Path towards start or resumption of competitions begins after sporting codes get timeline

Tasmania’s winter sports can begin preparing for their return to action after the Premier outlined his three stage road map to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. FIND OUT WHEN THEY RETURN>>

The TSL and TSLW seasons could be back from July 13. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

TASMANIA’S major winter sporting codes have been given a tentative start date as they look to emerge from the coronavirus crisis.

Premier Peter Gutwein unveiled his three stage plan on the road map to recovery, with sporting associations eager to obtain some clarity on when they can resume.

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Under stage two — subject to public health advice — from June 15, indoor sport and recreation, including pool use, and outdoor community sport will be able to resume with a maximum of 20 people.

Stage three, slated from July 13, will see all community sport restart with numbers guided to be guided by Public Health.

This leaves AFL Tasmania, Football Tasmania, Hockey Tasmania, Netball Tasmania and Basketball Tasmania eyeing off a mid July date to either start or resume their top flight competitions.

Zoe Claridge sets up to score during the opening rounds of the State League Netball season. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

However all will need to adhere to strict AIS guidelines which have formed it’s ‘reboot’ principles endorsed at National Cabinet.

“AFL Tasmania is working with the AFL to review the AIS framework and have been

Lauderdale’s Phillip Bellchambers looks to handball in last year’s TSL preliminary final. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

preparing a comprehensive return to play road map,” AFL Tasmania chief Trisha Squires said.

“We will be working closely with the Tasmanian Government and Communities, Sport and Recreation on developing appropriate safety plans for approval for activities to resume, subject to public health advice.

“We are still working towards releasing a more detailed announcement about community footy’s return to play, post the announcement for the elite game in the middle of May.”

FT CEO Matt Bulkeley told the Mercury last week his code was well advanced in its COVID-19 management plan, and it would now consult with clubs on the best way forward.

Soccer Summer Cup at KGV. Olympia V South Hobart. (L-R) Nicholas Mearns of Olympia with the ball. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“We will be consulting with our member clubs and associations, as well as local councils and other key stakeholders, before presenting the plan to (the) government for its consideration in the near future,” Bulkeley said.

“(The) announcement will help us develop a clear road map for the resumption of football.”

Hockey’s premier league managed one round before succumbing to the pandemic, while netball squeezed two rounds of both the State League and local competitions before being forced to halt action.

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“Netball Tasmania are still currently gaining a clearer understanding of what everything means and will be working closely with Sport and Recreation Tasmania to determine a recommencement date,” CEO Aaron Pidgeon said.

“There are a number of complexities involved with returning to match play, and we will remain optimistic that at least training may return in June.”

Derwent’s Torin Besterof flicks the ball forward during the first round of the premier league hockey season. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Hockey Tasmania chief Damien Smith added: “Hockey Tasmania is pleased to see there is now a clearer timeline as to when we can return to our sport.”

Basketball Tasmania’s focus will be on its talent pathway programs and on restarting local rosters, with the state’s senior teams not returning to the court in 2020 after the NBL1 season was cancelled.