Below is information around how Netball NZ is responding to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMMUNITY NETBALL & ANZ PREMIERSHIP SUSPENDED, BEKO NETBALL LEAGUE CANCELLED
New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership along with Community Netball have been suspended for the foreseeable future whilst the Beko Netball League has been cancelled for 2020.Netball New Zealand has aligned with the latest announcement from the Government which sees the country currently under alert Level 4.
Netball NZ Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said it had been a challenging time for all of those involved but reiterated that the health and welfare of the players, team management and the wider Netball community was top priority.
ANZ Premiership and Beko Netball League teams have all ceased group training under lockdown and Netball NZ will continue to review the situation based on advice provided by the Government and Ministry of Health.
Just one full round of the 2020 ANZ Premiership was completed while both the Beko Netball League and Community Netball were preparing to start when Government restrictions on mass gatherings were announced.
Tickets for individual ANZ Premiership matches that have been purchased for any of the remaining rounds will be refunded and purchasers should contact the relevant ticket agency to action. People with Team memberships will be contacted directly by Teams in due course.
NEW DOMESTIC EVENTS SHIFTED TO 2021
Netball New Zealand has taken the decision to cancel two domestic events this year due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19 with both rescheduled to 2021.
The Netball NZ U18 Champs and the Netball NZ Open Champs, presented by NZ Police, were due to debut during the 2020 domestic calendar but will now not take place until 2021.
The two events replaced the former Netball NZ U19 and Netball NZ U17 national events with the intention that these changes would allow more athletes to access competition at a national level.
Rotorua was to host the Netball NZ U18 Champs in July while the Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North was the venue for the Netball NZ Open Champs to be held in September.
Both cities would remain hosts of their respective events in 2021.
The 2020 Fuji Xerox NZ Secondary School Netball Champs currently remains as scheduled but will be worked through alongside School Sport NZ. If it proceeds, it would be played at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua from 6-9 October this year.
FURTHER ADVICE
Follow the Ministry of Health Guidelines at www.health.govt.nz
If you’re finding it tough or know of someone who is then visit www.mentalhealth.org.nz
Netball New Zealand will continue to provide updates on our website and social media channels.
RECOMMENDED HEALTH AND SAFETY
Stay at home during lockdown.
Regularly wash your hands.
Remain in your 'bubble' and avoid all physical contact with others.