Monthly Archives: October 2020

Lockdown is nearly over! Nellakir is on the go with Installations, Annual Maintenance and Programmed Cleaning.

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With Monday the 20th of October’s Victorian Government’s announcements, the pathway to return to competition has been laid out for Victorian Basketball and Netball competitions. Indoor games are still yet to recommence with social distancing still an issue. However, there is definite light at the end of the tunnel and this time, it’s not that of an oncoming train.

Here are the latest press releases from both Basketball Victoria and Netball Victoria on resumption of play post Covid 19 lockdown.

Basketball Victoria – Return to Sport Updates for Participants

Return to Sport Update – as of Tuesday 27 October

Return to Basketball and Current Restrictions

The announcement on Monday 26 October by the Victorian Government is good news for a step towards a COVID-Normal life for Victorians and some easing of restrictions for basketball across Victoria.

Unfortunately, due to basketball being classified as an indoor and “contact sport” (i.e. a sport that is unable to be played at a social distancing length of 1.5m between each participant) by the Victorian Government, basketball competition indoors is still subject to being part of the Last Step of the COVID Roadmap.

Please refer to the Metropolitan Melbourne Roadmap here and the Regional Victoria Roadmap here for further information. The Basketball Victoria’s Return to Sport Guidelines and the One Page summary has been updated for specific basketball re-activation.

Please note: ‘non-contact’ means a sport capable of being played with a distance of 1.5m – basketball competition is classified as a ‘contact’ sport.

RESTRICTIONS:

From 11:59pm Tuesday 27 October

Metropolitan Melbourne

FOR 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER:

ORANGE-20 – Outdoor (contact) Competition and/or Training

ORANGE-20 = 10 players maximum per team / 20 players maximum per court space

Note:

Coaches, Officials, Team Managers and Scorers are in addition to the 20 players per court
Each child is limited to one parent, guardian or carer only, where the child requires parental supervision.

FOR 19 YEARS OLD AND OVER:

RED-10 – Outdoor (non-contact) training only

Regional Victoria

FOR 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER:

ORANGE-20 – Indoor Non-Contact Training or Outdoor (contact) Competition / Training

FOR 19 YEARS OLD AND OVER:

RED-10 – Outdoor (non-contact) training only

From 11:59pm Sunday 8 November

VICTORIA WIDE

FOR 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER:

ORANGE-20 – Outdoor (contact) Competition and/or Training

ORANGE-20 – Indoor (non-contact) training only

FOR 19 YEARS OLD AND OVER:

RED-10 – Outdoor (non-contact) training only

We will continue to advocate to Government and other stakeholders on behalf of the basketball community to ensure the quickest and safest possible return of competition basketball across the state.

Basketball Victoria Participant Licence

As previously noted, the Basketball Victoria participation licence is not season or association specific and allows individuals to play as many times as they want across the state in a 365-day period. We are extending all active licences for individuals for the duration of the period that basketball was/is unable to be played in Victoria due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As you would be aware, in addition to competition management and insurance, individual participant fees (the Basketball Victoria Licence) cover a range of essential services and programs which we are and will continue to deliver.

Note: A detailed explanation of the 365 Day Licence can be found here.

However, as always, we will consider requests for individual refunds to those participants who are experiencing extreme hardship at any time (the individual must contact their club or association who then escalates to Basketball Victoria via a Support Ticket).

Refunds

Generally speaking, BV’s licence fee is not refundable, as per our terms of registration and we are extending the BV licences as per above. However, we can consider requests for refunds in certain cases. We are in a unique situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and we understand any significant economic or health related impact.

The process/conditions for individual refunds are as follows:

Individual refund requests need to come through via the club (if applicable) to the association (as per the correct communication channel including club requests) via http://support.playhq.com
Senior Domestic need to request via the association who then lodges support ticket
The player needs to have played fewer than 3 games
Player’s registration to the season in question needs to be marked as cancelled
A valid reason needs to be provided
BV needs confirmation in writing that the association and/or club has refunded any fees that were paid to them before BV considers the request for refund of the BV licence fee
Bank details provided for an approved refund to be processed.

Under no circumstance should associations or clubs refund the Basketball Victoria licence fee to individuals. Please refer to the BV refund process.

