Yesterday (16 March 2020), Netball NSW issued a guidance with regard to all community netball competitions. Following a number of requests for clarification, the following information is provided.
State Titles
Netball NSW received a notification from the Office of Sport at 8.15pm last night which included a link to a NSW Government Public Health Order. This Order makes it an offence to hold a public event at which there are, or are likely to be, 500 people or more in attendance at any one time. The Order lasts until 14 June 2020 which is after the Senior State Titles.
As a result, Netball NSW has now postponed the Senior State Titles to a date to be fixed. The new date will not be prior to the scheduled Junior State Titles (6-8 July). We are currently working on a number of contingency plans around the staging of the Senior State Titles and will share more information in the Wednesday 15 April update we foreshadowed in yesterday’s Memo.
Netball NSW apologises for the inconvenience caused. We reiterate that the Senior State Titles are not cancelled, rather postponed, and at present the Junior State Titles remain scheduled for 6-8 July.
Ongoing Activity
Netball NSW has received requests for clarification on certain elements of our Memo dated 16 March. Importantly we re-state that it is the strong recommendation of Netball NSW that all community netball competitions in NSW should be suspended until Saturday 2nd May 2020. This, in our view, includes all activity - playing, training, grading, umpire training etc.
The advice provided by Netball NSW was intended to give Associations a level of certainty, in what is a very uncertain time. However, we note that each Association is its own autonomous entity which can make its own decisions based on the expertise, advice and risk control factors it has access to. Equally, each Association also has its own duty of care to its members.
The Memo dated 16 March referred to different programs and the approach being taken in each. It is critical to recognise that Associations across the state vary significantly in size and resourcing. Similarly, training environments and the number of people present in those environments at any one time can also vary greatly from Association to Association. We know some will want to do things their own way, but others will choose to be guided by Netball NSW.
Ultimately, Netball NSW is looking to provide certainty on those elements which we control - such as Premier League, Metro League and State Titles at the competition level. The Memo dated 16 March provides information on how Netball NSW intends to manage those activities in the short term, but as with everything at present, this is subject to change. That is also why we have committed to the 15 April formal update.
In summary, each Association can make a decision on its own activities – on a case-by-case basis – such as training, ongoing night competitions, rep carnivals etc, having regard to:
- Government Orders;
- Its own risk analysis;
- The views of its own members; and
- The wider social responsibility aspects which surround every decision currently being made.
It is not an easy time. Netball NSW have communicated our strong recommendations and want to encourage all Associations to be making carefully considered decisions. We are also happy to be available to discuss any matter as the need arises.
Insurance
Netball NSW has received requests for an update on insurance policies given the current environment.
Personal Accident, Cyber, Public & Products Liability, Professional Indemnity, Property (with limits) and Management/Association Liability (Directors & Officers) cover are provided automatically for all affiliated Netball NSW Associations and their clubs.
It is very important to note that Personal Accident cover does not cover illness, such as that which may arise from infection with coronavirus (in the same way it would not cover the flu). Personal Accident insurance is a policy that covers you in the event that you are injured whilst participating or travelling to or from training or events that are sanctioned by Netball Australia, State Netball Organisations or their affiliated Associations or Clubs.
Associations should also be aware that the Directors & Officers policy covers the Association for honest mistakes made by directors and officers involved in the management of the affairs for the organisation. However, this coverage would not extend to decisions made which are illegal or contravened a Government Order for example.
Further information on insurances can be found at the following links:
Finally, Netball Australia have today released a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) which will be of particular assistance for Associations who are looking to maintain a level of activity. You can view them HERE.
We will provide detailed information on all programs in the 15 April update, or earlier should the need arise.
Again, please look after yourselves and each other and do not hesitate to contact the Netball NSW office as required.
Carolyn Campbell - CEO, Netball NSW
