Update Published: 4th June 2021

Travel restrictions for organised sport remain in place supporting the Scottish Government’s phased approach to the easing of lockdown restrictions.

In line with publication of the Scottish Government’s Framework, Netball Scotland will, on the 17^th May  2021 remain in  Phase C of our #SafetyNet Return to Netball Roadmap

An overview of Permitted Activity Guidance per age group can be found here!

Information on the Modified Game can be found here!

The updated Return to Netball Guidance can be found on our updated Return to Netball Hub here.

Netball Training and Fitness Activities are permitted for the following age groups:

• Members aged 11 Years and Under, Indoors and Outdoors
• Members aged 12-17 Years, Indoors and  Outdoors
• Members aged 18+ Years, Indoors (Levels 0, 1 & 2 only) and Outdoors (Levels 0, 1, 2 & 3)
• Members aged 18+ Outdoors & Indoors – Level 0 – All Netball activities permitted

Modified Game Play is permitted for the following age groups from the 17th of May 2021 :

Our Fun 5z Modified Game can take place for:

• Members aged 11 Years and Under Indoors and Outdoors

  Our Modified Game Play can now take place for:

• Members aged 12-17 Years Indoors and Outdoors
• Members aged 18+ Outdoors (Levels 1 & 2 only)
• Members aged 18+ Outdoors & Indoors – Level 0 – All Netball activities permitted

Competitions and Friendlies are permitted from 17th May 2021:

• Netball Scotland organised competitions and local club/association competitions (including friendlies) are permitted for all age groups, Outdoor only in Level 0, Level 1 and Level 2.
• All competitions (including friendlies) remain suspended in Level 3 and Level 4.
• Members aged 18+ Outdoors & Indoors – Level 0 – All Netball activities permitted
• Competitions remain subject to Scottish Government Travel Guidance.

Netball Scotland’s Permitted Activity is aligned to the Scottish Government’s own phased exit protection level restrictions, and in line with consultation from sportscotland.

Important Information:

Members should implement the Modified Game rules in conjunction with Netball Scotland’s Return to Netball Guidance and the Scottish Governments Strategic Framework.

It is the club’s responsibility to ensure they are holding activities relevant to their current Permitted Activity Level as set out in Netball Scotland’s Permitted Activity Guidance.

Travel Overview:

Participants should, where possible, avoid any unnecessary travel out of an area and keep journeys within area to an absolute minimum. Full details of the Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on Travel and Transport can be accessed here 

Under 11’s and 12-17 Travel

• Participants aged 17 years or under can travel to and from Level 0, 1, 2 and 3 areas to take part in organised sport, training, and fitness activity.
• Children and young people living in a Level 3 area should follow Local Protection Level Guidance in regards to taking part in informal exercise such as walking, running or cycling.

18+ Travel

• Participants aged 18 years or over can travel to and from Level 0, 1 and 2 areas to take part in organised sport, physical activity and training. They should not travel to a Level 3 area.
• Adults living in a Level 3 area should follow Local Protection Level Guidance in regards to taking part in informal exercise such as walking, running or cycling.

Why Travel Restrictions?

Netball Scotland have provided guidance in line with the Scottish Government’s advice for travelling safely within Scotland.

As a nation we must do all we can to stop the spread of the virus. We want to be able to protect our sport and the netball family as much as possible in this ever-changing landscape which is why we must set out this guidance in line with the Scottish Governments Guidance

We thank the Netball Family for standing with us!

Final Comments from the team at Netball Scotland:

We are delighted that these changes mean that we can now officially progress with our #ReturnToSport campaign which aims to increase opportunities for all members over the summer months as we begin to return to the sport we all know and love! You can find out more information about all of our exciting Sirens Summer plans HERE.

#NetballReady clubs have already been embracing our #NetsGoOutdoors campaign, a new and exciting direction for our sport and one we hope to see as a permanent option for the future of netball.

Are you ready for a Summer of Netball?

Netball Scotland is excited to launch our #ReturnToSport Campaign, which aims to increase opportunities for all members over the summer months as we begin to return to the sport we all know and love!

