The Hume Netball Association has added an extra year to their junior age grades for next season.
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Players will now contest 17, 15, 13 and 11 and under age groups.
Losing the 2020 netball season to the COVID-19 pandemic was one factor in the decision, while the change also brings the association more in line with Netball NSW and other league's in the region.
It follows the Ovens and Murray's decision to introduce under-17s instead of under-16s next year.
Hume clubs voted on the shift at the association's annual general meeting, with all in favour.
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"With COVID, some of those kids have missed out on playing in their top age and there were concerns for those going up into seniors," Hume Netball Association president Carla Fletcher said.
"It's giving them the opportunity to stay juniors for a bit longer and develop their skills into senior players."
The inconsistency in grades with other leagues, such as the Tallangatta and District Netball Association, had previously made coordinating interleague teams difficult.
The Hume committee will now look at whether to make the 11 and under competition a competitive one next year.
The change in grades looks set to remain in place well into the future.
This month the Hume Netball Association also recognsied long-time committee members Emily Bush and Sharon Riley.
The pair were awarded life membership, which was presented by former HNA president Julianne Clancy.