A statement was sent on Thursday which confirmed seniors, reserves and under-19 football and A-grade, B-grade, C-grade, D-grade, E-grade and 19/under netball would not proceed this year.

It follows the public withdrawal of Darley's senior football and netball sides from the 2020 competition on Wednesday.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW

The McDonalds Ballarat Football and Netball League has confirmed today that its senior football and netball competitions will not proceed for the 2020 season.

After a period of lengthy consultation, the board of the BFNL have made the difficult decision to cancel the season in the best interests of the member clubs moving forward.

In collaboration with all clubs, it has been agreed that the current level of restrictions would not allow for a safe or financially sustainable season.

The health and safety of the Ballarat FNL players, supporters, members and volunteers is of the highest priority to the organisation and it supports the decision by the State Government to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Today's decision will help support the long-term viability of the clubs and the league and the Ballarat FNL will continue to work with all stakeholders in the coming months to ensure a strong return to for the 2021 season.

There remains support from clubs for a junior football and netball competition in 2020 which is currently being considered by the league board based on the input from clubs' junior coordinators.

A separate announcement on the 2020 junior football and netball competitions will be made shortly.

The Ballarat FNL would like to thank the many supporters who have been patient while we explored every opportunity to compete in 2020. We look forward to a sound and strong 2021 Premiership season.