Swifts, Giants stars slam government on community netball inaction

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Some of NSW's biggest stars have penned an open letter to Premier Gladys Berejiklian, slamming the government for a lack of action on community netball.

In the letter, NSW Swifts captain Maddy Proud, Swifts coach Briony Akle, Giants captains Jo Harten and Julie Fitzgerald and Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett raise concerns over a "major lack of guidance" as to when netball clubs will be able to return.

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NSW Swifts coach Maddy Proud said the letter was written out of pure frustration for their fellow netballers. Credit: Jessica Hromas

They argue that many local clubs are now at risk of financial ruin and plead with the Premier to give netball a restart date.

"Other states have provided financial assistance and a return to play date for sport, yet in NSW we have nothing," the letter states. "At a time when schools are back in session, pubs and restaurants are able to host up to 50 people and life looks like it is getting back to normal, community sport is high and dry without even a hint of when further information might be forthcoming."

The women argue that the government should have handed Netball NSW a date competition could resume shortly after the Australian Institute of Sport released its guidelines on how to safely restart sport in early May.

Over 115,000 people play community netball in the state across 900 different clubs. Netball NSW is hoping to run a short season from July to September, but need a return date by the end of next week to order to make preparations.

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Giants shooter Jo Harten has also pleaded with the government to give netball a restart date.Credit: AAP

Last week, community sports were told they would be allowed to train in groups up to ten but were not given an estimated time frame as to when competition could resume.

Many councils have not yet issued permission for netball clubs to begin using council facilities and therefore have been unable to train at their normal club netball courts.

NSW Swifts coach Maddy Proud said the letter was written out of frustration and concern for their fellow netballers.

"It's scary to think some young kids might go a year without sport, that could change the course of their lives," she said. "If they stop now, they might not ever want to play again."

Proud said the longer the inaction goes on, the worse netball in NSW will be long-term.

"It's so disappointing from all levels," she said. "I think about myself being a young girl and sport was such a big part of my life, it can be something that can be a saving grace and can shape you."

Acting sports minister Geoff Lee said netball competition does not currently align with physical distancing requirements for the general public.

"It is up to the sporting organisation to adapt or modify their sport, to be in line with the Public Health Orders," he said.

Read the full letter here.