COVID-19: Netball’s 2020 junior and senior state championships canned
They lost their Super Netball teams to the Queensland bubble due to coronavirus and now there’s more bad news for around 5000 netballers and officials with two major events in NSW canned.
Penrith
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NSW’s two biggest netball competitions have been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns with Netball NSW canning both the 2020 junior and senior state championships.
The cancellation of the two largest netball events in the state comes after Netball NSW received advice from NSW Health to “avoid large, inter-regional championships”.
The decision will affect around 5000 players and officials with more 232 teams competing in last years junior event and 180 teams in the senior championships.
“It’s so sad. I still remember playing at the state championships being some of my greatest sport memories,’’ said former NSW Swifts captain Abbey McCulloch, who is coach of the under 12s Sutherland Shire team.
“But it’s the right call. We all have to look after each other.
“I’m upset for my girls, their parent, my coaches, myself. Netball will be back. This is for everyone’s long term health.’’
The championships are contested by clubs from across the state and showcase the best and brightest talent in the sport.
The largest events on the Netball NSW calendar, the junior and senior state titles bring teams from across the state together to determine champions in numerous underage and opens age categories.
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In 2020 the Penrith District, Hawkesbury City, Parramatta Auburn, Baulkham Hills Shire, Eastwood Ryde and Blacktown City Association’s were due to host the junior state titles from October 3-5.
Campbelltown District, Camden & District, Bankstown City and Fairfield City Associations were to have hosted the senior state titles at the same time.
“On Wednesday 12 August Netball NSW participated in an all-sport briefing with the NSW Government and received the latest information from NSW Health,’’ said NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell.
“We also received feedback from many associations in recent weeks. While a variety of options were considered, including localised competitions or limited age groups, the fact is that any version would require an element of travel which NSW Health are trying to avoid.
“Furthermore, the less teams competing the less the event bears any resemblance to a true State Titles competition.”
“It goes without saying that this was not a decision taken lightly and we feel deeply sorry for those who had been planning for, and working so hard towards this year’s event, but we look forward to 2021 with renewed hope and will focus all our efforts on that going forward.’’
Both the NSW Swifts and Giants are playing their Super Netball games in Queensland.