Maitland Netball Association will consider calling off Saturday’s season opening round in the wake of last week’s super storm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The association’s management committee will make a decision when they meet on
Thursday afternoon after the Maitland Park courts and club rooms were inundated with water last Tuesday.
With up to 2000 registered players in 2015 there will be a number of factors at play,
primarily the safety of all players, spectators and volunteers. The state of the courts, the flooded club rooms, parking, canteen supplies and access to Maitland Park because of road closures will all be on the agenda.
The welfare of members and their families will also be taken into account with many in the greater Maitland region being isolated and without power or running water for seven days or more.
Association president Jenny Fullford, who also works for the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre, has been at the forefront as the city deals with the flood aftermath.
“Management will meet to make a decision on Thursday, but it has been a tough week for everyone,” Fullford said.
“A lot of kids will be excited about the first week of netball, but we need to consider the safety of everyone involved.
“The courts have held up pretty well considering, but the club rooms are still under water and unusable.
“The parking in the outer grounds will need to be assessed and, with all the traffic diversions in place, we can’t really expect people to travel three hours for a game of netball.
“We have close to 2000 players and many haven’t had power or water, so we don’t want to be putting any more unnecessary pressure on parents at the moment.”
Fullford said representative uniforms, supplies in low-lying cupboards, stocks for the canteen, carpet and first-aid equipment were damaged when up to 20 centimetres of water made its way into the clubrooms.
A-GRADE DRAW
Round 1
LJ Hooker v Hills Solicitors
George Tavern v Family Hotel
Branxton Flashbacks v Queens Arms
Altitude bye