
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.