This year's Hunter winter netball competition could be over before it starts, following an announcement from Netball NSW on Monday.
The sport's state body strongly recommended that all community netball competitions in the state be suspended until May, amid efforts to curb spread of COVID-19.
Regional leagues like the Hunter were advised to postpone their competitions until after May 2, pending further advice.
According to Netball NSW, this includes playing, training, grading, umpire training; at all levels up to and including Metro League and Regional League.
"To assist with infection control and in the absence of a defined position on community sport from government, it is the strong recommendation of Netball NSW that all community netball competitions in NSW should be suspended until Saturday May 2," a Netball NSW spokesperson said.
"We note that some of these activities may be subject to a risk analysis on a case by case basis.
"While this is obviously an unfortunate disruption to the netball season, Netball NSW believes that a blanket guidance such as this leaves all Associations, clubs, players, coaches, officials and administrators in the state in the same position while we watch developments around COVID-19.
"It is important to note that the season is not being cancelled.
"At this time, the recommended action is seen as a socially responsible position for the netball community in NSW to take."
Netball NSW will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and a formal update will be provided on Wednesday, April 15, outlining the path ahead.
The April update will include the latest information on competition start dates plus advice on recommencing training etc. If the situation is to change significantly, an update will be provided earlier.
"The reason for the guidance applying at the level of Metro League and Regional League and below is purely based on the volume of people congregating at any given time," the spokesperson said.
"We note that some associations may consider certain activities could proceed , for example, training in small groups, due to your own circumstances and where there is a reduced risk."
Specific program-by-program information follows:
State Titles
State Titles have not been cancelled at this stage.
A decision on Senior State Titles (6-8 June) will be made by Wednesday 15 April. Until that time the following key dates remain:
- 9 April (Thursday) - Senior State Titles entries close
- 14 April - Senior State Titles late entries close
A decision on Junior State Titles, from July 4 to 6, will be made by Wednesday, May 13. Until that time the following key dates remain:
- 1 May (Friday) - Junior State Titles entries close
- 5 May - Junior State Titles late entries close ($500 late entry fee applies)
Premier League
Premier League is the only level of competition netball permitted to continue to train in the immediate term under this guidance (including Premier League umpires) due to the relatively low number of participants. At this stage, and subject to the update which will be provided on April 15, the competition will be pushed back at least one week to commence on Wednesday, May 6.
Metro League
The Metro League competition will not commence as scheduled and all training should now cease in line with this guidance. The Metro League competition structure and draw is currently being reviewed and all changes will be communicated at the earliest opportunity. Currently the competition will not commence prior to Monday, May 4, subject to the update which will be provided on April 15.
Regional Leagues
Regional Leagues with finals pending (West / Central West) are advised to postpone finals until such time as Netball NSW recommends competitions re-commence. Regional Leagues yet to commence (including Hunter) are also advised to postpone their competitions until after May 2, pending further advice.
Swifts & Giants Academies and Emerging Talent Squads
Due to the relatively low number of participants, the QBE Swifts Academy and the Giants Netball Academy will continue to train, as will the NSW Emerging Talent squads.
Competitions already underway
Netball NSW understands and is aware that there are a number of Association competitions that are currently in progress, such as midweek competitions which run all year round. Netball NSW advises that under this guidance, those competitions should be suspended until Saturday, May 2, pending further advice.
Netball NSW will be here to assist our members when we can confidently move forward with a resumption of all activities.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Netball NSW office if you would like clarification on this guidance, further advice or assistance.
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