BFNL and CHNL make calls on season

BOTH the Ballarat Football Netball League and the Central Highlands Netball League have made the decision to cancel their 2020 seasons.

At the time of printing the move left the Central Highland Football League as the only comp in the region not to make plans clear to clubs, players and fans.

BFNL announcement, made last Thursday via statement, outlined several reasons to skip the 2020 flag.

“In collaboration with all clubs, it has been agreed that the current level of restrictions would not allow for a safe or financially sustainable season,” the statement said.

“The health and safety of the Ballarat FNL players, supporters, members and volunteers is of the highest priority to the organisation and it supports the decision by the State government to contain the spread of COVID-19.”

A day later the CHNL made the same call, albeit for slightly different reasons.

“The Central Highlands Netball Committee wish to advise that due to insufficient club numbers to conduct a viable competition for season 2020, that all senior and junior netball competitions will be cancelled,” CHNL president Natalie Clark said.

“We are currently in unprecedented times and it is disappointing that COVID-19 has affected community sport to this extent but the health and safety of our players, volunteers and supporters must be our first priority.”

Despite previously exploring the option, late on Tuesday afternoon the BFNL also announced that all junior competitions would not go ahead this year meaning there’s no competitive footy in Ballarat in 2020.

Meanwhile, Ms Clark suggested CHNL clubs could consider entering teams in the Wendouree Netball Association or Ballarat Netball Association summer leagues.