the game of netball is evolving!
Netball Australia has released an updated uniform policy ahead of the new year that will reduce barriers to play and amplify netball opportunities for all.
The Netball in Australia Uniform Guidelines cater for all participants of the sport and recognise the various individual preferences and religious beliefs of netballers.
The guidelines come into effect from January 1, 2023 and have been adopted by all eight Member Organisations.
The inclusive guidelines outline recommendations for players and umpires at all levels of the game and provide the option to choose from a combination of uniform variations.
Optional uniform items, which will also protect players from all weather conditions, include a dress, singlet, bodysuit, short sleeve or long sleeve shirt, skirt, shorts and long pants.
The guidelines will be implemented at the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball pre-season competition the Team Girls Cup, giving the eight competing clubs an opportunity to introduce new uniform options for athletes.
Netball Australia Executive General Manager for Strategy, Government and Community, Glenn Turnor, expressed the importance of the revised guidelines.
“Netball is ever-evolving, and we need to reflect this in all aspects of our game, including uniform choices,” Turnor said.
“This process has been a joint effort with our Member Organisations, their boards and their Chief Executive Officers, whereby we collectively identified barriers to be removed from netball.
“We are excited to implement these inclusive uniform guidelines going into 2023 and ensure that everyone can feel comfortable playing netball.
“The guidelines have been adopted by all Member Organisations, meaning all participating netball bodies will be united by the same national guidelines.”
Operations Manager for the AFL Wimmera Mallee and Horsham District, Jennie French highlighted the positive impact the uniform shift has had on those within their community.
“We’ve seen people return to netball that had stopped playing because they weren’t comfortable,” French said.
“Numbers were declining in a lot of places, but this change has seen the return of some players to the region which has been fantastic. It’s given people the confidence to play in what they’re comfortable in.”
Having competed in various netball teams, both mixed and men’s, Australian Men’s Team defender Alastair Punshon said it is a pivotal time to see the implementation of the new guidelines.
“Netball is developing so much, and this year was a perfect example with men’s netball showcased during the Constellation Cup and England Series in New Zealand and Australia.
“It is so important for people to have as much fun as possible, wearing whatever makes them feel comfortable, playing a sport that they love - that’s what will grow this game.”
“Netball has long been known for its far reaching and passionate grassroots community, that is the heartbeat of our great game. Despite increasing economic considerations, the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic and other headwinds, these recent results show that netball continues to be one of Australia’s most loved sports.“
This year was history making for netball in Australia, when the Australian Men’s Team played against New Zealand and England for the first time. Seeing men play on the international stage will no doubt have a positive impact on men and boys’ participation moving forward.”
Original Article: https://netball.com.au/news/netball-participation-rise
