Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Netball NSW critical of Netball Australia’s ‘lack of clear protocols and processes’ over COVID fine

Netball NSW critical of Netball Australia’s ‘lack of clear protocols and processes’ over COVID fine
October 1, 2021

Netball NSW has criticised Netball Australia’s processes in its being a handed a $57,000 in fines as a result of its Super Netball teams, the NSW Swifts and Giants, failing to follow COVID-19 reporting requirements.

Netball Australia announced today that Netball NSW had been fined after an investigation found team managers had delayed reporting links to Victorian COVID-19 exposure sites during the 2021 Super Netball season, won by the Swifts.

The teams, both owned and operated by Netball NSW, were potentially exposed to the virus while in Melbourne.

Members of the Swifts were required to isolate for 14 days in Adelaide after being identified as close contacts of people who attended exposure sites in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, the Giants were delayed leaving the competition in Adelaide after a number of players and staff had visited a Tier 1 and Tier 2 exposure site in Melbourne.

As a result, Netball Australia has fined Netball NSW $10,000 for the Swifts’ delay in reporting the exposure link, and $10,000, suspended for two years, for the Giants’ error.

Netball NSW was also subject to pay $37,563 for additional flight costs to Queensland because of the delay.

Netball NSW accepted the penalties but criticised Netball Australia for lack of clarity over protocols and processes during a season affected by ever-evolving COVID-19 rule changes.

Netball NSW said that, after completing its own investigation, it was pleased that the Swifts' non-compliance was found not to be pre-meditated.

The exposure site was not an area of concern at the time the Swifts patrons visited but was subsequently elevated to Tier 1 status by the Victorian Government.

Netball NSW Chief Executive, Tain Drinkwater acknowledged errors from both teams, but said it was important they were viewed in context.

Advising that the mistake was simply a human error in high-pressure environments, Drinkwater advised “it is clear there were delays in reporting exposure links from both our teams and we take ownership of that

"We accept the financial penalties but welcome the acknowledgement that these were not done out of selfishness or disregard for the competition.

"They were simply human errors made in high pressure and stressful situations and that context is very important.”

Expressing concern that Netball Australia had assumed the fault lies with both clubs., Drinkwater added “while we admit the errors made at our end, we are disappointed that the public correspondence from Netball Australia gives the impression that all fault lies with the NSW Swifts and Giants, which the investigation conceded was not the case.

"The fines relate to the reporting delays and, in the case of the Giants, the extra charter flight costs and we understand our responsibility to pay those.

"But a lack of clear protocols and processes from Netball Australia during the season given the ever-evolving COVID19 changes often made life difficult for our travelling groups.

"For both the Swifts and Giants, who relocated up to five times across four different states over 67 days, it resulted in extended quarantine periods despite advice that it wouldn't be required.

"Nevertheless, our teams and staff did everything in their power to ensure the competition continued with little delay, and provided a fitting Grand Final pairing for their supporters in NSW."

Commenting on the matter, Netball Australia Chief Executive, Kelly Ryan stated “Netball Australia takes any breach of its COVID-19 protocols and directions incredibly seriously.

“We understand 2021 was a particularly challenging season and we thank the teams for their sacrifices and commitment.

“However, we will continue to do everything we can to safeguard the Suncorp Super Netball competition.”

Related Articles

13th September 2021 - Department of Foreign Affairs to continue backing Netball Australia’s Pacific Women’s Sports Administration Program

11th September 2021 - Inclusive uniform policies keeping girls engaged with netball

4th September 2021 - Landmark pay deal agreed for Suncorp Super Netball players

26th August 2021 - Ongoing lockdowns sees start of AFLW season pushed back until January

18th August 2021 - Industry resigned to ongoing lockdown closures

9th August 2021 - Netball Australia aspires for the sport to be included in 2032 Brisbane Olympics

7th August 2021 - Super Netball finals locked in for South East Queensland

3rd August 2021 - Suncorp Super Netball competition looks to maintain Queensland base

21st July 2021 - Lockdowns see Super Netball return to Queensland Hub

15th July 2021 - Six Super Netball clubs to relocate to Adelaide

14th July 2021 - Expanded Melbourne netball and hockey facility gets official opening

30th June 2021 - Netball Australia announces cancellation of national championships

9th June 2021 - Former AFL club executive named new Chief Executive at Netball Australia

7th June 2021 - AFL hits Adelaide Crows with $50,000 fine following breach of COVID-19 protocols

4th June 2021 - International Netball Federation reveals new World Netball brand

21st May 2021 - Netball Australia continues involvement with PacificAus Sports program

13th May 2021 - Endorsement of governance reforms to see merger of Netball Australia Board and Super Netball League Commission

26th April 2021 - Australia wins right to host 2027 Netball World Cup

18th February 2021 - Netball Tasmania announces push for Super Netball license

11th December 2020 - Review of Australian netball calls for radical changes

21st October 2020 - Super Netball reports viewing increase

27th September 2020 - Agreement to see Super Netball players receive at least 90% of their full salaries

16th September 2020 - Brisbane’s Nissan Arena to host Super Netball Grand Final


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Goplay Commercial Playground Equipment

Goplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…

read more

Play

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

CENTAMAN

Centaman has been a market leader in Enterprise Software Solutions for the leisure and recreation industry and both profit and not-for-profit attractions since 1991. It offers a wide range of software…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Technology / Ticketing

 
 

TicketSearch Pty Ltd

TicketSearch is focused on providing businesses, organisations, and venues with affordable, efficient, and powerful self-managed ticketing solutions. The organisation has offices in Australia, New…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Smart Connection Consultancy

Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…

read more

Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 

AUSTRALIAN WATERSLIDES AND LEISURE

A leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

APT Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…

read more

Environment / Sport / Surfaces / Technology

 
 

Spill Station Australia

Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Security / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business