Bullants Netball Club Inc.

Dear Bullants Community,

Your committee are busy in the background preparing for the return of netball. There was a SCNA Committee meeting on 3 June that set out what was needed for clubs to commence training and what a competition might look like. The Bullants Committee met this weekend to plan our next steps.

The first step is for Bullants to have an SCNA endorsed “return to netball plan” for our club. This plan will set out how we will operate in a covid-safe way. Netball will be back but we will need to operate differently. We will need everyone in our community to understand the constraints/protocols and play their role to support the return of netball.

Once we have an SCNA approved plan, hopefully this week, we will update you all on what it means for players, parents, coaches and managers.

We are aiming for a return to training on 17 June, conditional on us being able to do all the necessary steps before then. This involves finalising our planning, sourcing additional volunteers (see below), purchasing new equipment, set up new training arrangements and providing clear guidance to our community.

We will send out the final team lists for netsetgo ASAP as these were not sent prior to our shut down. We will also organise a zoom session for coaches and managers to provide detailed guidance on the new arrangements.

There are some items we need your help with – they do not require netball experience. However, without additional volunteers we will not be able to manage the new requirements on us as a club.

• We will need to shift training times to accomodate all our teams within the social distancing requirements. We are planning for training to start at:
  • 5pm for netsetgo (year 2/3) and juniors go (year4)
  • 6pm for juniors
  • 7pm for inters
  • 8pm for seniors.
  • We may have some flexibility on these times, so please email us if it is a major problem.

• We will need 3 volunteers for each training session to help manage the entry and exit points into the courts. Please email if you are able to help – you will be provided with clear instructions and equipment and will need to arrive 10 minutes before training starts and be able to leave 10 minutes after the session ends.

• We will need a manager for each team to attend training and help the coaches with various duties such as recording attendance, policing social distancing amongst the team, and cleaning equipment at the end of the session. We still require managers for the following teams:
  • Netsetgo: Potawatomie, Meskwaki, Chinook, Iroquois.
  • Juniors go: Sioux, Apache, Arikara.
  • Juniors: Comanche, Mohicans.
  • Inters: Cheyenne, Braves, Kiowa, Mohawks, Navajo.
  • Seniors: Nike, Chiefs, Cree, Dakota.
  • Please send an email if you are able to take on this role.

We do not yet have confirmation of when competition netball will start, but we are hopeful that we will be able to play from the start of next term (ie from 25 July) – once again subject to ACT government decisions. SCNA is also looking to an offering for term 4.

At this stage both ACT Netball and SCNA have indicated they will not be providing refunds for this season as it looks like a competition will be possible. Bullants netball only takes a small portion of the registration fee (less than $15) to provide for umpires/balls/bibs. The majority of the fee goes to insurance and maintenance of facilities – so to ACT Netball and SCNA.

We will provide an update through this blog as soon as we have more information.

If you have questions, please send them to the usual email: bullantsnetball@gmail.com.au.

Bullants Committee

Below is a ‘Name workout” for players to try.

Players should try to do the exercise next to the letters that make up their whole name and no short nicknames!! If you want to mix it up – do the name of club – Bullants Netball Club and the team they are playing for. (Lucky Cree!)

A​            30 Star jumps​​​​​                           N​            Mountain Climbers 30 sec

B​            20 crunches​ ​                             ​​​O​            20 Jump squats

C​            30 Ice-skaters​​​​​                            P ​           20 crunches

D​           15 push ups​​                          ​​​     Q​            20 push ups

E​            High knees for 30 seconds​​​     ​R​            30 star jumps

F​            Power skipping​​​                         ​​S​            20 squats

G​           Grapevine 30 sec​​​                       ​T​            Grapevine 30 sec

H ​           20 Jump squats​ ​​                       ​​U​            10 Burpees

I             ​20 squats​​​​                                    V​            Hopping 10 each leg

J            ​ Flick kicks 30 sec​​                      ​​W​           Power skipping 30 secs

K​            Side stepping 30 sec​                 ​​​X​            Flick kicks 30 secs

L​            Arm circles 30 sec​​                    ​​ Y​            High knees 30 secs

M           Hopping 10 each leg​​                 ​​Z​            Side stepping

Dear Bullants Family,

We are still waiting for guidance from SCNA and Netball ACT on when our competition will commence and further guidance on Covid-safe training.

