Skip to content

Vitality Netball Superleague's Round Four matches to played this weekend

Friday 13 March 2020 11:22, UK

Netball - Superleague ball
Image: There aren't plans to cancel, postpone or change upcoming fixtures

Vitality Netball Superleague's Round Four matches are scheduled to go ahead as planned with England Netball and the competition following all government advice regarding coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a statement made on Friday, the competition said it is "continuing to follow the national guidance" and currently has no plans to cancel, postpone or change upcoming fixtures.

"During the Prime Minister's announcement on 12 March 2020 regarding coronavirus, the government advised that all sporting events should take place as normal for now," Superleague's statement said.

"We are therefore continuing to follow the national guidance and currently have no plans to cancel, postpone or otherwise change upcoming fixtures.

"However the Prime Minister also indicated that the government is considering banning major public events like sporting fixtures.

"So, we will therefore continue to work closely with clubs, the Vitality Netball Superleague Board, our broadcast partner Sky and all other relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate contingency plans are in place should circumstances change.

"The welfare of players, staff and supporters is of paramount importance and we will continue to follow Public Health England guidelines thoroughly."

Also See:

In an earlier statement, England Netball shared guidelines and advice to anyone who is planning on attending any netball event or activity

England Netball's advice for those attending events

Frequently clean your hands in soap and water, or with an alcohol-based hand rub. We will endeavor to provide additional hand sanitizers where possible.
If you cough or sneeze, please cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands.
Avoid contact with anyone who has a fever or cough.
Avoid unnecessary contact with ‘high touch’ areas such as handrails, lift buttons, door handles, surfaces etc.
If you experience difficulty breathing, have a high temperature or cough, please stay at home and contact a medical advisor by phone.
Players are entitled, should they wish, not to shake hands or have any other form of physical contact with their opponent or officials (for example at the end of their match).
Fans are advised that during this time players may not feel comfortable interacting with fans to their usual level and so it may be more difficult to obtain autographs or pictures with players.

The reigning champions Manchester Thunder, who are facing Surrey Storm on Saturday evening at Surrey Sports Park, have announced that their players will not be engaging 'as fully' as before, in match-day activities that involve being in close contact with fans.

This includes player signings and photographs and it also means that player mascots will not hold the hands of the players as they are escorted out onto the court.

"Whilst under normal circumstances, we like to promote interaction with our supporters as much as possible," Thunder's statement said.

"At this time of increased public heath awareness, we would like to request for spectators' patience, respect and understanding and ask that they respect the personal space of players by not making close contact with them (within two metres)."

Coronavirus - key sporting developments

Live coverage of the Vitality Netball Superleague season is set to continue on Monday when Loughborough Lightning host Saracens Mavericks. Join us on Sky Sports Arena, Mix and YouTube from 6.45pm

Around Sky

Other Sports

Get Sky Sports

Other Sports

Not got Sky? Stream Sky Sports with NOW!