'Unprecedented': Super Netball suspends some rule changes amid COVID-19 uncertainty
The Super Netball Commission has walked back some of its rule changes following concerns for the players' welfare amid COVID-19.
Extra time was set to be brought in for the 2020 season, but will now be postponed until 2021 due to the stress on players during the pandemic.
The bonus-point system brought in for the 2018 season, which sees clubs earn four points for a win plus an extra point for each quarter won, will also be suspended in 2020.
Clubs outside Queensland will move to a hub on the Sunshine Coast for most of the season due to rising COVID-19 cases in Victoria and NSW, with players asked to be prepared to be away from home for the entire 14 weeks.
Super Netball chief executive Chris Symington said the rule changes came after consultation with medical experts and clubs.
"We made these changes because healthy athletes means a healthy season where players are given enough rest to keep them at the top of their game," he said.
Due to the delay caused by COVID-19, the 60-game season will be condensed into 14 rounds. The shortened campaign means, at some points, clubs will play three times a week.
The bonus-point system brought in for the 2018 Super Netball season will be suspended in 2020.Credit:Dean Sewell
Due to the concern over potential injuries, the number of players permitted in each match will rise from 10 to 12.
A Super Netball injury surveillance manager will also be brought into the league to provide data to medical and high-performance staff.
"I also want to thank fans who have continued to support their clubs during this unprecedented period and assure them that bonus points and extra time will return in 2021 when we run a full season," Symington said.
Australian Netball Players Association boss Kathryn Harby-Williams said the walk-back of the extra-time rule was the right decision for the players, who have been forced to adapt to several changes already this year.
"Front and centre right now is managing the wellbeing and physical load of our athletes given the unusual preseason they have had leading into this condensed season," she said.
West Coast Fever strength and condition coach Liam Warwick said the rule changes would give coaches a chance to control the players' workload.
"The implications of COVID-19 on an interrupted preseason and condensed fixture may lead to an increase in athlete injury rates," he said. "The current fixture is unprecedented in Suncorp Super Netball, and it will be fascinating to see how each team structures their training and game-day approach."
The Suncorp Super Netball seasons starts on Saturday, with a clash between the Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning at the Nissan Arena in Brisbane.