We hope this will be available within weeks. So, we are not far off getting back onto the court – at least to train in some form!

Hi Bullants families.

Your committee continues to monitor the situation and will provide information as it comes to hand. Remember to keep up your fitness and work on your skills.

Resources/Links

Netball Australia has teamed with NetFit to provide on-line clinics for players. The link for that is here.  The clinics are full-day sessions, but if you want just an individual exercise/skills session then you can access those via the facebook page here. We also recommend that players warm up using the knee program designed by Netball Australia to prevent knee injury here. And SCNA have links to some activities also here.

Netball Knowledge

Here is another rule for you to consider – this is on of Meghan’s bugbear…. players being called for replay. So what are you allowed to do?

Rule 9.4.1 covers the requirements for playing the ball.

To gain procession a player may: catch the ball with one or both hands; roll the ball to oneself; catch the ball if it rebounds from the goalpost.

After releasing the ball, a player may not replay the ball until it has been touched by another player or it rebounds from the goalpost.

But, without having possession of a ball a player may do quite a bit with it – this is the interesting part.

Before you have possession you can bat or bounce the ball to another player but can’t bat it deliberately at another player (that would be unsportsmanlike!).

You can tip the ball in an uncontrolled manner once or more than once, then either catch the ball or bat or bounce it to another players.

You can bat the ball once before either catching the ball or batting practice bouncing the ball to another player.

And you can bounce the ball once before either catching the ball or batting or bouncing it to another player.

So if you don’t have possession or control of the ball – you can keep trying to get hold of the ball without worrying about being called for replay.

There are a few things you can’t do. For example, you can’t roll the ball to another player. You also can’t catch or throw the ball if you are on the ground.

If you would like to suggest some other tips for our update or have questions please send us an email at bullantsnetball@gmail.com.

We hope everyone is staying safe and well.

Hi Bullants families.

The last month or so has been very strange, with schooling and working from home, and the cancellation of many activities including netball. Your committee had a meeting this evening (on-line for social distancing purposes) to discuss where we are at with the 2020 winter season. 

Winter Competition

Netball ACT recently advised that all local competition is suspended until at least 1 July. This will remain under review, and we will let you know as soon as we have any further information. In the meantime we will be communicating with SCNA to find out the likely way forward. Again, once we know something we will share it with you.

Registration Fees

We are sure you are wondering what will happen with the registration payments you made to participate in this winter season. Until a decision is made about whether there will be any netball competition this winter, Netball ACT (and SCNA) are reserving decision about refunds. Given that more than 90% of your registration fee is paid to Netball ACT and SCNA, we are not in a position to make decisions about refunds at this stage either. This is not ideal, but an unfortunate result of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

What Now?

No doubt you are missing netball as much as we are, and it will be important for you to be ready to start the season if/when we get the all clear. With this in mind, your committee and coaches will be communicating with you over the next weeks, providing ideas about broadening/maintaining your netball knowledge, skills and fitness.

Resources/Links

Netball Australia has teamed with NetFit to provide on-line clinics for players. The link for that is here.  The clinics are full-day sessions, but if you want just an individual exercise/skills session then you can access those via the facebook page here. We also recommend that players warm up using the knee program designed by Netball Australia to prevent knee injury here.

Borrow a Ball

Not everyone will have a netball to practise with. If there is interest we will arrange to provide practise balls for you to borrow until we are able to start training again as a club. If you are interested in borrowing a ball please email us by Monday 27 April (likely pick up will be Wednesday 29 April).

Netball Knowledge

This is an opportune time to broaden our understanding of the rules of netball. Obviously umpires need to know the rules, but so do players and coaches. In this message we will cover Bernadette’s bugbear…. players being called for an incorrect throw in. Often the umpire will call this a “line infringement”. This is something which is completely within the control of the player, so we’d like to think that no Bullants player would ever lose the ball for this infringement. So, what is the rule?

