Canadian Junior Football League cancels 2020 season due to COVID-19

Photo courtesy: CJFL

The Canadian Junior Football League has determined that it is not feasible to operate a regular season or playoffs for the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league’s focus and attention will now be on its return to play plan for the 2021 season.

“It is very disappointing to make this announcement today, but our priority is the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, and team administrators”, CJFL Commissioner Jim Pankovich said.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, the CJFL has followed all public health guidelines and will continue to support them in the future. Unfortunately, at this stage, return to play guidelines do not allow for large enough gatherings to make training and competition safe for our athletes.

Despite our hope that the situation in Canada would improve and allow for the CJFL to proceed with the 2020 season, the health and safety challenges stemming from COVID-19 and the ongoing risk to our players, coaches and staffs make it unfeasible for the CJFL teams to compete in 2020.

“Our teams play an important role in their communities. All CJFL teams will continue to engage with their players and communities as regional public health regulations allow,” Pankovich said.

The CJFL looks forward to returning to competition in 2021.