Aligning itself with most community sport in Sydney, the Executive Committee of the St George Netball Association has advised their decision to abandon the 2021 Winter Day Competition.
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While Greater Sydney remains in lockdown until August 28 2021, due to COVID-19, what this means for gatherings once restrictions ease remains unknown.
Lara Mina, Secretary of the Association, said decisions regarding competition ladders and partial refunds are being considered and will be communicated.
"While our primary competition has been abandoned, the season isn't over.
"The Executive Committee is exploring options regarding member engagement and will provide members with further information once preparations are finalised.
"Additionally, there is a range of financial assistance packages released by the NSW Government which may be available to Clubs and Associations.
"The Executive Committee are disappointed that the 2021 season has ended in this way for our members.
However, we are grateful that we were able to start our competition in 2021, following COVID disruptions in 2020." Mina said
Parents were supportive of the tough decision but were appreciative of the limited season they had and happy they could get in ten rounds of competition safely.
Current Western Sydney Giants dynamic, defensive mid-courter and former St George player Amy Parmenter sent a message to her old club saying she was sorry to hear the season was cancelled.
"It's the worst news and so unfair that you don't get to play out your netball season, but I feel 2022 will be a huge year for your netball club," she said.
"I loved playing for St George when I was younger and I've got a soft spot for the red and whites and I'm hoping Sydney can pull it together and we can get back to normality.
"Stay safe and stay fit."
The NSW Junior State Titles, which were re-scheduled to September 24 and 25, have also been cancelled.
This is because clubs will not be able to prepare players for a State Titles event after not being able to play or train for at least nine weeks.
It is also highly problematic that gatherings of the size required to hold the State Titles will be permitted in Sydney in September.
Regional Associations are unlikely to be comfortable travelling to Sydney at that time.
The Premier League and Metro League competition has also been abandoned.
The Premier League competition was due to conclude on August 25 and the Metro League season was scheduled to run through September.
The same issue concerning players being unable to play or train means a return was not realistic.
John Veage
Thirty five year photographer for Fairfax -former NSW Chief Photographer for FCN and now Photo Journalist for the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader in southern Sydney.Official photographer for Cycling Australia (20 years) Official photographer for Surf Life Saving Australia (30 years) Founding Life Member of Cronulla Boardriders Club and Life Member of Surfing Sutherland Shire among other things.
Thirty five year photographer for Fairfax -former NSW Chief Photographer for FCN and now Photo Journalist for the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader in southern Sydney.Official photographer for Cycling Australia (20 years) Official photographer for Surf Life Saving Australia (30 years) Founding Life Member of Cronulla Boardriders Club and Life Member of Surfing Sutherland Shire among other things.
