It was a milestone Netball WA had spent months planning for, but the unpredictability of Covid-19 meant there was no fixed date on when competition would commence. Last weekend the netball community – players, coaches and parents from across this state were jumping for joy when Netball WA introduced full contact training and a return to competition, effective immediately.
As associations work around the clock to put together competitions within the coming month, regional town Kalbarri has struck first, with their senior competition starting this weekend.
Kalbarri Netball Association President Julie Davey said: “Everyone has been eager to get netball started again. Our Association has been going for more than 20 years and it’s quite a tradition. Being a small Association has worked in our favour as it has been less restrictive for us to recommence competition.”
For many players this has been the longest wait between seasons, this time has also given Kalbarri NA a chance to review previous seasons to improve the playing experience as well as the spectator experience.
As a result of this review, Kalbarri NA will be trialing a round-robin style competition for their three teams, which will take place every Saturday afternoon from 2pm.
Davey said this new format is designed to not only bring the community but also make Saturday afternoons enjoyable for the whole family.
“We played normal fixtures last year with only three teams and we found the social side fell away as only two teams played each week. It also meant that there were less games played for everyone so value for money also became an issue,” she said.
“By involving all three teams each week we get to play more games over the same period of time. Our ladies netball competition is a very social Saturday afternoon but the end prize is still taken very seriously.”
This new format will also have shorter quarters in an effort to entice former players back to the competition.
“Reducing the time of the games is less daunting for those who have been out of the sport and wanting to ease back in. Their enthusiasm may return, and netball will be the winner,” Davey said.
