Netball NSW has made the immensely difficult decision to cancel the final day of the 2022 HART Junior State Titles as a result of severe weather in the Sydney area.
Competition for the three-day event got underway on Saturday morning with thousands descending on the Penrith District and Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Associations.
While play, for the most part, was able to be completed on Day 1 a decision was made to cancel games on day 2 (Sunday) with a risk assessment to take place on the morning of day 3 (Monday) to see if competition could start again.
A full assessment was carried out by staff, umpires and safety officers at both venues and unfortunately, due to a number of factors such as flooding, dangerous court conditions and issued weather warnings Netball NSW has no option but to cancel all of Monday’s play.
Tim Fava, Executive General Manager of Community & Pathways at Netball NSW, said he understood the tough decision would cause huge disappointment.
“Having had the last two years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to see this year’s event fall victim to the weather after getting off to a great start is simply heartbreaking for everyone involved,” he said.
“Firstly, our thoughts are with all of the players, coaches, umpires, team managers and fans who put so much into their campaigns, many of whom have come from places as far away as Ballina and Wagga Wagga,” he said.
“It is a similar feeling of disappointment for the wonderful people at Penrith and Baulkham Hills who have been such brilliant hosts, all of our commercial partners – in particular Naming Right Partner HART Sport – and of course our staff who worked tirelessly to get us to this point.
“We had such energy and excitement at both venues on Saturday morning despite the rain, which has gotten much worse since then. While the rain is currently intermittent, the water impact on the courts and the surrounding areas makes it impossible to go ahead in a way that ensures the safety of all.”
The Titles are a vital part of the Netball NSW pathway and showcase the strength of the game’s grassroots with representative players, umpires and officials from all over the state coming together to take part.
Penrith welcomed teams from Divisions 1 & 2 of 12U, 13U and 14U age groups, while Baulkham Hills hosted Divisions 3 & 4 of the categories.
Due to teams only being able to get one day of play in, no State Champions or Division winners will be crowned for 2022.
“Given the risks involved this was really our only option” Fava explained. “I would like to reiterate again how difficult it has been the come to this decision, but it is the correct one as the wellbeing and safety of our netball family must, and always will, come first.”