Indoor sports restrictions causing a ‘burden’ to run Melbourne games

Junior indoor sports in Melbourne have been mandated to restrictions so tough, clubs are calling it a “burden” to run competitions.

L-R U11 Netball Kiara, 9, Hannah, 10, Sophie, 10, Emily, 9 and Hayden, 9. Under 11 Ferntree Gully netball club can't resume their sport on the weekend due to density limits at indoor stadiums and the outside courts have too many players to go ahead. Picture: Jason Edwards

Strict density limits have sidelined junior indoor sports despite the state government giving the green light to resume play, with clubs calling it a “burden” to run competitions.

With just 50 people in total allowed inside one venue, excluding club staff, and spectators barred, junior leagues across Melbourne have been forced to postpone games until density caps mirror the 300-person limit in regional Victoria.

Mountain District Netball Association competition administrator Lyn Shepherd told the Herald Sun the league’s 2500 players had been left in limbo, still unsure whether the state government’s announcements of further easing restrictions next week would be enough to get back onto indoor courts.

Ms Shepherd said she could not understand why such a small cap had been placed on clubs such as the Knox Regional Netball Club with 18 outdoor courts and two indoor courts where teams could socially distance.

“My main concern is the lack of clarification from the state government,” Ms Shepherd said.

“Considering we’re all volunteers, this is really adding a big burden.”

Opposition major events and sports spokeswoman Cindy McLeish said the restrictions were another blow for community sport.

It comes after the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) revealed the Andrews government cut $257m to the sector.

“It is astounding that in community sports’ greatest time of need, the Andrews Labor government turns its back and walks away,” Ms McLeish said.

“Sporting clubs are a really important part of the community fabric, for people to get together and provide a solid support base. Without it, people have suffered.”

Acting Premier James Merlino acknowledged the difficulties currently faced by sporting groups

Acting Premier James Merlino on Thursday acknowledged the difficulties currently faced by sporting groups who are restricted to the strict density limits.

“I know this is hard,” Mr Merlino said.

“There’s a reason we have different settings for outdoor community sport and indoor community sport.

“We’ve got density quotients, no matter what the activity is indoors – whether it’s office work, whether it’s retail, hospitality, and including those indoor community sports. So I know that, particularly for those larger indoor sport venues, it’s hard to operate with the density quotients and the caps that are in place right now.”

Mr Merlino pointed forward to further restrictions possibly being eased next week.

“I’m very keen,” he said. “I expect to see a relaxation of these restrictions as we go forward as we promised to do.”