Season in limbo for BFL

THE McDonalds Ballarat Football Netball League was due to be play Round 11 on Saturday, 17 July, however due to the latest lockdown the competition was paused with season 2021 once again in limbo.

Round 11 was set to be one of the competitions first milestones with its completion signifying that every side had played each other once to ensure the utmost integrity in finding this year’s premiers.

This milestone is important to ensure that every side has not only played each other at least once but the League has indicated that ten games is enough to constitute a season, meaning the minor premiers could be named if lockdown situations worsen.

The league’s intention is to restart the senior competition with a delayed Round 11 with impacts on the balance of the home and away fixture being dependent on the length of this lockdown and then furthermore, the safe restart timeframe for a return to play for players.

All options for the remainder of the season, including finals, will be considered as the situation evolves and becomes clearer.

With clubs already indicating that a restart without fans is not a viable financial option, it has become a waiting game to see if football does return.

Late on Tuesday BFNL management related a stamen addressing the second extended lockdown of the season.

The competition will remain paused at round 11, “effective from the date of an approved return to competition”.

All junior comps will have the round for Sunday, 25 July abandoned, and leagues will resume play when possible.

Likewise, the BFLW Sunday games will be scratched from the fixture with the return of matches “effective from the date of an approved return to competition.”

“As further details become available, the league will assess the competitions to ensure the 2021 season can be completed,” the BFNL statement concluded.