.
"Most of the players got together yesterday via a zoom meeting.
"As club delegates and league officials we have a moral obligation to do what we can to keep our younger generation optimistic and mentally healthy."
Culcairn president Andrew Godde said the Lions initially voted to play into October but conceded there were more hurdles to jump the longer the season went.
"Farmers start hay cutting in October," Godde said.
"There is the Culcairn, Walbundrie and Lockhart Shows as well.
"Also Culcairn, Jindera, Henty and Lockhart have received grants to have upgrades to their ovals in early October."