Netball NSW regards the Hart State Title events as one of the most important elements of competition which takes place in NSW each year. With the huge logistical planning and cost which goes in to these events, both from Netball NSW and Associations, a decision has been made to announce significant changes to the structure of the competition in 2020 to enable ongoing planning from all concerned.
The changes are driven by the uncertainty around the number of people who will be permitted to congregate at locations. Standard State Titles events see upwards of 4,000 people at venues at any one time. While it is possible that restrictions in NSW will have eased to that extent by October, it is highly unlikely, hence the decision to act now in the interests of giving the State Titles every possible opportunity of going ahead in 2020.
Previous updates from Netball NSW have provided new dates for the 2020 State Titles and venues. In order to control the volume of people at each location, the decision has been made to split the venues further and go to multiple locations across Sydney.
Specific details around the number of people allowed at a venue for competition play are yet to be released by the State Government, however the breakdown shown below has been created to allow for a reasonable number of spectators to attend each venue. The new venues are shown below.
Note: Full location details can be found on the Junior and Senior State titles Competitions pages of the Netball NSW website at: nsw.netball.com.au/competitions
Senior State Titles
October long weekend Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th October 2020
17U Division 1 – Campbelltown District
15U Division 1 – Campbelltown District
17U Division 2 – Camden & District
15U Division 2 – Camden & District
17U Division 3 – Bankstown City
15U Division 3 – Bankstown City
17U Division 4 – Fairfield City
15U Division 4 – Fairfield City
Junior State Titles
October long weekend Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th October 2020
14U Division 1 – Penrith District
12U Division 1 – Penrith District
14U Division 2 – Hawkesbury City
12U Division 2 – Hawkesbury City
14U Division 3 – Baulkham Hills Shire
12U Division 3 – Baulkham Hills Shire
14U Division 4 – Eastwood Ryde
12U Division 4 – Eastwood Ryde
13U Division 1 – Blacktown City
13U Division 2 – Blacktown City
13U Division 3 – Parramatta Auburn
13U Division 4 – Parramatta Auburn
The venues that have been allocated are, where possible, within reasonable proximity to the venue which was advertised on 8 May 2020. This has been done so that accommodation which was organised when the competition was moved to October may still be utilised. We are very aware that this may now not be a perfect accommodation scenario, but by making the decision at this time we are hopeful that Associations can plan appropriately.
Feedback to Netball NSW is that State Titles competitions are a cherished event on the calendar and as a result we are committed to seeing these competitions take place in 2020. We are however understanding of the challenges faced by Associations, especially now that due to Government restrictions the event will be spread across a number of locations. This may mean that Associations are faced with the difficult decision on whether or not they will participate in 2020.
Provisional Grading
Included is the Provisional Grading for Senior State Titles; 17U, 15U and Junior State Titles; 14U, 13U, 12U. With the release of the revised locations, we do appreciate that this may affect team entries and for the case of some Associations the decision may be made not to participate in 2020 in one or more age groups.
Should Associations make the decision to withdraw one or more teams, this will have an effect on the provisional grading. Therefore, once the two-week withdrawal period has passed (see below for details) an updated provisional grading for all age groups will be circulated. Following the release of Provisional Grading #2, any appeals against grading can be lodged as per the Competition Rules.
As previously advised, this year there will also be a two-week window where changes can be made to team lists without penalty, given that nominations closed a considerable time ahead the competition. This two-week period is currently scheduled for 17 – 30 August.
Withdrawal from 2020 State Titles
Given the need to re-locate to numerous venues due to COVID-19 restrictions was outside the control of Netball NSW, we are now providing a two-week window for Associations to advise if they wish to withdraw teams from State Titles, by no later than Monday 22 June 2020. There is no penalty for withdrawing.
Withdrawals should be emailed to competitions@netballnsw.com by no later than Monday 22 June. Should an Association not send an email to withdraw, it will be assumed that their team/s remain in the competitions.
For those Associations who elect to continue to participate in 2020, and are faced with having teams at four different locations, logistical matters such as staggering start times at the various locations to allow for drop off and pick up times at more than one location will be factored in. For those Associations who are in this situation we recommend getting in touch with neighboring Associations and considering joining forces and pooling transport to the one location where possible.
2021 Grading
Due to this unprecedented year we are understanding of the fact that Associations may have to make a difficult decision to withdraw one or more teams. The grading rules for the 2021 Senior and Junior State Titles will be revised for the 2021 Competitions to take into account both 2019 and 2020 results where necessary when grading.
Athletes Village / Team Tents
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for continued social distancing, the decision has been made in 2020 that Team Tents, as have been provided in the past, will not be available for hire in 2020.
Further guidelines will be provided around designated team areas at venues and how Associations can utilise that space.
Running Order
State Titles events have traditionally included formalities such as opening and closing ceremonies, and march pasts. Due to the spread of locations this will be different in 2020. Further details of the running order of the day at each location will be provided closer to the event.
Hart Open State Titles, Bing Lee Masters State Titles and Social Masters
Open State Titles and Masters competitions are currently scheduled for the weekend of 17-18 October. In line with the State Government’s 2 June announcement, these competitions are now contingent on a start date for senior community sport being announced. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
State Titles Merchandise
Merchandise, which has been available at State Titles in recent years, will this year be available to purchase online. It is anticipated that sales will commence in early July and further information will be provided closer to the time.
It is well known that 2020 is a year which continues to present many challenges and the look and feel of State Titles is yet another example of needing to adapt to the current circumstances. Netball NSW apologises for the inconvenience caused and sincerely thanks Associations for their flexibility and assistance – particularly those who have taken on hosting duties at short notice.
This is not an easy year and these are not easy decisions, but they have been made with a singular focus of giving the State Titles the greatest possible opportunity to go ahead in some fashion in 2020.
