England Netball is delighted to announce that the Government has given the green light to accelerate the return of the sport through a modified version of the game.
This approval activates a revised roadmap for the return of community netball that from today, allows groups of up to 30 people per court to take part in modified training (including intra-club match play and local club friendlies), subject to netball organisations having the required risk mitigations in place. The recent approval also permits leagues and competitions to return using the modified rules from 26th September (Stage 4b).
This is an important milestone post lockdown and means netballers can now reunite on court and enjoy the many benefits of netball once again.
What are the modifications?
To meet Government guidelines, netball can only be played in line with the following rule modifications:
Check out our video for further information on the modifications here.
Despite the changes, the modified game still looks and feels much like the version we know and love. Contesting for the ball is very much permitted providing players are involved in the phase of play. Over the coming weeks we’ll be providing hot topic videos and hints and tips on playing, coaching and officiating the modified game.
When can we start?
From today, netball organisations can begin preparing to progress to Stage 4a; modified netball training activity. Prior to commencing activity, all netball organisations are required to fulfil the following mandatory requirements:
- Appoint a COVID-19 Officer
- Read the Restart Guidance
- Produce a risk assessment
- Produce and activate a risk mitigation plan
This guidance is in place for all England Netball programmes and performance pathway activity, with the exception of Nets and Walking Netball which move to Stage 3.
From 26 September, Stage 4b of the Roadmap will be unlocked. At this point leagues and competition, using the modifications, will be able to recommence, allowing planning time for league organisations and a vital window for pre-season player conditioning. Guidance for league organisers will be made available shortly.
Please note, in areas where a local lockdown exists, there may be a delay in progressing to stage 4.
We know players are itching to get back on court but ask that you continue to be patient as netball organisations require time to put the risk mitigation measures in place to protect you.
What will netball sessions look like now?
- Groups of no more than 30 people (including coaches, officials and support roles) per court
- Regular breaks for hand and equipment sanitisation (every 15 mins)
- Outdoor venues are strongly advised
- ‘Opt in’ policy in place for everyone involved in the game
- Off court, normal social distancing applies, common netball behaviours involving close contact (pre-match team huddles and high fives) are no longer permitted.
A number of other mitigations will also be introduced including mandatory Test and Trace registration and symptom checking before and on arrival at activity.
For more information about the Stage 4 Modifications, Care Package and supplemental documentation please click here
