RETURN TO BASKETBALL | MEDIA RELEASE 25/02/22

Latest COVID Update

In line with the latest NSW Government announcement, as of Friday, 25 February 2022, Covid-19 restrictions are removed in all HBA venues. Please note, social distancing and mask wearing where socials distancing is not possible are highly encouraged. Patrons are asked to stay home if they are unwell and follow all NSW Government requirements if they test positive or classify as a close contact. 

We remain mindful that Covid-19 has not disappeared and undertake to maintain the highest levels of hygiene with sanitiser and antiseptic wipes available throughout our venues. 

Hills Basketball Association would like to take this opportunity to thank our members and supporters for their co-operation over the past 2 years. While there still may be some way to go on the Covid-19 journey, the fact that Hills Basketball has reached this point as a healthy, viable organisation is due in no small part to our patrons. Thank you and here’s hoping 2022 is as Covid free as it can be.

 Any questions can be directed to steve@hillshornets.com.au

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PREVIOUS UPDATES

COVID-19 UPDATE 10/01/2022

Latest COVID Update

In response to the latest announcement regarding restrictions made by the Premier earlier today, Hills Basketball has undertaken to continue to align as closely as possible with NSW Government requirements. As a result, the following measures will remain in place at all HBA venues until Monday, 28 February:

  • Spectators – No covid limits.
  • QR codes available at entry and front desk for check-in via the Service NSW app.
  • Masks required when not involved in on-court activity.
  • Do not attend a Hills basketball venue if you are feeling unwell, particularly if you have Covid-19 symptoms.

 Any questions can be directed to steve@hillshornets.com.au

 

COVID-19 UPDATE 15/12/21

Latest COVID Update

With most restrictions easing tomorrow, Hills Basketball will continue to align as closely as possible with NSW Government requirements. As a result, as at 12.01am on 15 December, the following adjustments will be made across all HBA venues:

  • Spectators – No covid limits
  • QR check in – Not required but encouraged.
  • Masks – Not required but encouraged where social distancing is difficult.
  • Vaccination checks – Not required

The Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions can be found here  https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions/opening-in-dec

 Hills Basketball would like to thank our community for their cooperation to get us to this point and ask that you continue to be considerate of others as you frequent HBA venues. Please be assured that we will continue to endeavour to provide a safe and hygienic space for you to enjoy.

 Any questions can be directed to steve@hillshornets.com.au

 

COVID-19 UPDATE 15/10/21

WE’RE BACK!

Please note specific procedures for different activities are listed in the sections below.

COVID SAFE PROCEDURES

Upon reopening, all visitors aged 16 years and above will only be permitted to access Hills Basketball venues if they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or medically exempt from this requirement. Masks are compulsory for 12 years and above while not participating in an on-court activity. QR code check-in required with manual option available for those without a smart phone.

What to expect when you arrive:

It’s going to take time to get everyone checked in, so please ensure you allow extra time to park and organise your three access requirements:

  1. Phone for QR check-in. Ask staff re. manual check-in process if you do not have a smart phone.
  2. Proof of double vaccination from everyone aged 16yrs and above. Further details below.
  3. Put on your mask if you are 12 years and above to enter the venue. Participants can remove the mask while engaged in on-court activity. Masks to be worn once on-court activity is complete.

Additional requirements:

  • Please sanitise on arrival and exit from venue.
  • All patrons are encouraged to arrive as late as possible and leave promptly after their activity.
  • Please follow signage for exit points. 
  • Maintain social distance of 1.5m whilst not engaged in on-court activity.
  • Please pay all fees, including court hire, registrations and game fees online. Click here to learn more about our online payment system. 
  • If you are unwell you MUST stay at home.
  • Even if the new rules permit attendance (see specific rules below), only come to the stadium if you absolutely must.
  • Patrons are requested not to sing, cheer or chant.

