Narrabri Netball Association keeps on-court training on hold for now

Netball NSW has given the green light for non-contact training across the state to resume in groups of 10 or less and the Bev Burrows Courts have been re-opened for general use.

However Narrabri netball teams will have to wait a little longer to get back into the swing of things.

And as far as a competition in 2020 is concerned the Narrabri Netball Association is remaining hopeful but said it would be guided by NSW Government restrictions and Netball NSW’s guidelines.

A Narrabri Netball Association committee meeting held via Zoom on Saturday determined that there would be no return to the courts for its teams just yet, even for training.

“We do apologise but at this stage we feel that we have a duty of care to all of our members and cannot safely return to the courts without some groups missing out,” a Narrabri Netball Association statement said.

“We will continue to be guided by Netball NSW and will reassess the situation as restrictions are eased.”

It comes after Netball NSW released guidelines for the return to netball training in groups of up to 10 people.

Netball NSW said that on Friday, May 15, when the NSW Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 2) 2020 came into effect which allows for gatherings of up to 10 people, netball training could re-commence, however still without any body contact drills.

It advised associations that the restrictions applied to netball allow for a maximum of 10 people on a court at any one time which includes players plus any coaches, parents, spectators, etc. The 10 person per court limit can not be exceeded at any time.

A Narrabri Netball Association spokesperson told The Courier that its stance would not change until, at least, Level B – Stage Two of the Netball Australia Training, Competition and Venue: Return To Play Summary is implemented in NSW to allow up to 20 participants to take to the court.

The association has instead encouraged players to maintain their fitness levels and work on ball skills away from the courts.

That will be especially important for the association’s representative state titles teams following a Netball NSW announcement on Friday, May 8, that it was doing everything it could to ensure that the 2020 HART State Titles go ahead.

The junior state titles have been rescheduled for the October long weekend from Saturday, October 3, to Monday, October 5, as have the senior state titles with the exception of the opens divisions which have been rescheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18.

The under-15 and under-17 senior state titles teams will play at Campbelltown District Netball Association, Coronation Park, Minto.

Under-12s, under-13s and iunder-14s division one and two teams will play at Penrith District Netball Association, Jamison Park Netball Complex, Penrith, while division three and four teams will compete at Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association, Kellyville, as will the opens two weeks later.

At the Narrabri Netball Association’s meeting on Saturday it was decided that for 2020 only, travel and accommodation will be organised by the individual and their families.

The committee encouraged anyone with any concerns to contact either their team coach or manager, carnival convenor Sarah Smith or secretary Tracey Tomlinson.

Meanwhile the Narrabri Netball Association is in discussions among its committee and teams regarding a competition structure for 2020.

A shortened Saturday ladies’ competition is still on the cards, while an extended mixed twilight competition is also being discussed as an option.

A survey has been distributed to be completed by NNA members.