Bad weather has been causing disruptions for sports across Sydney, with the Inner West Netball Association having to cancel over 180 games in its opening round due to wet conditions. Grass courts have been closed by the local council, resulting in even more game cancellations, leaving many young players disappointed. Safety is a top priority, as slippery courts can put players and umpires at risk. The financial impact of paying fees for games that end up being cancelled adds to the frustration for parents and players alike. The tough decision to call off games is sometimes met with resistance, as councils prioritize maintaining the grounds for the entire season, making rescheduling games on weekends a challenge.
Football NSW highlighted the pressure on sports fields and the difficulty in rescheduling matches due to closures, lack of drainage, and the impact of climate change. Synthetic fields are seen as part of the solution, as they can accommodate games when grass fields are unplayable and help catch up on missed games throughout the year. AFL NSW has also been affected by wet weather, forcing the cancellation or postponement of over 300 games in Sydney this year. Poor field conditions have led sporting codes to adjust schedules by playing more games early in the season or seeking permission from councils to play later in the year.
A report by Sport NSW in 2022 highlighted a “sports facilities crisis” where sports are struggling to find enough space to run their competitions. Some children are being turned away from participating in sports due to a lack of facilities, while others face long trips to compete in their chosen activities. Local councils defend their decision to close sports grounds, citing the need to preserve playing surfaces and prevent injuries. However, sporting officials point to poor maintenance, overused facilities, and risk aversion as contributing factors to the ongoing challenges faced by sports clubs and associations.
The Inner West Netball Association has faced difficulties in managing cancellations and disappointing young players who just want to play. Safety concerns due to slippery courts during wet weather further complicate the situation, leading to challenges in rescheduling games and maintaining player and umpire well-being. Football NSW and AFL NSW have also encountered game cancellations and schedule adjustments due to adverse weather conditions, lack of drainage, and the impact of climate change. The use of synthetic fields is seen as a potential solution to mitigate the effects of inclement weather on sports competitions.
The pressure on sports facilities and the struggle to find adequate space to accommodate competitions have raised concerns within the sporting community. Limited access to facilities is resulting in some children being unable to participate in sports, while others face logistical challenges to compete in their chosen activities. While local councils justify the closure of sports grounds to protect playing surfaces and prevent injuries, sporting officials believe that factors like poor maintenance, overuse of facilities, and risk aversion also contribute to the ongoing challenges faced by sports clubs and associations. Collaboration between stakeholders is crucial to address these issues and ensure that young athletes have the opportunity to participate in sports and competitions.
