In the midst of a pandemic, Netball Tasmania was given little choice but to give in to the inevitable and suspend its State League even further until at least July.
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The competition initially commenced on March 7 in a double-header weekend, but hours before unbeaten derby rivals Northern Hawks and Cavaliers were set to clash a week later the grand final rematch was called off.
The season will next be reviewed on May 28 that also includes a team training ban towards playing on July 1.
Netball Tasmania chief executive Aaron Pidgeon said a list of restrictions relating to risks from coronavirus that were imposed "effectively removed any discretion" to get the State League up earlier.
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He said the clubs unanimously support "prioritising the health and safety of not only our participants, but also the wider community".
"We must however ensure we find the right balance between maintaining that commitment and being ready to return to the court as soon as it is safe to do so," he said.
Pidgeon went as far to say Netball Tasmania has viewed COVID-19 as being "bigger than sport" and planned to comply with all restrictions imposed by the government.
"In the meantime, we must all continue to play our part to best support the broader community," he said, "while continuing to support each other within the netball community to ensure that we maintain mental, physical and financial strength required to be ready for a swift and successful return to the court when possible."
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Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
