As the local netball season has gotten back into full swing, the news emerged today that Netball NSW has elected to cancel its 2020 Junior and Senior State Titles.
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In a statement released this morning, the organisation stated it had been advised to "avoid large, inter-regional championships" due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19.
The news was particularly disappointing for the Goulburn and District Netball Association, who usually sends a strong contingent of players to each year's State Titles.
"It's been a big job getting our season back up and running, trying to get our players to get fit and competitive for the titles," GDNA vice president Karen Campbell said. "It has been a bit of a blow for everyone.
"Obviously we have to respect and go along with government guidelines and it is in the interest of public safety, so we understand that and hope to come back next year."
The opportunity to test their mettle against some of the state's best is eagerly anticipated by Goulburn's players each year, and it is also an important part of the developmental process.
"They're missing out on opportunities that they don't get locally, to compete with players from different areas with different styles of play to grow their abilities and strengthen their own style," Campbell said.
"There's not much we can do about it but focus on our local competition and get the most out of that while we can continue."
- Also read: Bowral Classic 2020 has been cancelled
The State Titles are the largest events on the Netball NSW calender, and this year were set to be hosted by ten associations from October 3 to 5.
Netball NSW CEO, Carolyn Campbell, said the decision was made in the interest of protecting the health of the players and the wider community.
"Players, coaches, umpires, officials and parents would all be well aware that Netball NSW has held on to the hope of conducting the State Titles in 2020, maintaining an air of positivity that the re-scheduled October dates would enable the competitions to proceed," she said.
"Regrettably the time has come for us to concede that this won't be possible.
"On Wednesday 12 August Netball NSW participated in an all-sport briefing with the NSW Government and received the latest information from NSW Health.
"We also received feedback from many Associations in recent weeks. While a variety of options were considered, including localised competitions or limited age groups, the fact is that any version would require an element of travel which NSW Health are trying to avoid.
"It goes without saying that this was not a decision taken lightly and we feel deeply sorry for those who had been planning for, and working so hard towards this year's event, but we look forward to 2021 with renewed hope and will focus all our efforts on that going forward."
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