Some of you may have heard talk during the winter of the NBA's proposal to commence a summer competition.

The probable format was to be based around a mid week twilight competition with between 6 to 8 teams (hopefully around the high level 2nd grade to mid level 1st grade standard). The teams are not based on winter clubs and open to any format, such as a Newcastle u/21 team, a Newcastle cricket team, an over 35 team, etc. Clubs would not be prevented from entering teams but encouragement would be given to alternate teams being formed to take the pressure away from club Boards to take on more work over the summer after an exhausting winter campaign.

This competition would not be a full season but rather a 10 to 12 week competition starting mid to late November and completing late February. It is to provide an avenue for those who love playing to keep playing during summer whilst still keeping your weekends free to pursue other activities.

The concept was for a facility to be sourced where all games (3 or 4) could be played at the one location on the one night. In addition to the twilight games it was hoped this facility could also host a single night game from say 8pm whereby people from the earlier games could hang around and socialise afterwards with a bbq. In addition, encouragement would be given for junior coaching clinics to be hosted to assist in the promotion of skills and the game generally.

The NBA made application to the Belmont Ovals Board for access to Cahill, Miller and Lumsden ovals for use of grounds during the 2009/10 summer. Unfortunately we have not been granted this access for the reason the grounds had received too much use this year. We apologise to those players who were aware of the proposal and were keen to participate. We are in the process of resubmitting a new application for use of the Belmont grounds during the 2010/11 summer. Failing this we are asking if you have any suggestions for a location that may be able to host such a competition.

Such a competition will also need more than the committed members of the NBA Board to organise and run. If you are interested in this proposed summer competition and would like to help get it up and running please contact Kevin O'Brien at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0401 679 419.