Plans are in place to kick start the return with one-day festivals for our Junior, Senior & BBN members across 4 areas – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth & Aberdeen on the 5th/6th June. The events will be 2-hour slots per category. These festivals will provide members with the opportunity to have fun and reconnect with local teams! As a thank you to our members for their support over the past year, Netball Scotland is hosting these festivals FREE of charge for our Netball Ready Clubs. Netball Ready clubs can enter a maximum of 2 teams, and if space permits Netball Scotland will consider clubs who are Netball Ready by 21st May 2021.  Bookings are now live and can be accessed HERE.

If your club is not already #NetballReady, please contact Caroline Walker at Caroline.walker@netballscotland.com to complete this process.

Following on from our one-day festivals, Netball Scotland will launch our BRAND-NEW Sirens Summer Social Leagues on the 14th June 2021 for 8 whole weeks (dates will vary depending on venue). This is a further opportunity to return to the sport and play numerous teams from your area.  The leagues will host 16 Junior, 16 Senior & 16 BBN teams per area. Entries for this event will launch on Friday 14th May at 12pm on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will cost £50 per team per evening for our Senior & BBN members, and £37.50 per team per evening for our Junior members. All members must be affiliated with Netball Scotland.

We seek an army of volunteers to support our #ReturnToSport campaign and help us at the festivals and events over the summer months. Look out for our Volunteer forms if you are interested, coming out soon.

In line with publication of the Scottish Government’s Framework, Netball Scotland will, on the 5^th of April 2021 enter Phase B of our #SafetyNet Return to Netball Routemap, and as such we have re-introduced our Age Group Guidance Permitted Activity Framework to provide guidance on what activity is permitted for each age group.

An overview of Permitted Activity Guidance per age group can be found here!

Information on the Modified Game can be found here!

The updated Return to Netball Guidance can be found on our updated Return to Netball Hub here.

Netball Training and Fitness Activities are still permitted for the following age groups:

• Members aged 11 Years and Under, Outdoors
• Members aged 12-17 Years, Outdoors
• Members aged 18+ Years, Outdoors

Modified Game Permitted Activity is permitted for the following age groups from the 5^th of April 2021:

Our Fun 5z Modified Guidance can re-commence for:

• Members aged 11 Years and Under, Outdoors

We are delighted to confirm that our Modified Game Plan can now take place temporarily for:

• Members aged 12-17 Years, Outdoors until the 25^th April*

Netball Scotland’s Permitted Activity is aligned to the Scottish Government’s own phased exit from current Level 4 restrictions, and in line with consultation from Sportscotland.

Important Information:

Members should implement the Modified Game rules in conjunction with Netball Scotland’s Return to Netball Guidance and the Scottish Governments Strategic Framework.

It is the club’s responsibility to ensure they are holding activities relevant to their current Permitted Activity Level as set out in Netball Scotland’s Permitted Activity Guidance.

Travel Overview:

Participants should, where possible, avoid any unnecessary travel out of area and keep journeys within area to an absolute minimum. Full details of the Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on Travel and Transport can be accessed here. 

Under 11’s and 12-17 Travel

• Participants aged 17 years or under can travel to and from Level 0, 1 and 2 areas to take part in organised sport, training, and fitness activity.
• Children and young people can also travel to and from a Level 3 or 4 area, if for example, they belong to a club which is just outside their own local authority area. They should however travel no further than necessary to take part in the organised activity.
• Children and young people living in a Level 3 or 4 area should only travel out with their local government area (up to 5 miles) to take part in informal exercise such as walking, running or cycling which starts and finishes at the same place. Such activity should follow Scottish Government ‘Stay Local’ guidance.

18+ Travel

• Participants aged 18 years or over can travel to and from Level 0, 1 and 2 areas (but not Level 3 or 4) to take part in organised netball training and fitness activity.
• Adults living in a Level 3 or Level 4 area should only travel locally (within their own local government area) to take part in organised netball training and fitness activity.
• Adults living in a Level 3 or Level 4 area should only travel out with their local government area (up to 5 miles) to take part in informal exercise such as walking, cycling, golf or running that starts and finishes at the same place. Such activity should follow Scottish Government ‘Stay Local’ guidance.

You can also find some Travel FAQs here!

Why Travel Restrictions?

Netball Scotland have provided guidance in line with the Scottish Government’s advice for travelling safely within Scotland.

As a nation we must do all we can to stop the spread of the virus. We want to be able to protect our sport and the netball family as much as possible in this ever-changing landscape which is why we must set out this guidance in line with the Scottish Governments ‘Stay Local’ guidance.

