On the back of players missing a year of football or netball in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bendigo Football Netball League is considering overage exemptions for its under-18 football and 17-and-under netball competitions.

BFNL manager Cameron Tomlins said the league was keen to give players who missed out on that year of development the opportunity to return to underage competition in 2021.

Several BFNL clubs are still accepting registrations for this season across multiple grades of football and netball.

"The BFNL are attempting to support any players who have missed an entire year of development in junior competitions in the region as a direct result of COVID-19 abandonment of all 2020 football/netball seasons,'' Tomlins said.

"We know that the under-18 and 17-and-under years are critical to a player's development before moving to open age competition, and aim to offer opportunities for any player (or parent of player) who feel that they would benefit from an additional year of development this season to speak with the BFNL immediately.

"These additional participation and developmental opportunities would occur in the region's premier league with access to quality coaches and facilities, and considering the potential that some players may have decided not to participate as we return from the COVID forced break in 2020, the BFNL aim to ensure that any player can still continue their development in an appropriate level of competition.

"There is a procedure interested players will need to follow, with the lodgement of an overage exemption submission, which will need to meet outlined criteria and be accepted by the BFNL.

"Current policy allows for consideration of a request made by a person with physical size, development considerations or a disability, for age dispensation."

Tomlins said the league strongly encouraged any individuals, or groups of players, who may be interested and may fit the criteria, to express their interest with the BFNL or their local BFNL club as soon as possible.

"Similarly, many netball departments across multiple grades of BFNL competition are also still accepting registrations, and it is certainly not too late to get involved for season 2021,'' he said.

"There may be football or netball players out there who have previously trialled at clubs and not received an opportunity, have recently moved to the region for education or employment opportunities, or those who as we now fast approach the season may have simply changed their mind on playing, who can still get involved this year."

The BFNL season starts on Good Friday with a stand-alone clash between Strathfieldsaye and Sandhurst at Tannery Lane.

The first bounce for the remainder of the competition is on Saturday, April 10.

Footballers or netballers who would like to register their interest in joining a BFNL club can e-mail cameron.tomlins@aflcentralvictoria.com.au

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