Following feedback we have collated these COVID-19 Hot Topics to clarify the subjects raising the most questions.
The current hot topics are:
#1- Omicron Variant
#2- Fundraising
If there is any area where you would like clarification, not covered in the FAQs, email participation@englandnetball.co.uk
HOT TOPIC #1: Omicron Variant
The Government’s Plan B measures came into place as of Tuesday 30th November 2021 in relation to the Omicron Variant. The Government guidance around testing and self-isolation is evolving regularly and can vary based on vaccination status and/or age. Care should be taken by all to ensure they are complying with the current Government guidance. Please read the most recent updates here.
However following the Government lifting COVID-19 restrictions on 19 July 2021 community netball moved to and remains within Step 4 of our netball roadmap (shown here)
This means that netball can be played in its standard form on court without any COVID-19 rule modifications however the use of the COVID-19 rule modifications are still permitted and netball organisers should consider the feelings and situations of participants within their activity.
Any competitions that are currently being played using rule modifications, should conclude with the rule modifications in place so that the integrity of the competition is protected. Any training activities or new competitions can be planned using the standard rules of netball.
The safety of the Netball Family is of the utmost importance to us. So, to enable the game on court to return to normal whilst still reducing the risk of transmission, some of the off court risk mitigations remain in place, for example sanitisation protocols. Further information regarding this can be found in our Managing COVID-19 within netball guidance. This document also outlines the guidance associated with positive COVID-19 cases and netball.
Netball organisations must also continue to complete the following actions before any netball activity can take place:
- Appoint a COVID-19 Officer
- Complete a Risk Assessment & Risk Mitigation Plan
- Consider the fitness levels of your participants
- Have clear communication in place to ensure those involved in netball activity understand the latest guidance
updated January 2022
HOT TOPIC #2: Fundraising
We are hearing that club finances are starting to become a concern for some with increases in running and facility costs. We will be adding a Finance and Fundraising section to the Care Package shortly.
Right now, you can benefit from your members’ Christmas shopping spending and join over 300 netball clubs already using easyfundraising.
Easyfundraising is a charity shopping site where clubs and netball organisations can raise money when their members shop online.
You can also watch a replay of the ‘How easyfundraising can help your netball club’ webinar here
The webinar covers how the platform works, how to get members signed up to your page and shows you all the pre-prepared tools available for your social media, emails and digital communications.
Grant Funding
Grants are financial awards. They are usually non-repayable but often come with terms and conditions that restrict their use to a specific purpose.
Over the past 12 months grassroots netball has already benefited from a massive £1.1 million of Sport England’s Return To Play investment. If your club are struggling financially, please contact your Netball Development Officer to find out about funding opportunities available in your area.