YORK City Knights have revealed their '2020 Knights Patron' scheme following their decision not to participate in the RFL's Autumn competition.

York's 2020 Betfred Championship season was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic last month, with the Knights only playing four league matches.

As a result, York have given their 2020 members three options moving forward.

The first is to become a '2020 Knights Patron', which would mean the supporter would donate their 2020 membership to the club, with no refund or credit.

Becoming a Patron would ensure an invitation to the '2020 Knights Patron Evening' with head coach James Ford and the players ahead of the 2021 season for a night of "stories, rugby league insight and togetherness," at a date and venue yet to be confirmed.

The Patron status will also see supporters' names displayed permanently at the club's new home ground, the LNER Community Stadium, as well as their names being printed upon the Knights warm-up t-shirts for the 2021 season.

The second option is to not request a refund, with the club then crediting the value of the 2020 membership to any membership package for the 2021 campaign.

The final option is for 2020 memberships to be refunded to supporters.

In a open letter to members on the club's website, York chairman Jon Flatman stressed that "no judgement will be made on anyone’s decision", adding "we would like to emphasise that we are sympathetic to everyone’s circumstances."

"We realise that lives have been changed and jobs have been lost and we believe the options we outline below are the right thing to do both contractually and morally," he added.

Flatman continued: "The support and generosity of the fans throughout this period to the Lottery, Merchandise, Blind Cards and Donations to the Legacy Appeal has been tremendous however we would ask if you can support us by donating your 2020 season memberships if at all possible.

"The impact of the donation would be maximised and I guarantee to ensure the funds are used to build our club still further."

2020 members are asked to contact info@yorkcityknights.com or call 01904 876527 by the August 23, 2020 to confirm the option they would like to choose or to ask any questions.

The Knights will presume members are happy to keep membership money as a donation, should members not get in touch.