The announcement of a return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions throughout metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire by the Victorian Premier on Tuesday 7 July, means the Bupa Victorian Netball League (VNL) season is not able to be delivered in its usual format in 2020.
This is a blow for many athletes, coaches, technical officials and administrators who participate in Victoria’s pinnacle netball competition, however it is clear that this is a necessary step for the health and safety of not only the people residing in these areas, but the wider Victorian community.
As a result of the restrictions, all netball competitions, training and programs in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire were suspended from 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July, including the 2020 Bupa VNL.
Netball Victoria will continue to work with the 10 licensees and other stakeholders to deliver an alternative competition when government restrictions permit.
“We’re devasted we’ve had to make this decision. The commitment of all 10 licensees in planning for a season under consistently changing circumstances has been remarkable and we’re really in awe of the resilience and dedication of the entire VNL community. From Zoom training sessions to socially distanced group training outside, each club has certainly been creative,” Netball Victoria’s General Manager – Vixens, Performance and Pathways, Rebekah Webster, said.
“On a positive note the clubs have told us there is still a strong desire to hit the court in 2020, so we want to do all we can to provide that opportunity, it’s just going to look a little different.”
Each club will now take a minimum four-week break to have time to reset and, most importantly, focus on keeping themselves and their families safe.
Further information on the revised format will be provided when restrictions permit.
