Netball Queensland wishes to provide an update on the status of Community Netball in relation to the constantly evolving COVID-19 situation.
Both the Federal and State governments have now implemented stricter rules regarding the types of activities that can and can’t take place, including the closure of all indoor sporting venues. Netball Queensland proactively addressed this change ahead of time, Nissan Arena from Saturday 21 March.
Given the strong advice on adhering to social distancing protocols and the tightening rules on gatherings of people, it is clear the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to limit, or completely cease, large gatherings of any kind, and in any setting. The close contact nature of our game makes adhering to the recommended social distancing guidelines challenging. Right now the top priority is stopping the spread of this virus.
It is our absolute intention to be back on court later this year. With that goal in mind, and in accordance with the latest guidelines from Government and health officials:
Our strongest recommendation to the Netball Queensland community is to suspend all formal netball activity at all levels, inclusive of competitions and programs, until Tuesday 30 June.
It is important to note this is an interim suspension of competition and not a cancellation.
With this in mind, Netball Queensland has partnered with Inspire Sport to ‘reimagine’ our community in this extraordinary situation; to give our members access to a new digital world of netball. We are passionate about your ability to continue engaging with the game you love. So, we are gearing up to take our game online with lots of content and information, tips and drills to keep you active, training, and healthy until we can get back on court playing in our local competitions.
These are challenging times and now more than ever we need to stand together #NetballUnited. Keeping mentally and physically healthy is just so important as we find our way through. And always remember - we will get through this. The app will be available for download tomorrow – THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020. This app is free to Netball Queensland members.
Competition Update
Additionally, the following decisions have been made in relation to scheduled Netball Queensland competitions and events:
- State Age Championships have been rescheduled for the 26th-29th September 2020.
- HART Sapphire Series has been rescheduled to start in October 2020.
- Preliminary rounds of the Vicki Wilson Cup have been cancelled.
- A revised format for the QPL seasons and Vicki Wilson Championship will be communicated once details have been finalised.
- All other events remain unchanged at this stage.
Further Information
We will have more updates coming to you soon. From the services and work we are delivering over the next three (3) months, to the plans and templates we are developing so we are ready for the recovery phase.
Please do not hesitate to contact Netball Queensland via helpline@netballq.org.au or your Delivery Network Lead if you would like clarification on this guidance.
