Coaches across the Ballarat and Central Highlands Netball League are divided as to whether or not to go ahead with the 2020 season.
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Rokewood-Corindhap A-Grade coach Kerry Lightfoot said if it is feasible to get a competition up and running, it is important administrators did so, despite the threat of COVID-19.
She said a lot could be gained from a shortened season if the league was prepared to run things in a different way.
"From our club's point of view we would love something to happen," she said.
"Everything is being thrown at the top level to get elite sport happening but the reality is, elite sport doesn't happen if you don't have a good grassroots base."
Lightfoot, who is a physical educator by trade, said a season would be good for the mental and social well-being of all players.
While she acknowledged the health and economic risks, Lightfoot said there was danger to go a whole year without netball.
"Some leagues have called it, but there is a danger because there is potential to lose players to other clubs and sports."
Dianne McCormack, who coaches Darley in the BFNL, agreed clubs could lose players, however she didn't think player losses outweighed the financial strain clubs would endure if a season went ahead.
She thinks clubs should pocket what they have and start fresh in 2021.
"From the conversations I've had, the financial costs on the volunteers to get the season up is just not worth it," McCormack said.
"You're not going to have spectators coming through the gate, you're not going to have canteens running, it's going to be a strain on the volunteers to manage the COVID-19 health procedures - my personal opinion is it's a waste of time."
Meanwhile Hepburn A-Grade netball coach Gary Cooke, who coached the Burras to a premiership in 2019, said he was on the fence as to whether a season should take place.
While he relished the opportunity to play for back-to-back premierships, he said it wasn't worth playing if players' hearts weren't in it.
"Part of me thinks it would be crazy to go ahead with a season and part of me can see the benefits, but I don't know if it's going to be right to have a half-arsed season," he said.
Cooke said his group had yet to start training because it was still too complicated to do so. He said if play resumes, the threat of contracting COVID-19 remained.
"It's unlikely but the virus is still around and is in the back of our minds," he said.
Lake Wendouree A-Grade coach Katy Williams also confirmed her club would not resume training until a decision from the BFNL had been handed down.
She said there would be positive and negative ramifications either way.
"I keep changing my mind, it's so hard to know what I think," she said.
"I am on the fence and really glad I'm not making the decisions."
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