Mental Health and Support Resources

Remember to look after yourself and others during this time, and always ask for help if you need it.
If you are struggling the following services are available:

National Coronavirus Helpline: 1800 020 080
For immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 and in an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Kids Help Line – 1800 55 1800

Source: https://basketballvictoria.com.au/covid-19/return-to-sport-updates-for-participants/

Netball Victoria – 27 OCT 2020

Metropolitan Melbourne, we finally have the green light for community netball! At 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October Metropolitan Melbourne will move to Step Three. This will include the return of outdoor junior netball competitions and programs and non-contact training for adults at outdoor venues.

The 25km limit will remain until 8 November which means some members will still be limited by the travel restrictions.

For regional Victoria, people 18 years and younger can continue to participate in netball competitions and programs. Adults continue with non-contact training at outdoor venues. Indoor venues may open for non-contact sport only, for people aged 18 years and under.

Check our updated resources for further information.

Source: https://vic.netball.com.au/latest-update

Meanwhile the Nellakir team continue to install new courts under the Victorian Schools Building Authority program. Sports Flooring at Rockbank North Primary School, Truganina South East Primary School and Thoroughbred Primary School near Somerville is now being completed.

A new Single Court build using the Stump ST2 System from ASF Horner Sports Flooring has commenced and Heathmont College in Melbourne’s outer east.

All Sports Flooring currently being installed utilise the ASF/Horner Sports Flooring systems for sprung timber flooring, providing excellent competitive premium surfaces. Nellakir are the exclusive agents in Victoria and Tasmania for all ASF/Horner Sports Flooring systems. All ASF Horner systems are FIBA approved and utilise Australian Hardwood Timbers.

For all your Sprung Timber Flooring needs please contact Nellakir on 03 9467 6126 to arrange a free, no obligation quotation. Whether it’s full Construction and Installation, Annual Maintenance or simply programmed scheduled professional cleaning of all court surfaces, call Nellakir. That number again 03 9467 6126. Or leave your details here for a prompt response.

Nellakir – the leading experts in Sports Flooring in Victoria and Tasmania.

Sports Flooring for Champions present and future.

Basketball and Netball Competitions resume for U18’s after Nov 1st. Vixens Win Grand Final!

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Finally after 100 days the signpost back to full competitions has been posted by the State Government. It’s worth noting that on the 30th of July the following statistics were accurate as are the statistics for the 17th of October…

30th July
France 1377
UK 846
Victoria 723

17th October
France 25086
UK 15650
Victoria 1

It’s certainly worth considering.

Here are the current statements re Lockdown from Netball Victoria and Basketball Victoria

Netball Victoria 18 OCT 2020

The long-awaited return of community netball in metropolitan Melbourne is inching closer. Metro Melbourne can look forward to a return of junior netball, which at this stage is scheduled for Sunday 1 November, but we wait for confirmation of a return date over the next week. We thank you for being so patient and we appreciate everything you have done to support and stay connected to your netball community. It’s not long now and we will see you all back on court.

For regional Victoria, people 18 years and younger can continue to participate in netball competitions and programs. Adults continue with non-contact training at outdoor venues.

Today we throw our weight behind the mighty Melbourne Vixens! They are #DoingItForVIC and doing it for every member of our community who has missed playing our great game.

Source: vic.netball.com.au

Basketball Victoria Return to Sport Update OCTOBER 19, 2020

Return to Basketball and Current Restrictions

The announcement on Sunday 18 October by the Victorian Government has eased restrictions in several areas across Victoria.

Unfortunately, due to basketball being classified as a “contact sport” (i.e. a sport that is unable to be played at a social distancing length of 1.5m between each participant) by the Victorian Government, basketball is subject to being part of the Last Step of the COVID Roadmap.

Victoria’s current level of restrictions regarding basketball’s return to sport have not changed from our last update, but there is greater clarity around future restrictions being eased at the end of the month. There is also a potential of further announcements this Sunday which may bring timelines forward.

Future eased restrictions were announced yesterday detailing the roadmap for community sport. As of Sunday 1 November at 11.59pm, Metropolitan associations and clubs within Metropolitan LGAs will be able to participate in outdoor competition or regular training (18 Years and Under) or outdoor non-contact training (19 Years and Over) in addition to Regional associations being able to train indoors (non-contact) in the short term.

