To Netball NT Member Associations and Individual Members,
We are all currently living in interesting and different times with more emphasis than ever before on our own and others health and wellbeing.
Whilst the NT is currently tracking well with regard to COVID-19 it is a virus that does not have a zero risk associated with it and whilst there is a low risk currently in place it is incumbent of the whole community to take steps to slow any possible infection rate and netball in the NT is no different.
There have been daily changes to advices and recommendations with the most recent from the Federal Government relating to numbers in indoor gatherings and the sport has had in place daily teleconferences with all States and Territories to monitor these developments.
Earlier today all the States and Territories agreed, through decisions of their Boards, that community netball competitions be suspended with a review process in each jurisdiction as to when they would resume and this action brings netball into line with nearly all other sporting organisations in the NT addressing the slowing of the COVID-19 virus.
All Member Association competitions are cancelled effective immediately until the 1st May with a review to be conducted weekly as to whether that date is applied or extended depending on the ongoing situation in the community.
This decision will not be universally endeared however the health and wellbeing of our netball community – our athletes, coaches, umpires, officials, volunteers, and staff - is paramount, as is any impact on the NT health system, our doctors, nurses and others at the forefront of any developments with this virus.
We will provide updates on the situation on a regular basis through direct contact with Member Associations and through social media channels.
In addition, Netball NT is also recommending that all club training be postponed until the week immediately prior to the commencement of the season and that any coaching and umpiring accreditation and education be maintained (within current restrictions) with virtual and e-learning options provided where possible.
In the coming days, we will provide further advice as to the possible postponement of major events and competitions that may also be impacted over the coming months including the Indigenous Carnival and NT Link Championships.
From the perspective of the Sitzler Netball Centre including CDU Stadium this venue will also be closed to the public until at least 1st May.
These are challenging times for the entire community and Netball NT appreciates your consideration of these amendments to the normal netball routine as the entire country attempts to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
