League president Mark Shaw said at the Airedale & Wharfedale Umpires’ Association pre-season meeting at Otley RUFC: “The management committee are currently consulting with the head groundspersons at clubs regarding their views about starting on April 27 or postponing the season for a further week.

“A decision will be announced later but it is possible that some matches will be played on April 27 as some grounds have been declared fit.

“With regards to the cup matches on April 28 (Waddilove Cup first round) these will not be moved but clubs can postpone them as allowed under league rules.”