The Adelaide Footy League season will be delayed until June 13 and clubs could play a shortened nine-round home and away campaign due to coronavirus concerns.

The competition’s executive committee announced the decision on Tuesday after consulting with the SANFL and AFL.

A fixture will be released at a later date and the league will also have the option of freezing promotion and relegation for the seven-tier competition due to the compromised season.

League chief executive John Kernahan said the health and safety of staff, players, umpires, club personnel and spectators was paramount.

media_camera Payneham Norwood Union's Jonathan Giannini is tackled during last season’s Adelaide Footy League divisionone grand final against Prince Alfred Old Collegians. Picture: Tom Huntley media_camera Adelaide Football League chief executive John Kernahan. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“You should be very aware if not confident that the league is closely monitoring the situation in consultation with the AFL, SANFL, relevant government bodies and health authorities,” Kernahan said.

“However, we are also conscious that football plays a role in providing a balance to our members’ lives though we need to consider the risk as the rest of the world is.

“We realise that some may remain frustrated and we would obviously prefer to be in a position where we can continue as normal, but that is neither realistic or possible at this juncture.

“It is not lost on us that the challenge to retain player, volunteer and member engagement will be at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

Kernahan said the league would not guide clubs on when and if they should train.

“We don’t want to limit clubs on providing a platform for them to engage their members and players and are free enough to continue their own community engagements under the Governments’ mass congregation policy of 500 people,” he said.

The league will continually assess the situation and use the AFL’s benchmark of a review of May 31 for all state league competitions.

patrick.keam@news.com.au