Netball Scotland are delighted to announce that we will host a series of friendly International training matches between the Scottish Thistles, Wales and Northern Ireland Warriors this August.

The much-anticipated action kicks off on Friday 20^th until Sunday 22^nd August at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena and will see each of the three Celtic nations compete against one another in their first run out as national sides since 2019. This event will also mark the Thistles’ first opportunity for international match play since Tamsin Greenway was announced as Scotland’s Head Coach in March 2020.

The Scottish Thistles, Wales and Northern Ireland Warriors are ranked 8^th, 9^th, and 11^th in the World respectively and although these games will not be official ranking fixtures fans can be assured that on court rivalries will be reactivated and all teams will be looking to dominate over the weekend.

After nearly two years without international match play all three nations are keen to get back onto court and into competition, and these games will provide crucial preparation for players and their coaches as they prepare to qualify for, and perform at, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Scottish Thistles Head Coach, Tamsin Greenway:

‘After such a strange initial 18 months in the role I’m so excited to finally be able to confirm match play for our Scottish Thistles. It has been such a long time since this group has stepped out together as a national side against international opposition. I know all three teams will be very happy to be back out on court and we are looking forward to the challenge of the competition. It is the first step for us as we build up to next year’s Commonwealth Games, and will give me a real opportunity to work with the players, develop combinations and just be together as a group.’

Northern Ireland Warriors Head Coach, Elaine Rice:

‘Our Warriors are excited to get back on court to assess where we are and what we need to do to ensure qualification for Commonwealth Games. We are fortunate that we are now in a position to compete. We always relish our rivalries with Scotland and Wales, so we will enjoy our training knowing these games are coming up.’

Welsh Netball Head Coach, Sara Hale:

‘It is really pleasing to have friendly competition in the calendar against both Scotland and NI. It will not only be a welcome return to international netball, but also an exciting opportunity for us to expose players and assess where we are as a group, ahead of what is a crucial year for us.’

Further details to be announced in due course.

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.

Achieving your dreams wouldn’t be possible without the support of your loved ones. For many of us our mums and those mother figures within our lives are our number one fans, they celebrate our wins, have our backs when things get tough, commiserate, celebrate and motivate us. Every day they challenge us to be the best version of ourselves.

In honour of Mother’s Day, we asked some of our Strathclyde Sirens athletes to tell us how their mums have helped them on their road to greatness.

Cerys Cairns

“From a young age my mum always encouraged me and my sister to take part in anything active. She juggled taking me and my sister to different places most days but was always happy to be part of the journey we were both on. From driving me to training, to watching a dance show or standing at the side of the netball court cheering me on, she was always there. If it wasn’t for my mum’s support, encouragement and love I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today as an athlete. Thank you, mum, for everything!”

Lynsey Gallagher

“Mum, I cannot thank you enough for all of the love, support and encouragement you have shown me throughout the years!

For giving me both the confidence and opportunities to pursue my goals from day dot, and proving to me that ‘anything is possible’ if you work hard and never give up. Thank you for being my personal taxi driver, my very own chef and most importantly my biggest fan – the list really is endless! If it wasn’t for you mum, I certainly wouldn’t be the person and athlete I am today, and I certainly wouldn’t have achieved what I have so far in life if I didn’t have you in my corner! Thank you, mum, not only today but every day!”

Towera Vinkhumbo

“Being the 9th born out of 11 children, and all raised with equal love and care, it’s just a blessing to have a such a strong mother. Despite so many siblings and grandchildren my Mum has now, I don’t lack her presence in my daily life, she always pushed and encouraged me to achieve my goals, I cannot count how many times she has given me whatever I need during my sporting career from grassroots till now, whenever I want to quit because of the challenges I have been facing, my mum always disagrees with my decision and encouraged me to not quit.

Mum, I owe you all that I am today, I thank you for inspiring me and being my best friend, you always put a smile on my face when you call me ‘My Defender’. Happy Mother’s Day Mum.”

Emma Barrie

“I am really lucky that my mum has been so supportive throughout my netball career. She is always putting my needs before hers which I am really grateful for. If it wasn’t for all her support and dedication to driving me to training sessions and supporting me at all my matches, I wouldn’t be playing at the level I am today. Thank you, mum!”

Nicola McCleery

“I will forever be thankful to have my no.1 fan as my Mum. Through the highs, lows and everything in between, there’s one thing I know – mum will always be there to offer her support. The one who has believed in me from the beginning and continues to motivate me everyday – I thank you. If it wasn’t for you Mum, I wouldn’t be anywhere near the athlete I am today.”

Emily Nicholl

“My mum is by no means a natural athlete, as the team can attest to after seeing her feature in many of my home training videos, but she is most definitely the reason I have gone on to become an international netballer. Her incredible work ethic and passion for whatever she sets her mind to is forever an inspiration to me and are qualities I try to emulate in my own goal of being the best athlete and person I can be. From travelling across the world to watch me play weeks after a shoulder reconstruction to listening to all of my post game analysis, of which there is a lot, my mum’s unwavering support means the world to me.

Everything I am is because of my mum.”

Gia Abernethy

“Growing up with 2 sisters, all we wanted was to play netball like Mum did when she was younger. She’s always supported us, and even more so that I’m on the other side of the world playing the sport she grew up loving. Mum’s are the best and I love you Muma.”

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

Netball Scotland are delighted to announce that Ed Crozier has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board. He will be replacing Pam Radage who has been interim Chair since Caroline Mansley stepped down from the role due to personal reasons last year.

