Netball Australia under 17 and under 19 netball championships scheduled for April cancelled

The annual national under 17 and under 19 netball championships scheduled for Hobart in late April have been cancelled.

The annual national under 17 and under 19 netball championships scheduled for Hobart in late April have been cancelled.

Netball Australia advised today that “based on the expert medical advice’’ they would not go ahead due to COVID-19.

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Netball Australia took advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

“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.

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She said the health of the Australian netball and wider community “is paramount’’ and Netball Australia would work closely with state and territory member organisations in relation to community and grassroots netball.

Netball Australia chief executive Marne Fechner at last season’s launch. picture : David Geraghty / The Australian.

“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.

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“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.’’

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However, she said the cancellation of the National Netball Championships did not mean all netball events and competitions should be cancelled.

“However, caution in line with government recommendations should be exercised.’’