SUMMER 2021/2022 TIP-OFF

ADDITIONAL COVID SAFE PROCEDURES FOR LOCAL COMPETITION TEAMS

  • Follow COVID Safe Procedures listed above.
  • One spectator per participant.
  • Sibling Policy – This concession is intended to be utilised in situations where childcare of siblings U/12 is a genuine issue. It would be appreciated if alternate arrangements are made where possible. Team Staff involved in U9-U12 competitions are permitted to bring siblings if the siblings are primary school aged or younger.
  • Utilise the kiss & drop process where age appropriate.
  • Bring your own basketball and drink bottle.

How to show you’re vaccinated

HBA is required to verify the vaccination status of anyone 16 years and over when entering our venues. There are several ways to show proof of vaccination:

If you are unable to be vaccinated because of a medical contraindication you will need to get a medical exemption form signed by your doctor and carry it with you.

Further enquiries please contact the stadium on 9894-8944 or email info@hillshornets.com.au

Please note specific procedures for different activities are listed in the sections below.

The Summer 2021/2022 season will tip-off on Monday, 1 November 2021.

COVID SAFE PROCEDURES FOR LOCAL COMPETITION TEAMS

  1. Phone for QR check-in. Ask staff re. manual check-in process if you do not have a smart phone.
  2. Proof of double vaccination from everyone aged 16yrs and above. Further details below.
  3. Put on your mask if you are 12 years and above to enter the venue. Participants can remove the mask while engaged in on-court activity. Masks to be worn once on-court activity is complete.

Specific to Local Competition

  • One spectator per participant.
  • Sibling Policy – This concession is intended to be utilised in situations where childcare of siblings U/12 is a genuine issue. It would be appreciated if alternate arrangements are made where possible. Team Staff involved in U9-U12 competitions are permitted to bring siblings if the siblings are primary school aged or younger.
  • Utilise the kiss & drop process where age appropriate.
  • Bring your own basketball and drink bottle.

Additional requirements:

  • Please sanitise on arrival and exit from venue.
  • All patrons are encouraged to arrive as late as possible and leave promptly after their activity.
  • Please follow signage for exit points. 
  • Maintain social distance of 1.5m whilst not engaged in on-court activity.
  • Please pay all fees, including court hire, registrations and game fees online. Click here to learn more about our online payment system. 
  • If you are unwell you MUST stay at home.
  • Even if the new rules permit attendance (see specific rules below), only come to the stadium if you absolutely must.
  • Patrons are requested not to sing, cheer or chant.

Additional COVID Safe Procedures for Hornets Academy & Play & Train participants

  • Follow COVID Safe Procedures listed above.
  • Hornets Academy – Maximum one spectator per participant. 
  • Sibling Policy – This concession is intended to be utilised in situations where childcare of siblings U/12 is a genuine issue. It would be appreciated if alternate arrangements are made where possible. Spectators watching primary school children are permitted to bring siblings if the siblings are primary school aged or younger.
  • Utilise the kiss & drop process where age appropriate. 
  • Bring your own basketball and drink bottle.

Additional requirements:

  • Please sanitise on arrival and exit from venue.
  • All patrons are encouraged to arrive as late as possible and leave promptly after their activity.
  • Please follow signage for exit points. 
  • Maintain social distance of 1.5m whilst not engaged in on-court activity.
  • Please pay all fees, including court hire, registrations and game fees online. Click here to learn more about our online payment system. 
  • If you are unwell you MUST stay at home.
  • Even if the new rules permit attendance (see specific rules below), only come to the stadium if you absolutely must.
  • Patrons are requested not to sing, cheer or chant.

Further enquiries please contact the stadium on 9894-8944 or email Danielle D’Morias  danielle@hillshornets.com.au

STADIUMS REOPEN AND CASUAL COURT HIRE AVAILALBE | 11/10/21

Both the Hills Basketball Stadium and Bernie Mullane Sports Complex will open from Monday, 11 October 2021 for casual court hire.

