THE Golden City Netball Association is readying to hit the court, with junior competition scheduled to return next month.
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GCNA president Rachel Thomsen confirmed an October 17 starting date for the resumption of competitions, which had initially kicked-off in July.
The association was able to fit in three rounds of matches before play was suspended due to the implementation of stage three COVID-19 restrictions across regional Victoria.
But an easing of those restrictions earlier this month has provided some light at the end of the tunnel for the association's junior netballers, according to Thomsen.
"It's been such a tricky time navigating all of this," she said.
"We had to wait before we heard from Netball Victoria, which ran an information session (last week), which enabled us to see what everything would like that.
"We then went back to our members to see what they wanted to do, so we've pretty much set a starting date and are looking to resume the competitions we had already started earlier in the year.
"We were three weeks into that.
"Clubs have been checking with their players and members about a return and early indications are really positive - everyone seems really keen to get back."
The association has planned a 12-week season, minus the three rounds already played in July.
Thomsen added a return to senior competitive netball was unlikely until next season.
"Basically we will have our NetSetGo program, our grade three clinic and primary divisions, and then we've got our juniors, which is pretty much our 14-and-unders and our 17-and-unders," she said.
"We have certainly had to be flexible and navigate the ever-changing times.
"You have to listen to the feedback you are getting, but also take into consideration the ability we have to deliver given we are completely run by volunteers.
"Putting the rosters together has been like getting the band together, but everyone has been fantastic and supportive."
Crowds will be limited to one parent or guardian per player, with the biggest change since July being the need for face masks.
"That will affect anyone 12-years and over - the younger kids obviously don't have to wear them at all," Thomsen said.
"When they are playing, masks don't have to be worn, nor do umpires have to wear them, but they are back on afterward and certainly before games.
"Scorers, volunteers, they will all be wearing them.
"Everyone involved last time was really supportive of all the rules, so we hope that continues for everybody's safety."
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