4 Mar 2025
Announcement: The Championships Postponed
Touch Football Australia (TFA) has made the incredibly difficult but necessary decision to postpone The Championships due to the severe weather forecast caused by Category Two Tropical Cyclone Alfred off the South-East Queensland coast. The safety of our players, officials, staff, and spectators is our top priority – and after consulting with local authorities and emergency services, there is no other course of action.
Originally due to take place this Thursday, 6 March to Saturday, 8 March in Coffs Harbour, The Championships will now be rescheduled, with exact dates and details to be confirmed in the coming days. The difficult decision was made today based on the most accurate information on hand, taking into consideration the need to give participants as much notice as possible prior to travelling.
The forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology and State Emergency Service (SES) indicates between 120 to 350ml of heavy and locally intense rainfall over the course of the event, leading to a moderate to severe flood warning for the first time since 2009 and impacting many surrounding areas. Damaging winds are also expected with gusts up to 120km per hour on Wednesday. The expected impact of this weather creates significant safety concerns for participants and staff not just at the event but in travelling to and from the region.
TFA explored many options – including the possibility of shortened games, revised draws, and alternate fields in the Coffs Harbour area. However, the final decision to postpone The Championships was made to ensure the well-being of all Touch Football participants with the aim of delivering a tournament experience under safer and more enjoyable conditions.
We acknowledge that this decision causes substantial ramifications for players, teams, and supporters. However, the safety of all involved is our top priority. We understand the challenges and repercussions involved with travel and accommodation for our community and TFA has worked with City of Coffs Harbour to encourage local accommodation providers to grant leniency to the Touch Football community in moving existing accommodation bookings to the new dates. Please note that this is not a guarantee and can only be requested, not mandated. We encourage participants to liaise with their providers as soon as possible.
TFA will continue to work with C.ex Coffs International Stadium towards new event dates and will share information once a rescheduled event is confirmed. As per Conditions of Entry, all registration fees will be held by TFA and moved to the new event date. If a player can no longer attend, a full refund will be provided. We remain committed to delivering an outstanding event for our participants and the Touch Football community and appreciate your patience and support as we navigate these challenges.
For further and current updates, please stay in touch through our website and social media channels through Facebook and Instagram. If you have urgent inquiries, please contact info@touchfootball.com.au or your respective team manager.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to seeing our Touch Football community soon for the next iteration of The Championships.
Further Information on Tropical Cyclone Alfred:
https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/news/rare-tropical-cyclone-likely-impact-northern-nsw
https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/news/nsw-ses-deploys-personnel-and-assets-ahead-tropical-cyclone
http://www.bom.gov.au/places/nsw/coffs-harbour/
CONTACT:
Philip Phan
Marketing & Communications Manager
Touch Football Australia
Phone: 0435 957 753
Email: philip.phan@touchfootball.com.au
ENDS