CHARLES Sturt University coach Kirsty Lowe has questioned why community sport can't resume after regional lockdown ends on Saturday, while other outdoor events are permitted to.
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The NSW government confirmed Riverina is among a host of regions to emerge from a month-long lockdown on the weekend, but community sport won't proceed until an 80 per cent double vaccination rate is reached.
The guidelines released on Thursday included major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people.
Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events, while up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.
The Farrer League netball finals series was shaping as one of the most intriguing in years, with the Bushsows, Temora and North Wagga all finishing with a 14-2 record.
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"Everyone's really keen. The players have all put in a lot of effort this year to get to the stage we're at, and the whole club has as well. It'd be disappointing if it ended up not going ahead," Lowe said.
"I don't understand the reasoning. Obviously the health experts have made that call for a reason, but I'm not sure I understand it.
"I think the girls are understanding of the situation in general, but still disappointed. There's three of us at the top, to not be able to have a finals series to decide a premiership would be shattering.
"The top three are all only separated by percentage, you don't think through the year that this will happen."
Far less players and officials are required in a netball match compared to football, but it looks certain netball won't proceed if football doesn't, as is expected.
"I know you're only allowed 20 people outdoors together, and in netball there's only 14 players on court plus scorers and umpires," Lowe said.
"But I'd imagine if the football doesn't go ahead then I'd imagine netball probably won't."
Lowe said clubs getting back together, if possible, was crucial for people's state of mind.
"It's really important for mental health as well. Those social relationships are crucial," she said.
"Especially getting so close to finals (was frustrating), having a couple of extra weeks is all we need.
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