Update
THE future of the region's sporting competitions could hinge on a meeting between state government officials.
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Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson is set to meet with NSW Department of Sport and NSW Health officials on Thursday afternoon to discuss changes made to NSW public health measures.
The change brought in by NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant on Tuesday had the potential to limit sports being played between different regions.
Mr Anderson said he would be pushing to ensure competitions such as AFL North West and Northern Inland Football could continue.
"I'm meeting with NSW Health and the department of sport because we need clarification about what these changes mean," Mr Anderson said.
"Everyone has put in a lot of work to implement COVID-Safe plans and it would be a shame to see that come to and end.
"Travelling across the region is a way of life of sports teams in our region and I will be doing everything I can to ensure it can continue."
An outcome of the meeting is expected on Wednesday evening.
Earlier
THE region's sports competitions could come to an abrupt end due to a change in NSW public health measures.
The change brought in by NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant on Tuesday recommended sports cancel zone, regional or state championships or competitions from Wednesday.
However, the definition of zones has not been made clear by the government and left many sporting organisations confused about the remaining competitions.
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Northern Inland Football competitions administrator Toby McVey said he believed the new recommendations shouldn't mean the cancelling of community sport.
"We are in a bit of limbo at the moment because we are still waiting on clarification on what it all means," Mr McVey said.
"At the moment, we're still going ahead with our Premier Division and Namoi League competition games this weekend until we hear differently.
"It would be a massive shame if it came to an end early because all of the clubs committees, players and volunteers have put in a massive amount of work, so it would be a sad and sorry way to end the season."
AFL North West tribunal co-ordinator Josh McKenzie said he was hopeful the season could continue.
"Like everyone, we are waiting on clarification," Mr McKenzie said.
"I have heard some anecdotal talk that the regions might be restricted to local government areas, but that hasn't been confirmed.
"If that were to be the case our competition would be in a bit of trouble, but due to the lack of clarification we are still hopeful we can continue."
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the cancellation of local sports would be "a cruel blow" to the community.
"I sincerely hope they will be able to continue," Mr Anderson said.
"It will be very disappointing if we can't continue to play sport in places like Tamworth, Walcha, Gunnedah and Armidale.
"We are pushing very hard to make sure that can continue to happen.
"I'm doing everything I possibly can, but if the Public Health Order says it can't happen I will understand why, however I will be very disappointed and we want them to stay on and keep playing."
Mr McVey said while this weekend's Premier and Namoi League games may still go ahead, some representative competitions had already been postponed.
"We are just at the half-way point of our season and starting the second round of our fixtures this weekend," he said.
"However, our Northern League One teams who participate in Newcastle will have their fixtures postponed for at least this weekend.
"In terms of the rest of the competitions, if the advice we get is to postpone, I dare say the easier option may be to just cancel the remainder of the season."