Hampshire Premier League chairman tells clubs as coronavirus fears mount: 'The ball is still in your court'

That is the message from league chairman George Mason with teams across the county fearful they might not play again this season.

Both the Premier League and EFL have suspended all matches until April 4 at the earliest because of the current pandemic.

Meanwhile, several leagues in the non-league pyramid - such as the Southern League - have taken the decision to postpone fixtures for the time being.

However, the Hampshire Premier League have adopted a ‘business as usual’ stance at present.

There were seven matches played in the two divisions yesterday - including Locks Heath v Hayling United - and fixtures will continue to be completed should clubs wish to put them on.

But Mr Mason admitted things could have a different look in few days time.

‘The position of the league as things stand is straightforward,' he said.

‘Everyone should follow the government advice from the medical experts and obey it to the letter.

‘As we are a countywide league, situations across the county may vary.

‘At this moment in time, because there is nothing that says we should stop playing football, we are going to leave it to the discretion of the clubs across the county to look at their situation and playing squad.

‘We’ve gone out to the clubs and said ‘at this moment in time, following government information, we will review the situation but the ball is in their court’.

‘But that is the advice today ... it could all change tomorrow.

‘The priority as I see it is government advice, FA advice, our advice and then the clubs.

‘There is a tier of advice levels but we’re all looking upwards and taking the best advice given.'

Many teams in the Hampshire Premier League were already facing a fight to get the season programme complete on time given the wet weather this winter.

Add to that the current situation with coronavirus, there are real concerns sides may be unable to finish their campaigns.

But Mason is hopeful it does not reach that stage.

'Our utmost priority would be as far as possible, if any promotion and relegations would be affected by trying to play those fixtures if there is time,' he added.

‘We’d have to look at the situation with the clubs (if the season was to end).

‘We’d have to look at the situation regarding promotions and relegations.

‘It depends (extending the season) on when and if a decision is taken that we can play no more football

‘All the clubs would have to be involved in any decision.

‘The league would look at the options and then call an EGM with all the clubs and decide what they wanted to do.'