Hi Hadfield Netball Family!
We hope everyone has been doing everything they can to stay safe and covid-free during these difficult and unprecedented times.

Parkville have just announced the resumption of their competitions from July 14, in-line with current government guidelines. Having spent some time considered all the guidelines and requirements for training and play, Hadfield NC feels it is currently not in a position to enter teams this season. This has been a very difficult decision but is seen as the most appropriate action, taking into account all the factors involved.

There are a number of reasons we have taken this position, some of which are outlined below:

• The current Covid-19 environment in Melbourne, particularly as we are situated in a known “hotspot”.

It is becoming increasingly clear that it is difficult to plan with any degree of certainty in the current environment. It is highly possible that we could collate expressions of interest, create and organise teams, collect subscriptions, organise training times etc, and have the competition cancelled again. Worse still is our local area is now in lockdown meaning it is highly likely we have, along with several clubs, insufficient players to take the court. We also are yet to get any indication if the Riverside courts will be in use as it too is in a lockdown area. It should also be noted that under the guidelines it would be difficult for any team to access fill-in players.

• Current requirements regarding organisation of training and facility use

Under Council guidelines for the use of our training courts, we are required to have a designated person to coordinate and supervise all training sessions and ensure all Covid-19 requirements are met. There are a number of specific restrictions and guidelines that must be implemented and this position comes with significant legal responsibilities. It is felt that it would be unfair and unreasonable, given the structures and responsibilities, to ask a volunteer to commit to carrying out this position. These restrictions would also hinder our general philosophy of group training sessions being a chance to develop skills and fitness while catching up with friends.

• Restrictions involved with playing in the Parkville competition

As Parkville competitions generally use an indoor facility, there are currently restrictions on the numbers of spectators who may attend. This may create problems in a number of ways regarding supervision, coaching and scoring. More significantly, it will place greater responsibilities on some parents, while limiting the involvement and enjoyment of others. There are also important pre-game and post-game procedures that would have to be strictly adhered to. Parkville will also be publishing fixtures only 4 weeks in advance.

We are bitterly disappointed to have to make this decision, but given the characteristics of our club we feel this is the most logical position to take. We hope you understand it is made primarily with the health of all members in mind, while trying to keep the club a viable entity.
We would certainly understand should you or your child seek to play this season at another club, but would certainly love to see you back in purple next year.
We hope to be able to organise a whole club get-together in the near future so that we can all catch up and swap isolation stories!
Thank you and stay safe!

Location

Martin Reserve, Hadfield