  • All bookings online – Click here to book. 
  • Hills Basketball Stadium | Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
  • Bernie Mullane Sports Complex | Mon-Fri 9am-8pm and Sat/Sun 9am-5pm

COVID SAFE PROCEDURES

  1. Phone for QR check-in. Ask staff re. manual check-in process if you do not have a smart phone.
  2. Proof of double vaccination from everyone aged 16yrs and above. Further details below.
  3. Put on your mask if you are 12 years and above to enter the venue. Participants can remove the mask while engaged in on-court activity. Masks to be worn once on-court activity is complete.

Additional COVID Safe Procedures for Casual Court Hirers

  • Follow COVID Safe Procedures listed above.
  • Maximum of 10 people per booking. Coach/Manager included in the maximum of 10 people.
  • Utilise the kiss & drop process where age appropriate. 
  • Bring your own equipment including, sport equipment, towel and drink bottle.

Additional requirements:

  • Please sanitise on arrival and exit from venue.
  • All patrons are encouraged to arrive as late as possible and leave promptly after their activity.
  • Please follow signage for exit points. 
  • Maintain social distance of 1.5m whilst not engaged in on-court activity.
  • Please pay all fees, including court hire, registrations and game fees online. Click here to learn more about our online payment system. 
  • If you are unwell you MUST stay at home.
  • Even if the new rules permit attendance (see specific rules below), only come to the stadium if you absolutely must.
  • Patrons are requested not to sing, cheer or chant.

Further enquiries please contact the stadium on 9894-8944 or email Zoe Burke zoe@hillshornets.com.au

COVID-19 UPDATE 05/10/21

RESPONSE TO LATEST COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT BY NSW PREMIER

Hills Basketball is excited to announce our Return to Basketball Plan and we can’t wait to see you all back in the Hive! The NSW Government directed all sporting venues, including those controlled by Hills Basketball, to close on 26 June and we are now at a point where we are permitted to reopen under a number of conditions set by the Government. These conditions include the requirement for patrons 16 and over to be double vaccinated, or medically exempt, to enter our premises. The current NSW Government Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions indicates unvaccinated patrons will be permitted to enter Hills Basketball venues from Wednesday, 1 December.

While our plans are subject to change pending NSW Government direction, the following schedule has been put in place to provide a three step return to all activities.

  • Monday, 11 October – Hills Basketball Stadium & Bernie Mullane Sports Complex reopen to casual court hire. Bookings online from 12n Wed 6 Oct.
  • Tuesday, 26 October – Hornets Academy program recommences at all HBA venues. Bookings online from 12n Tue 12 Oct.
  • Monday, 1 November – Summer 21/22 season commences. Entries online from 12n Mon 11 Oct.

Please note the COVID Safe Procedures for Hills Basketball Association activities below. These are subject to amendment following any update from the NSW Government. 

COVID-19 UPDATE 28/07/21

RESPONSE TO LATEST COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT BY NSW PREMIER

PLEASE NOTE ALL STAFF ARE WORKING FROM HOME. PLEASE EMAIL DIRECTLY & THEY WILL RESPOND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. CLICK HERE TO view email details.

 
 
 

COVID-19 UPDATE 24/08/21

RESPONSE TO LATEST COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT BY NSW PREMIER

Following the NSW Government announcement of the extension of the stay at home order, all Hills Basketball Association venues will remain closed with all activities suspended until 12:01am, Friday 1 October 2021.
 
We hope our Hills Hornets community is remaining safe at home, and are keeping up their basketball skills for when we return to the HIVE.

Rollovers, refunds, reschedules etc, will be communicated directly with participants & team managers. 

PLEASE NOTE staff are working from home, please click here to obtain email details.

Please view the latest NSW Government COVID-19 information here.

Hills Basketball continues to liaise with the NSW Government and Basketball NSW and any changes will be notified ASAP.

HORNETS ACADEMY

Due to the recent announcement from the NSW Government, Hills Basketball has made the decision to cancel Term 3 programs including Hornets Academy Skills Sessions, Wheelchair Skills Sessions, Play&Train and Walking Basketball. With this announcement the options have now been edited for your Term 3 booking. If you have not submitted a form please do so ASAP.

