Totally Netball is committed to providing a safe environment for all players, umpires, coordinators and spectators.

As the majority of our leagues are played outdoors throughout the year, we recognise that weather conditions can vary considerably. Whilst our aim is for every fixture to be played as scheduled, the safety and welfare of everyone involved will always remain our priority.

Netball is an outdoor sport and fixtures will not be postponed simply because conditions are wet, cold, windy or hot. Decisions will always be based on a dynamic risk assessment, taking into account all relevant factors.

The decision to proceed with, modify, suspend or cancel any Totally Netball league session due to weather or environmental conditions rests solely with Totally Netball.

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Decisions are made following an appropriate risk assessment using the latest information available at the time.

This responsibility does not sit with Team Captains, players or umpires, although information provided by venue staff, League Coordinators and officials may form part of the assessment.

Weather forecasts can change significantly in the days and hours leading up to a league session.

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For this reason, Totally Netball will monitor weather forecasts in the lead up to every league but will normally only make a final decision on the day of the league, when the most accurate and up-to-date information is available.

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In exceptional circumstances, an earlier decision may be made.

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Unless Totally Netball advises otherwise, all fixtures should be considered as going ahead.

Each venue and league session will be assessed individually.

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Factors considered may include, but are not limited to:

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• Met Office weather warnings.

• England Netball guidance.

• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance where appropriate.

• Current weather conditions.

• Short-term weather forecasts.

• Court surface and playing conditions.

• Advice from the venue.

• Temperature.

• Humidity.

• Wind strength.

• Heavy rainfall.

• Standing water.

• Ice or snow.

• Thunder and lightning.

• Visibility.

• Time of day.

• The ability to introduce appropriate control measures.

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No single factor automatically determines whether a league will proceed.

Where weather conditions have the potential to affect player safety, Totally Netball may carry out one or more venue inspections.

Inspections may be undertaken by:

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• Venue staff.

• Totally Netball staff.

• League Coordinators.

• Umpires.

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Additional inspections may take place immediately before play begins or during the session if conditions change.

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Where a venue owner or operator determines that the courts are unsafe or closes the facility, Totally Netball will not override that decision.

Weather conditions can change quickly during a league session.

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Where necessary, Totally Netball may:

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• Delay the start of fixtures.

• Suspend play.

• Shorten matches.

• Introduce additional welfare measures.

• Abandon individual matches.

• Cancel the remainder of the league session.

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These decisions will be made following a dynamic risk assessment and, where appropriate, in consultation with venue staff, League Coordinators and officials.

During periods of hot weather, Totally Netball may introduce additional control measures where appropriate. These may include:

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• Additional hydration breaks.

• Increased time between matches.

• Reduced match lengths.

• Delayed start times.

• Cancelling or postponing fixtures where the risks cannot be managed safely.

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Players are expected to:

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• Bring sufficient drinking water.

• Wear appropriate clothing.

• Apply suitable sun protection where necessary.

• Manage their own wellbeing throughout the session.

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Any player who feels unwell should stop playing immediately and inform an umpire or League Coordinator.

Fixtures may continue during cold or wet weather provided the courts remain safe.

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Where there is concern regarding ice, frost, snow, standing water or reduced grip, court inspections will be carried out before play and, where necessary, throughout the session.

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Fixtures may be delayed, suspended or cancelled if the courts are considered unsafe.

If lightning is seen or thunder is heard before or during a league session, play must stop immediately.

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All players, umpires, League Coordinators and spectators should move promptly to the designated indoor shelter or other suitable place of safety.

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Play will not resume until at least 20 minutes have passed since the last sighting of lightning or the last clap of thunder.

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League Coordinators should, where reasonably practicable, ensure that all participants have safely left the courts and are accounted for before deciding whether to continue or abandon the session.

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Following the suspension of play, the League Coordinator will assess the conditions and determine whether it is safe for play to resume or whether the remainder of the session should be cancelled.

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If the session is abandoned, participants will be informed and may leave the venue.

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The safety of all participants will always take priority over the completion of fixtures.

Where weather may affect a league session, Totally Netball will keep Team Captains informed wherever reasonably possible.

Updates will normally be communicated via WhatsApp and any other communication platforms used by Totally Netball.

As weather conditions can change rapidly, updates may be issued throughout the day.

If a team believes it may be unable to fulfil a fixture due to weather conditions or any other reason, the Team Captain must contact Totally Netball immediately.

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Totally Netball will always explore all reasonable options to avoid a forfeit, including assisting with player availability where possible.

This policy will be reviewed periodically and may be amended to reflect changes in legislation, England Netball guidance, UK Health Security Agency guidance, Met Office advice or operational experience.