From this Thursday, Netball Victoria says groups of up to 10 people will be permitted to meet outdoors for the purpose of group netball activity, while adhering to appropriate physical distancing regulations.

In a statement sent on Monday, NV said affiliates and clubs were also required to follow the Return to Community Netball guidelines for training.

Further announcements around the return of competitions and programs will be made by May 31, NV said.

AFL Victoria recently confirmed club-sanctioned football training could begin on Monday, May 25.

FULL NETBALL VICTORIA STATEMENT

Following the Victorian Government announcement on Monday 11 May of a phased approach to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, Netball Victoria has developed their Return to Community Netball guidelines to support the resumption of training on outdoor courts.

We are excited to be able to advise that from Thursday 21 May, groups of up to 10 people will be permitted to meet outdoors for the purpose of group netball activity, whilst adhering to appropriate physical distancing regulations. Netball Victoria sees this as an opportunity for teams to gradually begin to reconnect with their teammates and return to training in a safe and cautious manner.

Netball Victoria Affiliates and Clubs are required to adhere to the Return to Community Netball guidelines, to assist teams in returning to training in a manner that prioritises the health and wellbeing of both the individuals involved in the session, as well as the wider community.

Of course, any return to training should be optional and entirely at the discretion of the individual. In addition to this, participants should not return to netball if in the last 14 days they have been unwell or have had close contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19.

Associations, Leagues, Clubs and Netball Victoria members are encouraged to visit the COVID-19 information page on the Netball Victoria website, where there will be a range of downloadable and editable resources available to help ensure a smooth and safe return to play in the new COVID-19 environment. Please note, the resources and information provided by Netball Victoria are aligned with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment, and the State/Territory COVID-19 Road Map.

Netball Victoria continue to engage with AFL Victoria, Basketball Victoria and other sports around the return to community sport, and we encourage you to work together to decide on the best approach for your local community.

Netball Victoria will be hosting information sessions to inform and educate Affiliates and Clubs on the protocols for a safe return to netball. Click here to register.

For further advice on how your team or club can return to play, please contact participation@netballvic.com.au.

Further announcements around the easing of restrictions, including the return of competitions and programs, will be made by May 31.