While a shortened season seems to be the only solution for Mudgee District Netball Association (MDNA), it is certainly better than not having any at all.
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Netball is one of the many winter sports that have suffered at the hands of COVID-19, and after a lengthy period of uncertainty, meetings in the coming weeks could soon reveal plans for the sport in 2020.
MDNA have been in close contact with Netball NSW throughout the pandemic, and after communication was released about potential season start dates, Mudgee's association was eager to get the ball rolling.
"Our committee met on Zoom immediately to try and come up with a plan on how we could run our new season with all of the restrictions in place," Mudgee District Netball committee member, Tash Smith said.
"Our main focus is to get our players back on the court, to ensure some socialising with friends in a safe manner."
Feedback so far for the club has been positive with players, coaches and committee members all understanding the situation.
However, it looks to be that the season will be much shorter than usual.
"Everyone is itching to get back out on the court however, they understand our duty of care during these times," Smith said.
"We are guided by Netball NSW and our local council which are still in the infancy planning period.
We will certainly be looking at a slightly shorter season as we do not want to overlap with summer sports.
- Mudgee District Netball Association committee member, Tash Smith
"We are still working on dates and will be in a better position to comment in the coming weeks.
"Although it will likely be a shortened season, our players will be participating against the same teams they would have if COVID-19 didn't occur, it means teams may only play each other once or twice rather than potentially three times like in previous seasons."
Planning is largely based around restrictions that are in place by the NSW Government, and club's are anticipating the 100 people restriction will be in place.
"I think everyone is hoping for COVID-19 to be over, however our main priority is to keep our community safe," Smith said.
"For most of us, we live and breathe netball. We are used to spending our Saturday's at Glen Willow in the absolutely freezing cold. For some, they may be enjoying their time at home, but for most of us we are missing it."
A video meeting this Wednesday will reveal what other associations across the Central West have in place and what they plan to do if restrictions are lifted, a topic everyone in attendance has to have covered.
"Basically, we are hoping for some clarification on how other associations are planning to go ahead with restrictions still in place," Tash said.
"Our committee is in constant communication with Netball NSW and as updates are released, we will continue to update everyone on our Facebook page.
"We are really hoping that our netball community can see the effort our association is putting in to ensure we can play this year."