The Goulburn District Netball Association has been forced to call off the remainder of its winter season due to the statewide COVID-19 lockdown currently in place.
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When the lockdowns were first implemented in mid-August, the GDNA remained hopeful and let its members know week-by-week the status of the local competitions.
But, recently, the association was forced to call off its 2021 season prematurely due to the extension of the NSW lockdowns until September 10.
Though it was a difficult decision for the committee to make, GDNA vice president, Karen Campbell, said there is still hope for the summer season.
"Sadly, our season has had to end prior to finals," Campbell told the Post via text message.
"But even now we are still quite hopeful that our summer mixed Twilight season will be able to proceed. This is scheduled to start on October 14, but obviously we haven't been able to lock this in or open registrations as yet, until we have further updates as to the restrictions.
"If this is able to go ahead, we will be advertising the registration process on our Facebook."
The local competitions were the latest in a long list of netball events to fall victim to the coronavirus.
The State Titles and Masters events were also called off, which Campbell described as "very disappointing" for the GDNA.
However, the focus for the association is now to protect the health of its members and prepare for the 2022 season.
"In the meantime, the best thing we can do is look forward to the remainder of the year and see whatever it brings, as well as looking forward to planning and training for our 2022 season and hope things can return to normal," Campbell said.
In a statement released by Netball NSW shortly after the statewide lockdowns came into place, the organisation expressed sympathy for those associations who had to make the call to abandon the 2021 season.
"Our hearts go out to all of the players, umpires, coaches, managers, officials and administrators who put so much time and effort into a season, only to see it stop so abruptly," Netball NSW said.
"We can now only look forward to returning with a bang in 2022."
In an effort to protect the health of all netball players, officials, and administrators, Netball NSW said it would be "conservative" in its approach to dealing with the coronavirus.
"We will be conservative in our decision making around these competitions - and all of our programs - always following the health advice at the time and most importantly remaining committed to ensuring the safety of our netball community. Please bear with us as we work on delivering what we can, whilst also making decisions in a timely manner."
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