Diminishing hopes that there would be a Bendigo Football Netball League finals series in 2021 were finally snuffed out on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The season has been cancelled, with no team or individual awards whatsoever in senior ranks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a media release, the BFNL\u2019s board of management in conjunction with affiliated clubs, regrettably announced a finals series in any form would not take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The board stated that despite the finals roadmap implemented several weeks ago, the latest state government updates offered further uncertainty regarding an actual timeframe for a return to competitive community sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA key consideration in finalising the decision to end the 2021 season included concerns for the welfare of all players and a duty of care to ensure that any return to competition allowed adequate preparation time for participating players, teams, clubs, and volunteers,” the board stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBFNL teams have now played a maximum of one match (zero in some cases) since July 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is compounded by the recent inability for players to train in a competitive group capacity since August 20, and the continued different restrictions on our metropolitan members.”
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The board emphasised the cancellation was not the desired outcome the BFNL was striving for in trying to keep the season alive.
As a consequence of the cancellation, the board advised there would not be any premierships \u2013 including minor premierships \u2013 awarded or recognised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The league will also not have individual awards, such as best and fairest, as several competitions have become far too compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While disappointing, the board trusted the decision would provide appropriate certainty and closure.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The league thanked all players, volunteers, committees, officials, members, umpires and other key stakeholders for their continued understanding, patience and cooperation during this very challenging time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although frustrating at times, the board was extremely grateful community sport returned in some form this year, bringing joy to so many.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community sport provides significant physical and mental benefits for those associated with sporting clubs, but relies on community attendances at matches which it hopes return from round one next season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The BFNL thanked its many corporate sponsors for their ongoing support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease stay safe, and trust that the BFNL will return stronger and hopefully uninterrupted for season 2022,\u201d league manager Cameron Tomlins concluded.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gisborne Football Netball Club has expressed the hope that everyone will be back in 2022 for \u2018The Year of the Dogs\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kyneton Football Netball Club has called for applications to fill the position of coaches for its five senior teams. Applications close on Friday, September 24.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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