Jones: “My life has changed completely”

Referees have also felt the full effects of what has been a surreal 2020 Football season in NSW courtesy of the dreaded COVID-19 epidemic with well known female official Kelly Jones succumbing to the massive changes that have hit the sport during the lockdown period.

“With the restrictions in place such as staying at home, no football, not being able to visit my family and friends, it has changed my life completely.

“I actually haven’t been doing much at all during this period.

“Usually my time would have been filled with football, training, visiting friends and family, however I have had to stop all of these things which has been quite challenging for me.

“On a positive note, I have been able to slow down and focus on spending quality time with immediate family which has been really nice.”

The former NPL NSW Women’s female ‘Referee of the Year’ award winner has been fortunate that even though football has hit the pause button for now, her day to day job for as on-site Graphics Manager for Schawk has kicked on.

“I am lucky that I work in the retail/marketing industry so my job hasn’t been directly impacted by COVID-19 in a way that other industries have been.

“I have been asked to work remotely from home and business is somewhat operating as usual.”

Maintaining her fitness since she became a mother to young adorable Mason last year hasn’t been the easiest, but a makeshift home gym has certainly come at a good time especially with current self-isolation laws in place.

“Since having Mason last year I have been tight for time, so I made my own gym at home a while ago this includes an air bike and weights.

“I usually aim to do a running session four to five times a week and a weight session twice a week.

“After football training was cancelled by COVID-19, I was able to continue to train with a small group from football, however since the full lockdown, I have kept in contact with my training buddies and we have continued to do the same running drills just by ourselves.

“This has kept us all motivated and ensures we all stay fit.”

The W-League referee has urged the football family to adhere to all the rules and restrictions so that, like her, can continue on with playing a big role in the running of our matches for 2020.

“My football family has constantly been in my thoughts and I am hoping that everyone is staying home and keeping safe.

“Whilst the COVID-19 closures have been difficult for us all, I know that we as a football community will find the support in each other.

“The more we work together as a consistent community, the quicker we will be able to return to the sport we love.

“I miss the game, interaction, exercise, my colleagues, watching my husband play, everything!

“This whole scenario has made me appreciate my football family even more and I know that we will all come back stronger than ever.”