We thank the Netball Family for standing with us!

Final Comments from the team at Netball Scotland:

We have always said brighter times are coming, the momentum of our sport will not slow down, we are already beginning to see out sport emerge from this pandemic with a new outlook. #NetballReady clubs have been embracing our #NetsGoOutdoors campaign and are returning to training outdoors, this is a new and exciting direction for our sport and one we hope to see as a permanent option for the future of netball. Let’s get outdoors, let’s be seen and let’s get our voices heard. Together we will come out of this stronger. This is Netball and this is the #PowerOfSport.

On Monday the 5^th of January 2021 the Scottish Government set out the latest Covid-19 Guidance, which will see mainland Scotland placed into an extended Level 4 Protection Level, with a clear message to stay at home and only go out for essential purposes in order to limit the spread of the virus.

Below you will find Netball Scotland’s recommendations and current guidance which align to the Scottish Governments information.

ACTIVITY (Mainland Scotland)

We have been closely monitoring the situation surrounding COVID-19 and following the latest guidance set out by the Scottish Government, the Netball Scotland Board and Senior Management Team have made the decision to suspend all netball activity for all age groups (Under 11, 12-17 and 18+) across mainland Scotland with immediate effect and until further notice.

We have throughout the pandemic made all the necessary changes to our sport from introducing the Modified Game to creating Permitted Activity Guidance to ensure our clubs and members were able to safely continue and enjoy our sport. However, with the increased transmissibility of the new variant of Covid-19 and the extension of Protection Level 4, new guidance has been put in place:

• Indoor facilities and gyms will remain closed in January.
• Group sport, organised netball training and fitness activity indoors/outdoors should not be undertaken. This applies to all age groups in an extended Level 4 area. (mainland Scotland)
• Non-contact exercise (walking, running or cycling) can continue for all age groups, those 12+ should be following household rules, a maximum of 2 households / 2 people aged 12+.
• Travel is restricted. (See more information below)
• Performance/professional sport retains its exemptions at Level 4 although this is subject to local operators opening facilities based on their risk assessments.

This extended protection level will remain in place until January 31^st and the date will be reviewed by the government later this month.

ACTIVITY (Islands)

Whilst the islands remain on Protection Level 3, it is the recommendation of Netball Scotland that the guidance given to mainland Scotland is adopted by the Scottish Islands. This decision has been made as a result of school and leisure estate closure on the islands.

TRAVEL

Travel restrictions remain in place and if you live in a level 3 or level 4 area you should not be travelling outside of your local area for netball activities.

There are exemptions to travel for sport, exercise and recreation. Participants can still travel up to 5 miles from the boundary of a LA to take part in informal exercise such as walking or running so as long they abide by household rules. (2 people 12+ from maximum of 2 households)

When travelling in a Level 4 area you should:

• Avoid any unnecessary travel out of your local area
• Keep journeys within the area to an absolute minimum
• If you have to travel for essential purposes, follow the Scottish Government guidance on travelling safely

Further travel guidance can be found from the Scottish Government.

SUMMARY

What can still go ahead:

• Exercise at home with our Level Up Challenge here!
• Informal exercise outdoors walking, running or cycling for 2 adults together from 2 households, why not #GetInvolved in Strathclyde Sirens 21 Miles Challenge here!
• Professional sport for identified performance athletes

What can no longer happen:

• Group sport, organised netball training and fitness activity indoors/outdoors for all age groups is suspended in extended Level 4 areas (mainland Scotland).
• Group sport, organised netball training and fitness activity for under 18s is permitted within Scottish Government guidance in Level 3 areas (islands). However, Netball Scotland recommends that the guidance given to mainland Scotland is adopted by the Scottish Islands, and therefore group sport, organised netball training and fitness activity should be suspended.

FINAL COMMENTS FROM #TEAMNS

This is not a decision that has been taken easily or lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for many of you, but it has been made in full consideration of all the Government advice and the guidelines provided to us as a National Governing Body. Protecting the wellbeing, health and safety of our members, volunteers and workforce is our number one priority and so we request that this decision is respected and followed.

Again, and as always, we want to thank the Netball Family for continuing to stand with us and we appreciate the work that has gone into keeping everyone engaged in netball during this unprecedented time.

