THE Mildura Netball Association (MNA) will be able to hold a junior season in 2020 from November 7.
COVID-19 restrictions had put sporting bodies at risk of not being able to hold a competition, however MNA president Lisa Jackson said the association was looking forward to getting players back on the court.
“The board is extremely aware of the numerous health and social benefits obtained from playing a team sport and are excited to be able to offer a junior competition again,” she said.
“MNA has not been able to run a competition since our last Twilight Season finished in March and MNA board felt it was extremely important to be able offer competition as soon as practical once restrictions were relaxed for local players to be able to participate in sport again.”
The MNA is working closely with Mildura Rural City Council to ensure it has sufficient courts to allow play by the proposed start date and will have a COVID-19 safety plan in place.
“We are calling on all involved to be well versed with the plan prior to attending,” Jackson said.
Due to COVID restrictions and the current state of the Mansell Reserve courts MNA have had to change its nights of play away from the traditional Wednesdays.
This year the nine and under and 11 and under grades will play on a Saturday morning from 9.15am.
On Tuesdays 13 and under, 15 and under and 18 and under will play from 5.30pm.
The shortened season is set to end on December 15 (six games for each age group).
Senior competitions cannot be held at this stage due to COVID-19 restrictions. Due to the shortened season and the financial difficulties families have been faced with, the board has set competition fees at a minimal cost of $30 per team. All teams need to provide a team umpire – as in previous seasons.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions spectators are limited to one parent per participant.
Team registrations close by October 30 to milduranetballassoc@live.com.au.
A new season will start in 2021 for 13 and under, 15 and under and 17 and under and seniors (pending government regulations).
All players, coaches and umpires will need a 2020 Netball Victoria membership before playing.
Netball Victoria have reduced their fees by 50 per cent.
Senior umpires and coaches (born 2002 and before) are $39 and junior players (born 2003-12) are $29.
Further updates will be made available on the Mildura Netball Association Facebook page.
Previously registered teams will be emailed with competition information and more information can be obtained from Sandra Clifford on 0419 587 090.
