For 2020 and in particular the last five weeks Hawke’s Bay Netball have worked tirelessly to implement a safe playing environment adhering to Netball New Zealand, Sport New Zealand and Government restrictions under Covid Alert Level 2.  With the ultimate goal of enabling as many of our Netball Community to continue to play the game they love.  Unfortunately, due to such large numbers and lack of facilities the Year 1 – 8 Netball in most instances was unable to continue and was eventually cancelled.  This was as disappointing to us as it was to the participants, however again the Health and Safety of our players was paramount. 

The 100 people gathering maximum, with separate entry/exits and own toilet facilities, and requirement for reduced numbers per team, created the need to form 9 different zones across Napier, Hastings, Wairoa and Central Hawke’s Bay.  These areas needed to be separated either by portable or existing fencing, use of red tape, lots of signage and a comprehensive Health and Safety and Communications Plan.  

Staff and Volunteers were crucial to make this happen, as a code we took this plan seriously and were not satisfied with just putting out the guidelines and expecting it would be self-managed.  This required everyone going the extra mile, early morning starts, setting up venues, manning gates, cleaning and sanitizing, and dealing with any issues.  We know how passionate our Netball Community is and identified the “no spectator” rule was always going to be difficult to manage.  We would like to thank all of those Players and Team Management that adhered to the rules, you helped make operating under difficult circumstances bearable.

Unfortunately, although most people understand this is not our preferable delivery method of Netball, we certainly have copped some abuse which is really disappointing.  As the General Manager I am very concerned about my Staff and Volunteer’s well-being and have witnessed some very toxic behavior towards myself and others.  Some examples of this are below:

• Constant aggressive and abusive behavior, that without intervention could have easily escalated into physical violence.
• Spectators refusing to leave Zones to the point games need to be halted.
• HBN Vehicle mysteriously had key scratches at the end of one Saturday.
• Hiding in bushes, standing on roof of cars, hiding wherever to see the game.  Often blatantly ignoring signs, red tape and what staff/volunteers have said. 
• The following statements are just some examples of what has been verbally stated (often loudly) during the previous five weeks:
  • “All this rep tape is FXXN ridiculous, it is just you guys on a power trip”
  • “Like to see you walk all the way around FXXN there, why can’t I just go through here”
  • “I am the assistant to the assistant manager for the team so I must come in”
  • “You guys are just too lazy to run Junior Netball, such a knee jerk reaction”
  • “This seems so over the top compared to everything else”
  • “This is council land you can’t get rid of us, I will ring the Police”
  • “I have come all the way from Taupo to watch, I am not FXXN going”
  • “You guys just lack innovation, your being stupid”
  • “I will be responsible for my own health; I don’t need you guys doing this”
  • “Covid isn’t even real, it is all a conspiracy”
  • “Get FXXD, what are you going to do about it, I am not leaving”

Obviously as I stated earlier there are plenty more examples of positive behavior, however these are the thoughts and comments that the staff and volunteers take away with them at the end of a long day.  I have also communicated with other Netball Centres who are experiencing the same sort of behavior, in some cases worse.  Staff members been driven at, mud thrown at cars, and the same verbal and physical threats.  This has been a huge eye opener for all of us and we never would have expected to experience this type of abuse, particularly when we are going out of our way to provide Netball opportunities.  It appears we are simply being criticised for implementing and adhering to the rules with no exceptions or short cuts.  As a Regional Sport Organisation we have a responsibility to the Community and should there be a potential outbreak in Hawke’s Bay, we need to be able to show we have done everything we can to follow the rules.  

Today’s announcement to move down to Level One is timely and we really look forward to welcoming spectators back to all remaining competitions this week.

Tina Arlidge - General Manager - Hawke's Bay Netball

Article added: Monday 21 September 2020