Bad weather has caused chaos for netballers, with the Inner West Netball Association having to cancel numerous games due to the closure of grass courts by the local council. This has led to disappointment among players, especially young children who just want to play. The cancellation of games also has financial implications, as parents are concerned about paying seasonal fees without getting the full value. However, not everyone is understanding of the need to cancel games for safety reasons, leading to challenges for volunteer officials who have to make tough decisions.
A Football NSW spokesman highlighted the challenges faced by councils in keeping sports fields playable throughout the season. The pressure on sports fields makes it difficult to reschedule matches on weekends while also balancing the needs of different teams to train. The lack of drainage in about half of football grounds exacerbates the problem, as does the impact of climate change which results in hot, dry weather and severe storms. Synthetic fields are seen as part of the solution, as they can host games when grass fields are unavailable and also help in catching up on missed games throughout the year.
Wet weather has also affected AFL games in Sydney, with more than 300 games being cancelled or postponed this year. The challenge of extended rain events has made it difficult for community clubs to get on the field and play. Unplayable grounds have forced sporting codes to adjust their schedules and seek permission from councils to play later in the year, which can be challenging with the transition to summer sports and the need for field remediation. The 2022 Playing Catch Up Report from Sport NSW highlighted a sports facilities crisis, where some children are being turned away from sports due to a lack of facilities and families are facing long trips to compete.
Local councils defend their decision to close sports grounds as a means of preserving playing surfaces and preventing injuries. However, sporting officials point out that poor maintenance, overused facilities, and aversion to risk are also contributing factors to the challenges faced by sports clubs. The closure of grounds due to bad weather has a domino effect on the sporting community, creating disruptions in schedules and financial burdens for families. Finding solutions to the sports facilities crisis, such as investing in synthetic fields and better maintenance practices, will be crucial in ensuring that children have access to sports and can play in safe, enjoyable environments.