Term 3 bookings will be either refunded, credited or rolled over into Term 4. 

Please contact the Development Manager, Danielle D’Morias (danielle@hillshornets.com.au) if you have any questions.

LOCAL COMPETITION

With the latest news from NSW Government, it is with regret that HBA have had to hold local competition for a further 4 weeks. This means that as of today, the earliest HBA can resume competition has been moved to August 28.

Whilst this is not the news we all wanted to hear, it gives us time to rethink the format of our interrupted Winter 2021 season. Given the unpredictable environment, the best course forward is to remove finals from the equation and simply play out the remaining weeks as round games. Getting everyone back on the courts with friends as soon as possible in a safe environment is the priority for HBA.

All draws will be amended shortly to reflect round games for the weeks of 5/9 and 12/9. Any game scheduled to be played the week of 28/8 to 4/9, remains unchanged. Please ensure all team members are aware of these changes.

As per other seasons, all credits/forfeits will be issued at the end of the season. Teams entering our Summer 21/22 season (Oct-Mar) will have credits applied to their next invoice or if the team is not participating the Team Manager will be required to lodge a payment request form through the Competition Department.

Please contact the Competitions Manager, Kylie Garnon (competitions@hillshornets.com.au) if you have any questions. 

COVID-19 UPDATE 08/07/21

RESPONSE TO LATEST COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT BY NSW PREMIER

Following the extension of the Public Health Order announced but the New South Wales Government on 07/07/21, all Hills Basketball Association venues will remain closed, and no activities will proceed at any of these venues over this period.
 
Details regarding how this will impact specific programs have been sent to participants and/or team managers. The Hills Basketball Association will continue to follow all NSW Government requirements regarding Covid-19. Should advice change, we will communicate updates as soon as possible.
We appreciate your patience and support during this period and look forward to getting back on the court soon.

Please view the latest NSW Government COVID-19 information here.

Hills Basketball continues to liaise with the NSW Government and Basketball NSW and any changes will be notified ASAP.

COVID-19 UPDATE 26/06/21

RESPONSE TO LATEST COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT BY NSW PREMIER

Hills Basketball Association (HBA) is aware of the latest Public Health Order announced today by the New South Wales Government, regarding the stay at home order for all of Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong from 6pm Saturday, 26 June 2021.

This means that all Hills Basketball Association venues (Hills Basketball Stadium, Bernie Mullane Sports Complex, Dural Recreation Centre) will be closed, and no activities will proceed at any of these venues over this period. 

Rollovers, refunds, reschedules etc, will be communicated early next week. 

Please view the latest NSW Government COVID-19 information here.

Hills Basketball continues to liaise with the NSW Government and Basketball NSW and any changes will be notified ASAP.

COVID-19 UPDATE 25/06/21

RESPONSE TO LATEST COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT BY NSW PREMIER

Hills Basketball Association (HBA) is aware of the latest Covid-19 restrictions announced today by the New South Wales Government and at this stage, all Hills Basketball activities will proceed with the exception of Representative Basketball which has been paused by Basketball NSW.

The following restrictions will apply at all Hills Basketball venues from 11.59pm today, 25 June 2021;

  • Stay-at-home orders are being introduced for those who live in, or whose usual place of work is in, Woollahra, Waverley, Randwick and City of Sydney Councils. Anyone falling into these categories should stay away from HBA venues.
  • Face masks mandatory for ALL patrons. Players, coaches, referees, skills participants ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS unless actively participating in games/activities i.e. Masks to be worn on entry, exit and when moving around the stadium.
  • Spectators limited to two (2) per participant including siblings and regardless of coach, manager, scorer etc. status.
  • You are required to QR code in if you are not an official participant in a game.
  • If you have visited a Covid-19 Hotspot please do not enter HBA venues and follow government directions.
  • Stay away if you are unwell.
  • Practice 1.5m physical distancing where possible. 
  • Use the hand sanitiser provided.

We are relying on our community to do the right thing, assist us to overcome this latest hurdle and help us fully return the buzz to The Hive as soon as possible.

