The Bendigo Football Netball League will stick to its game plan when it comes to making a decision on the future of its 2020 season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
AFL Barwon this week announced the cancellation of its four leagues - Geelong, Geelong District, Bellarine and Colac District - while the Hampden league also pulled the pin on Wednesday night.
The Goulburn Valley Football League announced on Thursday it intends to start its season on July 18, pending state government approval.
BFNL manager Cameron Tomlins said the decisions made by other leagues would not influence the BFNL's plans.
"There's movement from other leagues in the last week or so, but it hasn't changed our mindset,'' Tomlins said.
"Everyone is on the same page to wait for this road map to arrive. Nothing has changed from our point of view, we'll wait for the next wave of announcements.
"When all the information is presented in front of us we'll make a decision from there.
"We've been comfortable from early on that we'll base our decision on our league and what's best for our clubs.
"Surrounding leagues are dealing with different clubs and different communities than we are. We have our own set of circumstances. Once we have enough information to make those decisions we'll go through the process and get it done."
Read more: Bloods pumped up to return to footy
The BFNL board's next scheduled meeting with clubs is next week, but at this stage a decision on the BFNL season is unlikely to be made before the state government's next round of COVID-19 restrictions related announcements which is set for June 22.
"It's more complex than just picking out a date and throwing out some numbers,'' Tomlins said.
"It's hard to commit to anything until we know more information.
"Mass gatherings, fundraisers, cleaning protocols are the stuff we really need to understand before we try and place them on everyone.
"From a volunteer and financial perspective, we can't invest everything into this and risk burn out.
"As much as we'd like to see the season start we're not going to risk the health and safety of clubs and participants.
"As painful as it is for everyone we'll keep playing the waiting game."
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