We will continue to advocate to Government and other stakeholders on behalf of the basketball community to ensure the quickest possible return of Victorian basketball across the state.

Please refer to the Victorian DHHS website as well as Basketball Victoria’s Return to Sport Guidelines for further information.

Source: basketballvictoria.com.au

Meanwhile in the parallel universe that was the Queensland Hub, the Victorian Netball team, The Vixens, has won the Grand Final of the Suncorp Super Netball Competition for 2020. Here’s a full report courtesy of the ABC News service…

Melbourne Vixens hold their nerve to beat West Coast Fever 66-64 in Super Netball grand final

It was party time for the Vixens after their narrow grand final win over the Fever in Brisbane.

We thought we might not even get a Super Netball season in 2020, but here we are, having witnessed the tightest grand final of the new domestic league.

The Melbourne Vixens defeated the West Coast Fever 66-64 to win their first premiership since 2014.

The tough, grinding game played in Brisbane — so far away from both teams’ home fans — felt quiet at times, but the match itself did not disappoint, with the lead to-ing and fro-ing and never out of reach.

The Fever led by one point at the first break, after some crafty work from Verity Charles and Jhaniele Fowler upfront.

Charles was setting up a high, floating feed way off the circle edge that made it hard for Vixens defenders to even get a look in.

While Fowler (54/55) — standing close to two-metres tall — continued with the impeccable accuracy that has seen her become the most dominant player in the league.

Heading out for the second quarter, Vixens goal shooter Mwai Kumwenda stepped up to the challenge.

Throughout the match she repeatedly “defied the law of physics”, as Liz Ellis put it, using every inch of the goal circle and showing incredible balance to take feed after feed over her shoulder with the tips of her toes on the baseline, just outside the Fever’s reach.

A smiling netballer raises her arms wide in celebration after the Super Netball grand final.

Mwai Kumwenda’s goal shooting helped the Melbourne Vixens beat West Coast Fever in their first Super Netball grand final.

Kumwenda’s composure under pressure and ability to convert at key times (47/50 at 94 per cent) saw her named the grand final player of the match.

It was here that the Vixens defence also started to work their way into the game, and some big moments from their back line — Emily Mannix, Jo Weston and Kate Eddy — saw three key turnovers head up the court and converted.

The Vixens had crept out to a four-goal lead as the game headed towards half-time.

But some quick-fire momentum from the Fever showcased how fast they could score, and in the space of just over a minute they were already back in front by a goal as the half-time buzzer went.

In the third quarter — known as the “championship quarter” for its defining period in a game — the Vixens really put their stamp on the game.

Head coach Simone McKinnis used the rolling subs to rotate the goal attack position, interchanging their two retiring shooters Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip to ensure their front line stayed fresh.

And their defensive pressure upped again across the court, Weston especially.

At the final break, the Vixens had won their first quarter (18-14) and were up by three — their first lead heading into a break.

But the game was not over yet, with the Fever never giving up.

They clawed their way back level and then back in front by two goals, with four and a half minutes left.

The Vixens started to look worried but showed in these final minutes why they had been the best team all season.

One of their crucial moments came through a build-up in the midcourt, that saw Fever defender Stacey Francis try and pass back to keeper Courtney Bruce.

But the attempt to try and reset turned into an intercept for Kumwenda, which was then converted.

Another collective effort by Mannix and Weston proved the difference.

West Coast goal attack Alice Teague-Neeld missed a two-point super shot in the Fever’s final play, and the Vixens circle defenders’ rebound pushed their team out to a two-goal lead.

With seven seconds left on the clock and a centre pass up their sleeve, the Vixens were able to play a possession game to close out their first Super Netball grand final win.

The victory allowed them to farewell Thwaites and Philip in the best way possible and make the usually quiet McKinnis a very happy woman, as she celebrated with a couple of fist pumps on the sideline.

Speaking with Channel Nine after the match, Thwaites described it as a “really hard slog”.

“Holy crap, that was right down to the wire,” she said fighting back tears.

“We had practised all those scenarios at the end, so we knew exactly what to do.