No stranger to the world of sport, Ed was the 126th President of the Scottish Rugby Union and served on the Board of the SRU through a period of significant transition and growth into the successful professional sport it is today. Formerly a rugby referee, Ed is passionate about grassroots and community sport and has long been a champion for women in sport.

Professionally, Ed is an executive producer in film and theatre, and joins Netball Scotland after having completed two terms as Chair of Dancebase Scotland where he was instrumental in leading transformational change for the organisation and it’s members. Ed has also worked at Senior Partner level in the financial services industry and was also a founding Director of Glasgow Life CIC Board so brings with him an extensive portfolio of expertise across sport, business, politics, culture and finance.

Speaking about his new appointment Ed says: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Netball Scotland as Chair and am excited to start working with Claire Nelson and the wonderful staff and Board in the organisation to further realise the ongoing potential of Netball in Scotland, both on and off the court. Collectively we have huge ambitions for the sport, from growing opportunities for everyone to connect with the game at a community and grassroots level to increasing our impact and engagement with young people in schools. At an elite level, we want to see our National Team, the Scottish Thistles, progress up the world rankings with a real focus on achieving our best ever results at the Netball World Cup in South Africa 2023, and developing our Superleague Franchise, the Strathclyde Sirens, into a fully professional team that challenges for the UK League title.

There has been a huge movement happening in women’s sport, with netball at the forefront of increasing visibility, innovating through digital and developing new opportunities for women and girls to play, volunteer, watch, coach, officiate and support – I am thrilled and extremely motivated to be a part of the next important stage of this journey.”

CEO of Netball Scotland, Claire Nelson, added: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Ed as the new Chair of Netball Scotland. He is joining the organisation at probably one of the most critical times in our history as we navigate our way through this pandemic and focus on rebuilding into being a stronger, bigger and more successful sport, brand and business for the future. Ed understands and is passionate about our vision for netball and we believe that his proven track record, his expertise and his profile will help us to achieve our ambitions as a sport and organisation. I am really looking forward to working with Ed as we continue to keep #ChangingTheGame for netball and for women’s sport in Scotland.”

Interim Chair of Netball Scotland, Pam Radage, added: “I am so pleased that Ed is joining our Board at this crucial time. He adds a lot of strength and profile to the organisation and we believe that he is absolutely the person to lead us through the challenges we face as a result of COVID and onto realising our strategic vision and ambitions. Ed’s experience provides our sport and members with a great opportunity to learn, grow and develop, and I am confident that it will be an exciting time ahead for all of us.”

Ed officially commences his role on 1st December 2020.

FWB Park Brown Ltd led the search process for the Netball Scotland Chair.

Effective from 2^nd November 2020 the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Strategic Framework to manage COVID-19 came into place. Full details of the Scottish Government’s Strategic Approach can be found here.

In line with publication of the Scottish Government’s Framework, Netball Scotland has now entered Phase 4b of our Return to Netball Routemap and introduced a Return to Netball Permitted Activity Framework to provide guidance on what is permitted at each Level.

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:

• Members aged 11 Years and Under, Outdoors in all levels and Indoors in Levels 0, 1, 2 & 3
• Members aged 12-17 Years, Outdoors in all levels and Indoors in Levels 0, 1, 2 & 3
• Members aged 18+ Years, Outdoors in all levels and Indoors in Levels 0, 1 & 2

Modified Game and Permitted Activity:

Our Fun 5z Modified Guidance can continue for the following

• Members aged 11 Years and Under, Outdoors/Indoors, Levels 0, 1, 2 & 3

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

• Members aged 12-17 Years, Outdoors/Indoors, Levels 0, 1, 2 & 3
• Members aged 18+ Years, Outdoors only in Levels 0, 1 & 2

Important Information:

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.

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

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.

If you are unsure about which level of the Government’s Strategic Framework your Local Authority is in, use the Government postcode tracker, here.

Travel Restrictions Overview:

If you live or work anywhere where there are protective measures in place – at whatever level – you should not travel to another area to avoid them.  Full details of the Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on Travel and Transport can be accessed here

If you live in a Level 4 local authority area you should:

• avoid any unnecessary travel out of the area
• also keep journeys within the area to an absolute minimum
• if you have to travel for essential purposes, follow the guidance on travelling safely below

If you live in a Level 3 local authority area you should:

• avoid any unnecessary travel out of the area
• if you have to travel for essential purposes, follow the guidance on travelling safely below

If you live in a Level 0, 1, or 2 area in Scotland, or are considering travel to Scotland from anywhere else, you should:

• minimise unnecessary journeys between areas in different levels
• and avoid any unnecessary travel to places in Level 3 or Level 4 areas
• if you have to travel for essential purposes, follow the guidance on travelling safely below

You can find out which parts of Scotland are in Levels 3 and 4 via the Scottish Government’s postcode checker.

Under 18’s Travel Exceptions

• (to and from Level 3 areas but not Level 4) travel for under 18s sport
• travel locally (within around 5 miles of your local authority area) to reach a place to take exercise outdoors

18+ Travel Exceptions

• travel locally (within around 5 miles of your local authority area) to reach a place to take exercise outdoors

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, and as we see our neighbours in other home nations head into a second lockdown we are well aware how fortunate our sport is to be able to continue at all.  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 advice.

We thank the Netball Family for standing with us through this challenging time.

Final Comments from the team at Netball Scotland:

Although the current landscape is challenging, the momentum of our sport will not slow down, we will emerge from this pandemic with a new outlook for our sport. Already we are seeing #NetballReady clubs embracing our #NetsGoOutdoors campaign, training and thriving 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. #ThisIsNetball