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In light of recent stage three restrictions which come into effect this week across regional Victoria, AFL CV has made the call to cancel all remaining competitions.
"Together with recent announcements of stage three restrictions to regional Victoria by the state government, today we regrettably announce the difficult yet necessary decision that the Bendigo Junior Football League, Bendigo Football Netball League and AFL CV Netball Competition will not resume in 2020," AFL CV said in a statement.
"We extend our sincere thanks to all of our hardworking member clubs and Presidents, including their dedicated and passionate players, coaches and officials, volunteers, committees, members, supporters, along with all valued sponsors of AFL CV and the Bendigo FNL/Bendigo JFL, for their continued support and understanding during these challenging and unprecedented circumstances.
"AFL Central Victoria also extends its thanks to the Bendigo Umpires Association, all local Cricket Associations and Councils for their cooperation and flexibility demonstrated to explore all possible opportunities to return to competition safely in 2020."
The announcement directly impacts the BFNL 2020 under-18 football and 17 & under netball, all BJFL competitions and the AFL CV netball competition.
Upon reflection, though only for a few brief weeks, AFL CV was pleased that it was able to provide an outlet for junior sport participation.
"Acutely aware of the mental and physical benefits a return to community sport offered, our primary objective has been to offer junior participation opportunities in 2020 provided it was in a safe, achievable, and sustainable manner," AFL CV said.
"We are extremely grateful that we were able to offer a return to community sport in some form this year, albeit brief, and witnessed the enjoyment it brought so many during this difficult period."
In addition to football and netball, an array of other junior sports have also pulled the pin or postponed their season indefinitely in the wake of the return to stage three restrictions.
The Bendigo Basketball Association has made the decision to immediately suspended its domestic competition until further notice.
"The Bendigo Basketball Association in consultation with Bendigo Stadium will continue to meet weekly and provide updates as we move forward," BBA said in a statement
"We are hopeful to have Domestic Basketball return at a time that is safe for everyone."
To keep players engaged the association endeavours to recommence its online training program within the coming weeks.
The Bendigo Baseball Association has also cancelled all junior baseball for the the next six weeks.
The sport's peak state body will release further information soon, but at this stage looks to be highly unlikely that competition will resume at the conclusion of the six weeks.
Bendigo Tennis Association has suspended all competitions immediately after the announcement of increased restrictions within regional Victoria.
"We would like to thank you for your support and desire to stay active and healthy during these times," BTA said in a statement. "We will be in touch over the next 6 weeks of restrictions with important updates relating to Summer competitions scheduled to begin 8 weeks."
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