Rule 8.4 covers the requirements for a throw in. The basic elements of the rule are that the player taking the throw in must:
1. stand outside the court with at least one foot within 15 cm of the line at the point indicated by the umpire (this is considered the landing foot);
2. pass the ball within 3 seconds of taking up this position;
3. ensure all players are on court before taking the throw in;
4. not enter the court until the ball has been released;
5. not step behind any offside area while holding the ball;
6. observe all other rules for playing the ball, passing distances and footwork.

This all sounds like a lot to consider for taking one pass, but there is a simple way to ensure that a player satisfies this rule. Following is a 2-step process for the player taking the throw in:

1. Before approaching the line, have good control of the ball in both hands and make sure all players (of both teams) are on court and that your team is ready.

2. If you are right-handed:

• plant your left foot within 15 cm of the line and anchor it there. From that moment you have 3 seconds to pass the ball.
• Have your body weight on your right foot, which will be behind your left foot. As you move to pass the ball, transfer your body weight forward from your right foot to your left foot, without lifting your left foot.

If you are left-handed:

• plant your right foot within 15 cm of the line and anchor it there. From that moment you have 3 seconds to pass the ball.
• Have your body weight on your left foot, which will be behind your right foot. As you move to pass the ball, transfer your body weight forward from your left foot to your right foot, without lifting your right foot.

Simple!!

We hope everyone is staying safe and well. Remember…. stay 1.5m away from each other and wash your hands!

Dear Bullants families,

As you are aware, circumstances are changing quickly with respect to the COVID-19 outbreak.  Netball ACT has issued an advice cancelling all netball activities until at least 1 May 2020, with an update to be communicated by 15 April (click here for the full advice).

ALL BULLANTS TRAINING SESSIONS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Your committee will continue to monitor the situation and advise you of any changes. We understand that Netball Australia, Netball ACT and SCNA are considering options about competitions and the possible need to refund registrations. As soon as we receive advice about that we will let you know.

In the meantime, keep active to the extent you can so that you are fit and ready for when we are able to start training and playing again. Ensure you practice good hygiene and social distancing. We hope everyone stays well.

Your Bullants Committee

Dear Bullants families,

This morning we received a message/update from SCNA regarding their response to the changing circumstances regarding COVID-19 (copied in full below). Our club will follow their guidance on the appropriate way forward.

Until recommended otherwise, we will continue to train on Wednesday afternoons/evenings. However, we ask that all players/families:

1. do not attend training if you, or someone you have close contact with, are unwell, in particular showing cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, running nose etc.;
2. do not attend training if you, or someone you have close contact with, have returned from overseas in the previous 2 weeks, even if feeling well;
3. practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, coughing/sneezing away from others and into a tissue, your elbow, your hands. Immediately wash you hands if you have coughed or sneezed into them.
4. We will be asking all players to wash their hands at the beginning and end of every training session.

We will continue to update our community as and when we get further information. In the meantime ensure you practice social distancing to mitigate the risk of contracting the disease. Stay well!

Bullants Committee

SCNA Message/Update:

Dear SCNA Netball Community,

We recognise that our community will be concerned about the impact of COVID-19 and will want to understand what we are doing about it. Set out below is the most recent guidance we have received from Netball ACT and Netball Australia regarding COVID-19.

Our position is that SCNA players should not attend any SCNA trials, training or games if:

they have any cold or flu-like  symptoms
or
they have returned from overseas within the last two weeks.

NOTE: After two weeks from overseas travel return, the player can resume playing if they are symptom free.

We will continue to update the community if there are any changes to competitions and programs. A decision will be made within the next two weeks regarding the commencement of weekend competition and our SCNA carnival in May.

Otherwise, for the time being, representative training, trials and other activities will continue as scheduled, although this may change subject to direction from Netball ACT and Netball Australia.

Guidance from Netball ACT and Netball Australia
Netball ACT and Netball Australia would like to reassure the netball community that we are monitoring the COVID-19 closely. Whilst the situation is constantly evolving the health and well-being of the netball community is paramount and the potential impact our the forefront of any decisions made.

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the name of the disease that is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This is a new virus recently identified in Wuhan, China. Currently there are seven types of Coronavirus that are known to infect humans, four of those commonly circulate in the community and generally result in minor illness such as the common cold. The remaining two are associated with significant illness being Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Virus (SARS).