“We really hope we’ve brought Victorian people some light and a good distraction in what’s been a really hard year.”

Source: abc.net.au

Now is the right time to prime your sports flooring for a major increase in traffic and usage over the Summer period and into Autumn next year. There is no doubt many people will have determined that exercise and regular activity will now be part of their lifestyle after lockdown.

Nellakir are Victoria and Tasmania’s foremost experts in Sports Flooring. Specialising in Sprung Timber Sports Flooring Nellakir are the exclusive agents in Victoria and Tasmania for ASF/Horner Sports Flooring Systems.

For Installation and repairs, Annual maintenance and scheduled cyclical cleaning, always call Nellakir on 03 9467 6126. Alternatively, leave your details here for a prompt reply. Arrange an obligation free consultation with one of our trained technicians to discuss your needs and requirements. Ensure a premium playing surface is available for all levels of competition.

Nellakir – Champion Sports Flooring for today’s Champions and future Champions.

The LA Lakers NBA Champions 2020

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After an extraordinary year that saw the entire NBA competition mothballed for months after the date all games were scheduled to be completed by, the LA Lakers have managed to snatch this year’s crown in the final playoffs at the ESPN Hub in Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida. The Lakers won the playoff with Miami Heat 4 games to 2 clinching their first National title in 10 years.

So, this time we leave it to LeBron to have the last say.

‘I want my damn respect’: LeBron slaps down haters in epic speech

Put some respect on his name.

LeBron James won his fourth ring with a third team, and a fourth Finals MVP as he led the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship.

At 35-years-old, in his 17th season, James averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game, and had one simple message for those watching on.

“It means a lot to represent this franchise,” James said. “I told Jeanie [Buss] when I came here that I was going to put this franchise back in the position that it belongs.

“Her late, great father did it for so many years, and he just took it on after that.

“For me to be a part of such a historic franchise, it’s an unbelievable feeling; not only for myself, but for my teammates, for the organisation, for the coaches, for the trainers, everybody that’s here.

“We just want our respect. Rob [Pelinka] wants his respect. Coach [Frank] Vogel wants his respect, our organisation wants their respect, Laker Nation wants their respect … and I want my damn respect, too.”

It’s the fourth time in four championship runs that James has captured MVP honours, after he did so with Miami in 2012 and 2013 and with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

Asked what a fourth title and his incredible longevity meant for his legacy, James added: “I don’t know. I’m going to let you guys talk about it.

“One thing I can do is commit to the game. I put myself, and my body, and my mind in position to be available to my teammates.

“I’ve never missed a playoff game in my career, and the best thing you can do for your teammates is be available.

“For me to be available to my teammates, and put in the work, I just hope I make my guys proud, and that’s all that matters to me.”

Source: foxsports.com.au

Here the local basketball competitions are preparing for next year. School competitions are restricted to ‘in house’ games, but the school courts are back in action, at least for the students.

Nellakir are Victoria and Tasmania’s leading experts in the installation and maintenance of all Sports Flooring. Call now on 03 9467 6126 for a free, no obligation consultation with one of our Sports Flooring technicians on all repairs and annual maintenance programs for premium sprung timber Sports Flooring. Or leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Trust Nellakir – Professional Sports Flooring for Present and Future Champions.

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Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

LA Lakers take a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals

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With two games to go, one on Saturday the 10th and one on Monday the 12th of October, it’s likely the series will be wrapped up by Saturday. The Lakers go into the game on Saturday with a commanding series lead of 3 games to 1. The Miami Heat will need to win both games to force a playoff.

Here’s the report on Game 4…

LeBron, AD on fire to cool Heat and move Lakers a game away from 17th NBA championship

LeBron James led a Lakers turnaround.

The Los Angeles Lakers are just one game away from becoming world champions after an inspired second half turnaround from LeBron James helped them overpower Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat to take a 3-1 series lead.

The game was on a knife-edge for all but 40-seconds as the two teams were never more than seven points apart until Anthony Davis got over his similarly slow start to James to sink a huge three-pointer to all-but seal the game.

Butler nearly got his second consecutive triple double as he helped himself to 22 points under the increased scrutiny of James and Davis, who took it upon themselves to make sure he didn’t get the same joy as he did in Game 3.

