The Rock-Yerong Creek are on the verge of withdrawing from any potential Farrer league season this year, believing the obstacles in front of clubs will prove insurmountable.
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AFL Riverina clubs can resume training this week provided they follow mandated protocols. But the Magpies say it isn't their priority and with no clear indication on when or if people will be allowed to gather in numbers, it's hard to commit to a competition.
TRYC co-presidents Mark Driscoll and David Pieper are still discussing with their committee but believe the writing is on the wall for 2020.
"We can't see it, if there's going to be no crowds at football," Driscoll said, noting long-held concerns about sponsorship as well as the meaning of community sport.
"People play for the enjoyment but they also play for the enjoyment of getting together after the game at a pub or a club. You can't do that (at the moment).
"It makes it very hard. We're not the government. And it's a government decision, but they're relying on medical decisions. And there's no set date."
Clubs can now train, within guidelines. But they will also need to talk to paid players (and coaches) about reduced payments. Without a target start date, or clarity on what a season will look like, taking the next step isn't simple.
"I don't know how we can train, to be honest, and train consistently," TRYC co-president Mark Driscoll said.
Team trainings are limited to groups of 10 (including a trainer or coach) with social distancing.
No more than three groups can train on one oval. Mixing between groups is forbidden, and change rooms are no-go except for toilets.
Clubs must appoint a qualified Covid-19 safety officer, to complete an Australian government online training course, and educate club participants. Clubs must keep a log of all training participants.
New TRYC senior coach Brad Aiken, whose every winter has revolved around football, says at a small club, they're concerned for volunteers.
"The main concern is manpower and the older generation we have at our footy club - their safety is paramount and they come first," Aiken said.
"Footy is important as well but not as important as people's wellbeing. Especially when your club is run by a lot of older people.
"I know Wagga hasn't had any cases for a while but it's in the back of everyone's mind."
Aiken said safety requirements for training are fair enough but they'll limit coaching.
