Netball Tasmania wishes to advise that the 2021 National Netball Championships scheduled to be held in Hobart commencing July 6th has been cancelled.
Contrary to local media reports earlier today, a decision was not made to cancel the event until Tuesday afternoon. This decision was not made lightly, and strong consideration has been given to all information and advice provided following the re-emergence of Covid-19 across the nation recently.
Whilst disappointed that the event will not proceed as scheduled, Netball Tasmania has worked closely with Netball Australia and applicable stakeholders to ensure that any decision relating to the event was made with the health and wellbeing of participants and the broader community in mind.
Whilst the scheduled event for next week has been cancelled, Netball Australia will be working with applicable stakeholders in the coming weeks to determine whether it may be possible to explore alternate options.
Netball Tasmania CEO Aaron Pidgeon stressed the importance of prioritising health and wellbeing in the decision making process.
‘We’re obviously very disappointed that the Championships can’t proceed, but we can’t let that disappointment cloud our judgment in relation to what is in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of participants and the community.’
‘The re-emergence of Covid-19 nationally has presented some challenging considerations over the past week, and the instability and uncertainty of the current environment has led to cancellation being the appropriate course of action.’
‘We’re devastated for the participants, and we acknowledge that their disappointment is no doubt compounded by the fact that the event has been cancelled for the second consecutive year. We acknowledge the hard work and dedication that everyone has invested, and we will support Netball Australia as they explore alternate opportunities in the coming weeks.’
‘Netball Tasmania remains committed to the development of our participants, and the provision of appropriate pathways to elite competition. Despite the events of the past eighteen months, we also remain firmly committed to delivering a National Championship in Hobart in the near future and showcasing the best young Netball talent in Australia.’