The two teams now have an extra rest day before Saturday’s (AEST) Game 5, where the Lakers can wrap up the championship with two games in hand.

LBJ sinks daggers, lifts LA

Bam Adebayo recovered from a neck injury for the Heat to take his place on the floor but Goran Dragic couldn’t join him, despite taking part in the warm up.

The Lakers had a special plan in place for Game 3 hero Butler with Davis guarding him from the offset while James skipped his usual rest periods to match up with the Heat No.22’s time off court.

James had a difficult first half as he gave away five of the Lakers’ nine turnovers by midway through the second quarter.

Heat gun ROASTED for flopping

However, he made the proper adjustments in the second half and sank two huge three-pointers – the first from the logo – to turn his “out of sync” performance into a five-point lead for the Lakers going into the final quarter.

Butler meanwhile, after going five from five from the field and two assists in the first quarter, missed four in a row in what proved to be the turning point in this Game 4 encounter.

James continued his recovery in the final period as he took 26 points – the highest of anyone on the floor – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hit two massive back-to-back buckets to put the Lakers firmly in the driving seat.

Davis sealed it with his massive three-pointer to stretch the lead to a game-high nine points, while also making five blocks at the bucket to show off his offensive and defensive superiority.

The Lakers are now just one game away from their 17th NBA championship.

Source: foxsports.com.au

Whether it’s a regional stadium, a major metropolitan Leisure centre, a Secondary school or Primary school, Sports Flooring requires expert care and maintenance to ensure premium performance.

Nellakir are Victoria and Tasmania’s leading experts in the Construction, Installation, Maintenance and scheduled programmed cleaning of Sprung Timber Sports Flooring.

Nellakir utilise ASF/Horner Sports Flooring Systems exclusively for all installations. Find out more about ASF/Horner Systems here and determine which package best suits your needs.

To be confident of ensuring a surface that provides premium performance, call Nellakir on 03 9467 6126 and book a free consultation with one of our Sports Flooring Technicians at your convenience.

Alternatively, leave your details here for a prompt reply to your enquiry.

Trust Nellakir The Sports Flooring of Champions.

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Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

The NBA Finals – LA Lakers vs Miami Heat – Best of Seven Series.

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Last week we re-published an article questioning LeBron James and his capacity to perform. Never write off a champion. This week the 35 year old makes his 10th NBA finals appearance (Thursday Oct 1, 11am). You can watch it live on Kayo or Fox Sports.

The Orlando Hub at Disneyworld has now been operational for 3 months. With delays due to Coronavirus first and then the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparking a competition-wide walkout.

This would be LeBron James’ fourth championship ring, having previously won finals with both Cleveland, Miami and the Lakers.

At 35 years of age, LeBron has acknowledged that this series is probably the greatest challenge he has faced in his long career. He went on to comment that the ‘bubble’ that is Orlando has been extremely tough on both the mind and body. It was the unexpected that took a toll on his performance and that of others.

LeBron has made it clear – he has committed to the hub, the bubble – its quarantine and its privations for one reason and one reason alone – to win the Championship. But right now he commented that he has lost track of time since entering the hub, saying he had no idea how many days it’s been and that it felt like 5 years.

When the Lakers left Los Angeles in July, no-one was certain the competition would even reach completion this year.

But now it is the reality with James facing off against his old team – Miami, and jousting with his old coach Erik Spoelstra with whom he won back to back titles in 2012 and 2013, departing in 2014 to return to Cleveland. Rumour has it that LeBron did not always see eye to eye with Spoelstra and their relationship was at times somewhat fiery. Ever the professional, LeBron stressed this would have no bearing on his feelings about the result – win lose or draw conceding that just reaching the final was hard enough in itself. And true to form, he’s there to rock and roll, for the team, the coaching staff and the fans. Exciting times!

To play like LeBron you need a professional premium sports floor to start with. Sprung Timber in Maple or selected hardwood.

For expert advice and premium service on all Sports Flooring call Victoria and Tasmania’s leading experts, Nellakir, for a free no obligation consultation on 03 9467 6126, or leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Construction and Installation, Maintenance and Repairs, scheduled professional cleaning of all Sports Flooring. Call Nellakir on 03 9467 6126.

Nellakir – The Sports Flooring for Champions.