MARCH 18, 2020
A Letter from the CEO
To our Netball WA Members,
The health and wellbeing of our netball community – our athletes, coaches, umpires, officials, volunteers, fans and staff - is paramount, and the potential impact on our people is at the forefront of any decision made or advice provided.
The COVID-19 outbreak has presented a number of challenges for our country, with the effects being felt across every industry, including sport. We will continue to do our best to communicate any updates to you as soon as possible, however the rapidly changing nature of this pandemic is forcing us to continue to make decisions on an hour by hour basis.
The weekend’s announcement regarding gatherings of more than 500 people to be cancelled/postponed provides our sport with a significant challenge. To that point, we understand we need to minimise the impact of the coronavirus on our players, coaches, staff, spectators and stakeholders and as a consequence have made the decision to recommend to our Associations that the commencement of all regular winter competition be delayed to the 30th May, with a view that we will continue to monitor the situation.
In addition, Netball WA is also recommending that all club training and grading competitions (representing the largest portion of our membership) be postponed until the week immediately prior to the commencement of the season and that coaching, umpiring and bench officials accreditation and education be maintained (within current restrictions) with virtual and e-learning options provided where possible. In the coming days, we will provide further advice as to the possible postponement of major events and competitions that may also be impacted over this period. Training of Origin Metro League, GIG WANL, ANL and West Coast Fever teams can proceed at this time.
We, like you, are aware that this situation has played such a significant role in our community. We have regular conference meetings every second day with Netball Australia and we’re coordinating a range of meetings with our State Government, various government agencies and our partners to better understand their positions and areas of need and support. Netball Australia have today released a statement providing useful information regarding recommended hygiene protocols for our sport – the statement can be found here.
Disruption presents both a threat and an opportunity. We are working intently to develop innovative ways to deliver our services for the year. Our purpose is advancing netball, advancing communities and we’re confident that whatever 2020 throws at Netball WA, we will continue to strive towards this purpose.
Thank you once again, and I will be in contact as soon as more information comes to hand. Please note that this information has been circulated to all members and Associations at the same time so please show consideration towards your Association as they address these recommendations. Please continue to look after yourselves and your communities.
Simon Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
Netball WA