HBA continues to liaise with the NSW Govt and Basketball NSW and any changes will be notified ASAP.

COVID-19 UPDATE 23/06/21

RESPONSE TO LATEST COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT BY NSW PREMIER

Hills Basketball Association (HBA) is aware of the latest Covid-19 restrictions announced today by the New South Wales Government.

The following restrictions will apply at all Hills Basketball venues from 4pm today, 23 June 2021;

  • Face masks mandatory for all patrons. Masks not required while actively participating in games/activities (ie players, coaches, referees, skills participants).
  • Spectators limited to two (2) per participant including siblings and regardless of coach, manager, scorer etc. status.
  • You are required to QR code in if you are not an official participant in a game.
  • If you have visited a Covid-19 Hotspot please do not enter HBA venues and follow government directions.
  • Stay away if you are unwell.
  • Practice 1.5m physical distancing where possible. 
  • Use the hand sanitiser provided.

We are relying on our community to do the right thing, assist us to overcome this latest hurdle and help us fully return the buzz to The Hive as soon as possible.

HBA continues to liaise with the NSW Govt and Basketball NSW and any changes will be notified ASAP.

COVID-19 UPDATE 22/06/21

RESPONSE TO LATEST COVID-19 CASES

Hills Basketball Association (HBA) is aware of the latest Covid-19 advice from the New South Wales government, including upgraded requirements for mask wearing. HBA will continue to adhere to all NSW Govt requirements, noting at this stage mask wearing is NOT required within HBA venues.

While procedures have not changed at this point, HBA continues to liaise with the NSW Govt and Basketball NSW and any changes will be notified ASAP. In the meantime, HBA emphasises the importance of following the measures below.

  • If you have visited a Covid-19 Hotspot please do not enter HBA venues and follow government directions.
  • Please stay away if you are unwell.
  • Please practice 1.5m physical distancing where possible. It is recommended to wear a mask where this is not possible.
  • Please use the hand sanitiser provided
  • Remember you are required to QR code in if you are not an official participant in a game.

We once again thank our community for helping us get to this point. Please continue to observe the rules and help us fully return the buzz to The Hive.

COVID-19 UPDATE 17/05/21

COVID RESTRICTIONS EASED

 Hills Basketball has revised our COVID-19 Safety Plan including the removal of restrictions on patron numbers outside the normal fire safety requirements.

 Other points to note are:

  • The ongoing requirement to stay away if you are unwell.
  • The request to practice 1.5m physical distancing and the recommendation to wear a mask where this is not possible.
  • The ongoing provision of hand sanitiser
  • The requirement to QR code in if you are not an official participant in a game.

 We once again thank our community for helping us get to this point. Please continue to observe the rules and help us fully return the buzz to The Hive.  

COVID-19 UPDATE 06/05/21

In response to the latest COVID-19 restrictions announced today by the Premier, Hills Basketball advises:

  • If you are unwell, please stay away from HBA venues.
  • If you have been to any of the current hotspots listed here https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates please stay away from HBA venues.
  • The NSW Office of Sport has issued a clarification stating that, “indoor recreation facilities are NOT included on the list of premises where you must wear a mask.”
  • The requirement to check in via QR code remains for anyone who is not an official participant in a game or program i.e. ALL spectators.
  • Hills Basketball will continue to provide hand sanitiser throughout our venues and encourages all patrons to practice appropriate hygiene measures.

The latest restrictions are in place from 12 noon today, Thursday, 6 May until 12.01am Monday, 17 May. Hills Basketball will update as required.

COVID RESTRICTIONS EASED

 Hills Basketball has revised our COVID-19 Safety Plan including the removal of restrictions on patron numbers outside the normal fire safety requirements.

 Other points to note are:

  • The ongoing requirement to stay away if you are unwell.
  • The request to practice 1.5m physical distancing and the recommendation to wear a mask where this is not possible.
  • The ongoing provision of hand sanitiser
  • The requirement to QR code in if you are not an official participant in a game.

