Country Basketball League (CBL) is a prominent sports club located in Bendigo, Victoria. The club participates in an open age domestic representative league held across various geographical conferences in regional Victoria, starting from October. As part of the league, all affiliated associations with Basketball Victoria Country (BVC) are invited to enter their teams.
CBL aims to promote and nurture basketball talent in regional Victoria by providing a highly competitive platform for players, coaches, officials, and volunteers. The club adheres to the operations and guidelines outlined in the 2021/22 CBL Operations Manual, which is available for download on their website.
Team registrations for the upcoming CBL season close on August 8, 2021, and interested individuals or associations are encouraged to sign up before the deadline. The club also prides itself on its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, offering pathways for players of various backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
The club's achievements and recognition expand beyond the CBL, as they have had teams from Casey Basketball Association and Keilor Basketball Association join the prestigious Coles Express NBL1 South, showcasing their talent at a higher level of competition.
Basketball Victoria Country (BVC) oversees the operations of Country Basketball League and maintains a rich history in the sport. The governing body is responsible for handling memberships, organising events, and supporting regional basketball associations throughout the state. BVC also offers programmes such as Aussie Hoops, coaching courses, and nutrition education to further develop and enhance the basketball community in regional Victoria.
As a club, CBL emphasises the health and well-being of all its members. This commitment is exemplified by their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where they made the necessary decisions to suspend all related activities, leagues, programmes, and events in compliance with government regulations. They continue to provide regular updates to their members and stakeholders, ensuring that the basketball community stays informed and protected during these challenging times.
Country Basketball League provides a range of opportunities for players, coaches, officials, and volunteers to get involved. They offer coaching resources, high-performance programmes, and specialised sessions for players with unique needs such as adaptive coaching, intellectual disability, multiculturalism, and wheelchair basketball. For those interested in officiating, CBL provides training and courses for officials, scorebench personnel, and statisticians.
The club also encourages community participation through its various competitions. In addition to the CBL, they organise events like BVC Junior Domestic Championships and Country Championships, providing a platform for teams to showcase their skills and compete for recognition.
Country Basketball League is here to support and guide basketball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. They work closely with their partners, including Basketball Victoria, to ensure that their members are provided with the best resources and opportunities to thrive in the sport. Through their dedication and passion for basketball, CBL continues to contribute to the growth and success of the Bendigo basketball community.