The Suncorp Super Netball league is pleased to confirm the Round 10 fixture will go ahead as planned.
The league has closely monitored the health advice and worked with state governments to determine that the West Coast Fever can host their Round 10 match against the Sunshine Coast Lightning at RAC Arena.
The Adelaide Thunderbirds game against the Queensland Firebirds will go ahead as planned at Netball SA Stadium, while the Melbourne Vixens and Collingwood Magpies will host their Round 10 matches at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena.
Netball Australia Interim CEO Ron Steiner said the league was committed to the season, while the health and safety of the players, coaches, staff and officials continued to be the first priority.
Steiner said last week’s decision to bring five clubs to Victoria had been made to manage the challenging and fast-changing COVID-19 situation across Australia.
"Netball Australia will continue to remain adaptable as the season progresses in this constantly changing environment,” Steiner said.
“While COVID-19 continues to impact the community, we are working closely with state governments, health officials and our clubs and players to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone in our great game.
“The reality of the current COVID-19 situation in the community means the fixture will become a week-by-week proposition for the short-term as we navigate through an uncertain period.
“All sports have been impacted by this pandemic - they face the same challenges and health restrictions that we do.
“It’s impossible to say when we’ll be back to normal, but when we do emerge netball’s players, coaches, staff and administrators will be able to look back with pride on the strength of character, resilience and grace they have displayed.”
Netball Australia has been and will continue to keep the clubs informed with regular communication. The organisation last week wrote to all players, support staff and umpires thanking them for the sacrifices they and their families have made, all the while remaining focussed on keeping the competition alive and working so hard for the benefit of our sport.
After the 2020 season was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, clubs were forced to relocate into a hub in Queensland to allow for fixtures to proceed while minimising the risk of spreading the virus.
While these hubs allowed the season to progress it also meant some players spent a large amount of time away from their families and loved ones.
Netball Australia is working closely with the Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA). CEO and former Diamonds’ captain, Kathryn Harby-Williams, is a member of Netball Australia’s special project group making decisions on a daily basis to expedite the season and maintain the wellbeing of players and staff.
“We are working in close collaboration with Netball Australia and we believe it is important that the players are given the opportunity to provide input and have an understanding of the potential scenarios so that they, and their families, can prepare for what is ahead,” Harby-Williams said.
Fixture plans will include consideration for the rescheduled match between the West Coast Fever and the Melbourne Vixens, with an investigation into the match’s postponement already underway.
To view the Round 10 fixture, click here.