 We once again thank our community for helping us get to this point. Please continue to observe the rules and help us fully return the buzz to The Hive.  

HBA is aware of the NSW Government’s announcement that restrictions will be easing again from 29 March. At this stage, we are awaiting further clarification from our governing body Basketball NSW as to how this announcement will impact our spectator resections within HBA venues. With the requirement to maintain social distancing where practical still in place, the current HBA Covid restrictions will remain unchanged until further notice.

HBA has recently reviewed our Covid-19 Safety Plan in light of the latest advice from the NSW Government and the good news is, we are lifting spectator limits to 2 per participant! This move comes with a number of caveats and we implore patrons to continue to obey the rules as set out below. While spectator limits are rising, we are still required to ensure social distancing where possible. When attending Hills Basketball venues please consider that we are monitoring the situation and if numbers become unworkable, we will be left with no alternative other than a return to the current limit. Full details of current restrictions appear below.

General

  • If you are unwell you MUST stay at home.
  • A list of current Covid hotspots can be found here https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates If you have visited a hotspot you should follow NSW Health directions and MUST NOT enter Hills Basketball venues.
  • Even if the new rules permit attendance (see specific rules above), only come to the stadium if you absolutely must.
  • Anyone, including spectators, not pre-printed on an official roll call, roster or scoresheet must QR code on entry.
  • Anyone entering Hills Basketball venues must practice social distancing where possible.
  • All patrons are encouraged to arrive as late as possible and leave promptly after their activity.
  • Patrons are requested not to sing, cheer or chant.
  • Carpooling with people from different households is discouraged.
  • No exit via front door.

Kiss and drop zone:

  • Kiss and drop strictly for drop off. No pickups.
  • Painted area ‘No stopping zone’ is now available as pedestrian pick up area.
  • Where applicable, team staff (coach, manager, scorer) are asked to take responsibility for children until collected by parents.
  • Parents and team staff to use common sense and discretion re. collection from waiting areas or walk to car.

If you are unwell you MUST stay at home. You should get a COVID-19 test and self-isolate until you receive a negative result AND you are feeling well again, whichever is the LATER.

The following link contains information from NSW Health regarding Covid-19 hotspots. If you have visited any of these locations, you should follow NSW Health directions and you MUST NOT enter Hills Basketball venues. 

NSW Health are providing an ongoing current list of COVID-19 case locations. This page is being regularly updated with locations across NSW and we recommend it is checked if you are concerned about locations which may be at risk of COVID-19 infections.

Responding to COVID-19 in Basketball

Hills Basketball is not in a position to provide medical advice. The following is for guidance only as the advice of health authorities can vary depending on individual circumstances.

For immediate advice:

National Coronavirus Health line on 1800 020 080 or  NSW COVID-19 Helpline on 13 77 88

Or refer to Health Direct Coronavirus website and NSW Health Coronavirus Self Isolation Guidelines & Information

For someone feeling unwell

If a player tests positive for COVID-19 please notify Hills Basketball Association on 02 9894-8944.

Close Contact

A close contact is someone who has been face to face for at least 15 minutes, or been in the same closed space for at least 2 hours, as someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 when that person was infectious.

If you are a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Australia, you need to be isolated for 14 days after you last saw that person. Home isolation applies to all close contacts, even if you are well. It is important to monitor your health and report any symptoms as early as possible.

Refer to:

Casual Contact

A casual contact is defined as someone who has had face-to-face contact for less than 15 minutes cumulative over the course of a week, or been in the same closed space for less than 2 hours, with a person with a COVID-19 infection while they were infectious. This may include healthcare workers, other patients, or visitors who were in the same closed healthcare space as a case, but for shorter periods than those required for a close contact. Other closed settings might include schools or offices.

If you are a casual contact, you do not need to self-isolate unless you have symptoms (although the close contact does). You should monitor for symptoms for 14 days after your last casual contact with the person with COVID-19. Refer to Casual Contacts Factsheet.

Further Information