“Unless circumstances change in the meantime, we won’t be able to resume playing until we are at Level 1.”
Hall said the local players and coaches were surveyed to see what sort of competition format or style they would like to see when play resumed.
“The common thread is our members are really missing the team aspect of playing, and being at the courts both socially and for fitness.”
NNZ has been putting out a weekly newsletter with links to its website and information for coach and umpire development, workout activities and so on, and the Gisborne centre has been updating its members regularly.
“Everyone is fully understanding of the situation we’re in,” Hall said.
The survey indicated the majority — 71 percent — wanted some form of competition-format play this year, she said.
Survey comments painted the picture.
One respondent said: “I miss netball so much and want to be able to play a normal season. I’m definitely keen for it to go later as well.”
Another said: “I’m not fussed whether it’s not a competition year. However, it’s nice to have that competition drive there.
“My opinion, I would like to see the season extended or additional nights of the week added to make up for missed weekends if the demand is there. But will just be happy to get on the court either way.”
And a third said: “Alert Level 1 allows us to continue playing netball, but not knowing when that will be makes it difficult to know what time frames we can work with. I’d still like to play a shorter Saturday comp as soon as we are able to and a social league in the last term.
“But if it turns out Alert Level 1 doesn’t occur until Term 4, then I’d just opt for social over competitive. It’s quite difficult to say but any netball is better than no netball.
“I believe everyone will be supportive of any decision Gisborne Netball makes under the circumstances.”
Hall said it was great to see the netballers just wanted to be able to get back out and play.
NNZ community netball manager Ruth Stanley said the move to Level 3 was a positive step in the fight against Covid-19.
“Together as a nation we have made significant sacrifices to achieve what we have to date, and it is important that our actions moving forward through the levels continue to support all the positive gains we have made,” Stanley said.
“The move to Level 3 will not change anything for the delivery of community netball.
“Just to make it clear: under Level 3 all club, school and community netball remains postponed, and that includes training sessions, face-to-face workshops and the closure of all netball centres.
“We know people are eager to be back on the courts, but the wellbeing of our players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, supporters and our wider New Zealand community is the top priority.”
“Netball NZ continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Sport NZ on return-to-play protocols for this season.
“We are working through what, if any, netball activities can occur under Alert Level 2, and Sport NZ have indicated they plan to have more in-depth information available towards the end of next week.”