How do I know if I am unwell with COVID-19?
The most common symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. It can be difficult to tell the difference between COVID-19 and other common respiratory illness particularly in the early stages of illness. Individuals should consult with their doctor by calling ahead. The doctor can take a thorough history, including travel history, perform a physical exam and make a recommendation regarding testing for COVID-19.

How do I reduce my risk of getting COVID-19?
Hand hygiene remains the single best action individuals can take to reduce their risk of acquiring any respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infection. While COVID-19 is a global concern the number of cases of influenza globally far outweighs the number of COVID-19 as reported on the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). Annual influenza vaccination remains an important infection prevention measure.

You should be vigilant with frequent hand washing using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Make sure you adhere to ‘illness etiquette’. If you are coughing and sneezing, do so away from people into a tissue, your elbow or hands. If you cough or sneeze into your hands, make sure you wash your hands afterwards. Seek medical review early if you are feeling unwell.

See HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION  on COVID-19.

Hi Bullants families.

5.30 training session cancelled due to weather. Uniform try-ons will still be happening from 5-6pm. If you haven’t placed an order yet please come to try on uniform today and place your order via website asap.

Committee discussed the usefulness of running inters selections in the wet and we’ve decided it would probably not be an accurate reflection of your playing ability, so we have also cancelled 6.30 training session.

Seniors, no training for you either.

We will see you all next week, hopefully with perfect netballing weather!

Hello Bullants families.

The weather does not look promising for training this afternoon. However, we will not make a final decision about whether to proceed until later today. Look out for a post from us at about 4.30 about NetSetGo, JuniorsGo and Juniors training.

Given that we were going to hold the last of our selections for Inters this afternoon, we are still hoping to proceed with that, even if the 5.30 training is cancelled. We will make a decision about that at around 6pm. We hope half an hour is enough notice for everyone.

Coaches

If you have volunteered to coach this season, you will be allocated a team. We have had an influx of players for NetSetGo, and JuniorsGo in particular, so it will be all hands on deck this season. Thank you for your commitment to our club.

Should training proceed this afternoon, we will provide you with a training program for just this first week so you don’t need to prepare anything. Please arrive at the courts by 5.15 so we can advise you the team you’ve been allocated and give you the program we’ve put together.

For those coaches who are 18 and over, you will need to have a current Working With Vulnerable People clearance. It is free for volunteers, but does take about three weeks to come through. Applications can be made by following this link.   The club is responsible for making sure that all coaches hold a current WWVP card. We will be following up with all coaches in the next couple of weeks about the status of your registration.

Uniform Try Ons

Even if training is cancelled this afternoon, we will still have uniform try-ons from 5-6pm. The uniform dresses are an unusual sizing so it is very important that our new players try them on before ordering from our website. Given the winter season is looming and it takes some time to receive orders from our suppliers, we ask that you come today to try on the uniform and place your order asap.

Hopefully we’ll see you all at the courts this afternoon.

Your Bullants Committee

Hello to our Bullants families.

The committee has been working hard on determining the composition of teams for the winter season. We are are at various stages for this as follows:

NetSetGo (Year 2-3) – This Wednesday sees the start of training for our youngest players. We will be making an effort to sort into the appropriate NSG level this week, and hopefully finalise teams next week. We are very happy to say that we have a LOT of new players joining our club at this level, so it may take a couple of weeks to sort out.

JuniorsGo (Year 4) – we have had a number of new players seeking to join our club over the last week or so, which has complicated the process of sorting out the teams. We hope to have team lists finalised after training this Wednesday.

Juniors (Year 5-6) – We have our teams in place and will be sending notification to you today. We are still receiving requests from new players and are looking at how we may accommodate them, so there may be some players added to teams.

Inters (Years 7-9) – There have been a few players who haven’t been able to make all the selection trial sessions due to illness/camps/pre-existing commitments etc. We don’t feel that we have quite enough information on everyone yet, so will have a final selection trial this week at training. We are hoping to send out the team lists soon after that.

Seniors – Team lists have been finalised and we will send notifications to you today.

The weather forecast is for rain, but hopefully we will be able to proceed with training on Wednesday. We’ll advise via a blog post if training is cancelled.

Please get in touch via bullantsnetball@gmail.com if you have any questions.