We said in our last message that brighter times are ahead, and we still believe this is true, if we all stand together, we will emerge from this stronger! #TogetherWeAreNetball

Following publication of the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Scotland’s Strategic Framework, we are delighted to confirm that the indicative date of Monday 2^nd November 2020 for the launch of our Modified Game Plan will go ahead for the following: –

Members aged 12-17 Years, Outdoors, Level 0, 1, 2 & 3

Members aged 18+ Years, Outdoors, Levels 0, 1 & 2

We are currently in discussion with Scottish Government regarding approval of the Modified Game for the following: –

Members aged 18+, Outdoors, Level 3

Affiliated members, clubs and Local Associations must continually monitor their Local Protection Level as set out by the Scottish Government, you can find this information updated weekly here.

Members should implement the Modified Game rules in conjunction with Netball Scotland’s Return to Netball Strategic Framework Guidance and the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Scotland’s Strategic Framework.

An overview of all permitted activity can be found here!

An overview of key permitted activity and restrictions per level can be found in the guidance booklets below:

Permitted Activity Guidance for Under 11s can be found here!

Permitted Activity Guidance for those aged 12-17 can be found here!

Permitted Activity Guidance for those aged 18+ can be found here!

Netball Scotland is currently finalising the #NetballReady and Return to Netball Guidance which will support the Permitted Activity Guidance. We expect these to be released early next week.

In the meantime, please familiarise yourself with the documentation above to allow netball activity to continue in line with local permitted activity.

This guidance is applicable from 06.01am on Monday 2^nd November 2020.

Today Netball Scotland are pleased to announce the confirmed and indicative dates for Phase 4 of our Return to Netball Routemap!

Phase 4A for 11 years and Under Netball Activity  – From Monday, October 19th 2020

As a nation we continue to face an everchanging environment due to the prevalence of COVID-19. For that reason, from an indicative date of the 19th of October, we will be encouraging all members 11 years and under to adopt the Fun Fives model when participating in netball. This already includes aspects that the modified version of the game will undertake including the 4ft mark rule, as well as only allowing 5-a-side to promote the use of space.  

Furthermore, updates to increase the inclusivity of this resource pack have been made. You can find our Men and Boys statement here.  

To support this version of the game, affiliated members and schools can download the Fun Fives resource pack FREE from the ‘Documents’ section of our membership portal.  

Facilitators and Coaches delivering the Fun Fives model must uphold all government guidelines to protect the health and wellbeing of those participating.  Therefore, the swapping/sharing of bibs is not permitted.  However, it would be acceptable for children to use the bib in reverse and can then switch positions accordingly.  

This guidance is specifically for 11 years and Under and participation in this form of the game is permitted for indoor and outdoor.  

Extra-curricular school clubs should follow Education Scotland’s published COVID-19 Return to Educational Establishments Physical Education Guidelines August 2020.  

Netball Scotland encourages all members to continue to follow the #FACTS and minimise contact where possible.  

If you have any questions, please direct these to your local Regional Development Manager.  

 You can find Phase 4A guidance, including our Infographic Overview document and Plan and Prepare Checklist on the #NetballReady Hub.

Phase 4B Launch of the Modified Game Outdoors for Children and Young People (12-17) and Adults (18+) – From an Indicative Date of November 2nd 2020.

In addition to the above, we are excited to be able to provide members with an indicative date for Phase 4b for the launch of a return to Netball outdoors under the Modified Game Plan.   

Subject to Scottish Government Guidance, Netball Scotland has identified an indicative date of the 2nd of November 2020 for the launch of our Modified Game Plan for those aged 12-17 and 18+. From this indicative date organised outdoor small sided games and match play, with a maximum of 30 people taking part in one session, following Netball Scotland’s Modified Game Plan will be permitted for affiliated clubs with a #NetballReady endorsement.   

Please note, as this anticipated launch date and the subsequent progression to Phase 4b of Netball Scotland’s Return to Netball Routemap is subject to Scottish Government Guidance this date is subject to change. Netball Scotland will inform clubs and members when progression to Phase 4b is activated and the Modified Game is permitted. 

Until then, we encourage clubs to make sure your club is #NetballReady to allow you utilise the Modified Game Plan. We would also urge clubs to consider introducing a period of netball training and fitness activity to prepare participants for the modified game e.g. Level Up.  

To facilitate all of the above Netball Scotland have launched a #NetsGoOutdoors Campaign, read more about this campaign here! 

#TogetherWeAreNetball