The 77^th edition of the time-honoured 'Junee Knockout' will now be held in August 2021 after the committee decided this year's event couldn't go ahead due to safety concerns relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It was a difficult decision of course," committee member Lola Cummins said.

"The main concern was for the welfare and health of everyone - participants, spectators and volunteers - and that has to be our main concern."

The regulations around a return to sport were also an obstacle for a carnival which is played cross 15 fields and already battles a shortage of volunteers, without additional protocols.

The carnival attracts around 140 teams from NSW and the ACT, for a crowd of around 4000 people.

"We're looking forward to a great carnival in 2021," Cummins said.

Cummins also took the opportunity to recognise the phenomenal efforts of committee member Allan Keirins who is stepping down.

"He's been on the committee for over 40 years. He served as president for a number of years and he is a life member," Cummins said.

"He said he'll probably still come down and help but he's not going to be an active member of the committee."

Organisers of the annual girls Riverina League Tag Carnival have followed suit and also cancelled their Sunday event this year.

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