Based on the expert medical advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, endorsed by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, that organised public gatherings of more than 500 people be cancelled to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in Australia, Netball Australia will not proceed with the annual 17&U and 19&U National Netball Championships due to take place in Hobart from 18-23 April.
Given the nature of the event, and after extensive consultation with medical experts and relevant stakeholders, Netball Australia made the decision not to proceed with the tournament, which would bring together teams from all states and territories.
Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner said the health of the Australian netball and wider community is paramount and that Netball Australia continues to work closely with state and territory Member Organisations in relation to community and grassroots netball.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision not to proceed with the National Netball Championships, especially knowing how much preparation by the athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers goes into this event. It is however prudent that we do everything we can to reduce the spread of the virus,” she said.
“In relation to community netball, we are working with Member Organisations, government organisations and medical professionals to determine the best approach and we will release guidelines to support community netball organisations across Australia in the coming days. Until then we encourage all community netball organisations to demonstrate caution in line with government recommendations that everyone should practise good hygiene to protect against infections.”
Netball Australia will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation as it evolves in relation to the upcoming Deakin University Australian Netball League season, due to start on Saturday 2 May.
Whilst Netball ACT share’s Netball Australia’s disappointed, and that of our players, coaches and support staff and families that the National Championships have been cancelled, Netball ACT understands and fully supports the decision taken by Netball Australia. Netball, like all other Australian sports, must act prudently to reduce the spread of the virus and Netball ACT will communicate further in relation to other competitions and events in due course.
Netball Australia has confirmed that the cancellation of the National Netball Championships does not mean that all netball events and competitions should be cancelled, however, caution in line with government recommendations should be exercised.
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