Netball NSW wishes to bring to the attention of all Associations an update and request from NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, with regard to community sport.
Released late on Monday 17 August was a letter from Dr Chant and a set of Frequently Asked Questions which provide some additional detail.
The key elements coming out of the letter and FAQ’s are as follows:
- Community sport can continue. Dr Chant’s letter specifically states that the updated recommendations “will support community sports to continue operating safely.”
- COVID-19 Safety Plans do not need to be amended at this time. There is no additional information which NSW Health require to be added to Plans. Existing Plans must continue to be adhered to and be located on the premises of the netball activity at all times.
- Spectators are to be limited to a maximum of one parent only where parental supervision is required during the activity. We are aware most Associations already adhere to this, or are below this level.
- The maximum number of people that can be at a venue at any time remains at 500. There is no change to the exemption which netball has that enables selected venues to conduct multiple discrete zones of 500 people or less.
The key items to avoid in the new recommendations are related to inter-region travel, activities which include overnight stays and face-to-face social gatherings (such as award ceremonies, team dinners etc).
Due to the localised nature of regular Association netball competitions, the recommendations in the letter from Dr Chant and the FAQ’s will enable these competitions to continue. It is anticipated that these measures will be in place for at least the next six weeks, which will take most Associations through to the end of their Winter season.
The travel restriction is likely to impact on the ability to conduct carnivals, unless they are highly localised. Regional Leagues still to be concluded may also be affected. Feel free to contact Netball NSW to discuss further.
Association and Club volunteers have done an amazing job in 2020 to get netballers back on the court and Netball NSW deeply appreciates the extra time and effort which has gone into this unique season, as well as the stress involved. These new recommendations are not designed to shut community sport down, they are simply looking to strengthen some safety measures which Associations and Clubs have done a great job in implementing so far. Please feel confident that you can continue on with your regular Association competitions.
Origin Energy Premier League and DOOLEYS Metro League
Netball NSW are currently seeking additional advice from the Office of Sport and NSW Health with regard to the Origin Energy Premier League and DOOLEYS Metro League competitions held at Netball Central.
Additional information will be released as soon as clarification has been received.
