COVID Phase 3 Update – Time to Get #NetballReady
20th August 2020
Now is the Time to get #NetballReady
Netball Scotland welcomes the First Minister’s announcement today, 20th August 2020, outlining significant steps in the return to outdoor and indoor contact sport within leisure facilities over the coming weeks.
Whilst we acknowledge this positive news, in order for the netball family to safely return to court there will be a transition period in our updated Routemap, Phase 3A, which will outline the necessary steps and precautions required to be taken to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our Members, Clubs and Local Associations.
Alongside this, we recognise the reopening of facilities will play a key role in Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic and will be widely welcomed by clubs, individuals and the wider public. However, it is important to recognise that several challenges including the current economic landscape still need to be overcome before the delivery of sport in local communities and at a club level will be considered in any way back towards anything like normal.
While the desire from all partners to reopen facilities is clear, the difficulties presented by COVID-19 means that it is unlikely that all venues will be able to do so on day one, or for some time to come. Reduced capacities due to the required physical distancing will have a direct impact on the operational capabilities of venue operators and the economic viability of some facilities.
We understand this will be frustrating for the netball family but while we all continue to work towards our shared goals and objectives, we thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding. Ultimately, this will assist with the safe return to our sport. Full information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19): opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities can be accessed here.
Over the past few months, the Netball Scotland team have been working tirelessly in partnership with sportscotland, the Scottish Government, Local Authorities, Leisure Trusts, the Third Sector, Further and Higher Education institutions and the Home Nation Netball Governing Bodies to ensure a coordinated safe return.
During Phase 3A we will work with the netball family to provide training and education as we look to ensure our clubs and Local Associations are #NetballReady and able to implement a modified version of the game. Following Scottish Government approval of our Return To Netball Plan, information will be communicated through our digital platforms and #NetballReady Forums.
With our Members, Clubs and Local Associations at the heart of everything we do, we require you all to put a number of steps in place now to ensure they are able to come back safely and confidently. The four key steps are: –
- Appoint a COVID Officer
- Create a Club Management Plan
- Club volunteers to attend #NetballReady Forums
- Ensure all members are Affiliated for the new season
We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have already pledged their support through renewing their affiliation. We ask that if you can, please pay in full to help us navigate through the pandemic and emerge as a sport stronger than ever. The optional 20% discount on all individual membership licences will be available until September 13th.
Either way, whatever option you choose, by joining us and getting #NetballReady your affiliation is helping to support our sport through these difficult times and enables all to continue to enjoy the sport of netball for life.
Please note, currently we remain in Phase 3 of our Routemap, the four key steps and full guidance can be accessed here on our Return To Netball Hub .
Finally, we want to say a huge thank you to our Members, Clubs and Local Associations who have continued to champion our sport during lockdown, your dedication and passion for netball drives the sport forward.
