Netball Tasmania will be forced to back in coronavirus restrictions lifting in time for the first of its double-headers to finish a condensed State League season in line with clubs' expressive requests.
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The revised fixture was released on Friday that ensures the first game back on July 24 starts from round 3 after the opening two rounds were completed back in March.
That opening day also sets the four Hobart sides playing on back-to-back courts while also playing at the same time and at the same venue.
This format will continue through every one of the 12 rounds, including three times at the Silverdome that involve co-tenants, Cavaliers and Northern Hawks.
Current state government restrictions only allows for 20 people to be present indoors at the same time, and not per court as a number of sports bodies initially believed.
Netball Tasmania chief executive Aaron Pidgeon said should that restriction not change heading towards the next stage of COVID-19 the season would be in jeopardy.
"At the moment, we just may need to revise the roster if need be at a later stage to stagger the time," he said.
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"When we went through the roster and our understanding what might change over time, it's our hope that we can get it all away. But, obviously, we are still subject to public health advisory at any point in time."
A second wave of the virus is the main concern. Netball Tasmania was the first sport in the state to halt its season.
"At this point in time, we need to lift from 20 to even start the season. We're hopeful we'll get that, we believe we will, but if something changes between now and then, we might not be able to start again," Pidgeon said.
"It's all probably there in good faith with the hope that things do start favourably, so we'll have to wait and see."
The fixture has been pulled back from 21 rounds to 14, with a series of six weekend games three times reducing the year to end before exams.
The finals format changes with just two weeks of knockout finals, ensuring no double chance for the top two.
The grand final has been scheduled for October 3.
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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.
