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ABC News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
What's stopping the super shot from being introduced to international netball?
From controversial beginnings to global domination, the two-point shot has now infiltrated all four top netball leagues around the world. In 2020, there was uproar when Australia became the first country to boldly introduce the innovation inspired by netball's shorter and flashier format — Fast 5. League organisers dropped the bombshell six weeks before the season started. Clubs had already recruited players, teams were in the depths of pre-season, and they were blindsided by the scoring adaptation that would shake up the game. The timing was interesting considering the competition that year had already been delayed because of the COVID pandemic, everyone had to move to Queensland in a hub, and there were other new rules already being added like timeouts, rolling subs and extra time. It felt like too much all at once. Australian Netball Players' Association president Jo Weston worried a two-point shot would alienate existing fans, delivering the iconic line: "There are only so many bells and whistles you can add to a bike before it becomes a clown car." She wasn't alone. There was angst across all eight clubs. Some thought the adaptions made netball too much like basketball. The players — who consider themselves to be key stakeholders of the game — felt they should have at least had a say. Those in charge argued it was just a trial to see if it would entice new fans. Whether it was successful is hard to say, because the league has never divulged any key metrics that would demonstrate its success or revealed whether the "trial" met its targets. The new rule simply rolled on with the rest of the innovations and here we are five years on. Now it seems there's no going back. Especially since other countries have also jumped on board. Originally, they mocked us overseas and yet, in 2025, the UK Super League, the New Zealand Premiership and the South African Netball League have all introduced a two-point shot for fear of falling behind. "I think they've ruined Super Netball by introducing it," former Silver Fern Storm Purvis told SEN New Zealand in April 2020. "I'm trying so hard not to laugh because I genuinely find this quite hysterical, you're sabotaging your national team," former England Rose Sara Francis-Bayman told the Netball Nation podcast two months later. This is not a knock on either expert, because hindsight is 20/20. More so just an interesting reflection of the changing attitudes towards the scoring adaption. Commercially, it helps that money talks and each league has managed to secure extra sponsorship for the naming rights of its two-point goal. The world number one ranked Aussie Diamonds team has also been able to claim back their Commonwealth Games gold medal and Netball World Cup crown since 2020, indicating it's possible to make rule changes at a domestic level and not let it impact you internationally. The UK Super League has replicated the exact same timing and distance as Super Netball. In the last five minutes of each quarter, two points are on offer in the designated arc painted 3 metres away from the goal post. The New Zealand Premiership runs on the same timing. However, in order to make it a tougher challenge, they've pushed their arc back to the Fast 5 distance — 3.5 metres away. South Africa has been the first to really stretch the concept. The winner of the coin toss that determines which team takes the first centre pass also now gets to decide whether double points will be on offer for the last two minutes of the first or third quarter. ABC Sport was unable to confirm the distance of their arc; visually it appears to be 3.5 metres away. So, given it is so widespread, will World Netball add a super shot to its international game? Diamonds midcourter and Melbourne Vixens captain Kate Moloney's stance may have softened over the past five Super Netball seasons, but she is still reluctant to see it in Test matches. "It's interesting how it's been adopted in other leagues, and it does show we're doing something right here in Australia if they want to copy that," Moloney told ABC Sport. "I love international netball the way it is and hopefully it stays that way, but the super shot has added something exciting domestically and my opinion has changed on it because I can see the excitement from a fan point of view." Retired umpire Michelle Phippard's experience at the highest level spanned two decades. Asked whether the super shot could feasibly be introduced to international netball, Phippard reflected on the privilege associated with such a question. There are 75 members governed by World Netball with varying degrees of facilities and funding. "There's one rule book and that applies to the game at all levels, so there would be huge logistical issues … you would have to go through and remark every netball court," Phippard said. "The costs involved in getting all the courts repainted would be enormous. Who pays for that? "When I lived in Switzerland or in the US for instance, at training each week we'd have to mark out all the lines on basketball courts with pieces of string. "We take for granted our venues here with gazillions of courts and would probably have less issues getting them remarked, but in other countries, there's no way. "That would be one big barrier to it internationally and if the game did want to introduce it, it would probably need to consider separating the rules at the top from community." This is a great point, because if the game decided to go ahead without separating its rule books, further repercussions would be felt at your local courts. There would be an added layer of complexity around central timing for associations and when it comes to umpires indicating correctly a 'one' or a 'two', a recent UK Super League example showed even the professionals have struggled to get the hand signals right. We also need to consider whether it would be fair for other nations that don't get the opportunity to practice this kind of innovation back home. "We underestimate how hard it is for some countries to adapt," Phippard said. "Even with Fast 5 Netball, at the beginning of the week there are so many practice matches that take place, so the players, umpires and coaches have time to learn the rules. "In Australia and New Zealand, they would just run a camp leading in, but in Uganda, Malawi or Jamaica, they would have to learn as they go along. "It's more than just the long shot itself, it's learning the defensive strategies to counter it and across those top four professional leagues you're lucky if there's maybe six countries represented. "At a World Cup there's 16 countries, and some will have no exposure at all, so they will be really disadvantaged and that could widen the gap." When ABC Sport reached out to World Netball to get some clarity about their plans moving forward, we received this tight-lipped response. "The World Netball Rules Advisory Panel is responsible for recommending rules changes to the World Netball Board," its statement read. "During an official rules review, World Netball welcomes member associations and World Netball Technical Panels to submit proposals for changes to the rules of netball, which allows the Rules Advisory Panel to then begin a consultation and trialling process, before presenting suggested rules changes for World Netball members to vote on. "For the 2025 domestic season World Netball has been consulted and notes that England Netball, Netball Australia, Netball New Zealand and Netball South Africa have introduced various rules variations to their elite domestic leagues, including the super shot. "World Netball is in communication with all four members and is working to gather data in relation to the implementation of various rules variations within their leagues. "This type of information is invaluable to inform future strategic directions, and to assist with rule reviews, policy, and procedure development." The governing body is certainly open to changes. The last ones it made were voted on at the 2023 Netball World Cup and implemented at the start of 2024. Some of these included modifications to the short pass rule and substitutions to resemble something closer to rolling subs. There was also a crackdown on dangerous play, that has increased two-minute suspensions and send-offs. But would the typically conservative World Netball be bold enough to incorporate a super shot? That's another question. Watch this space.
Perth Now
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Netball Aust accused of mishandling bullying complaint
The Australian Netball Players' Association has accused the sport's governing body of ignoring pleas for transparency into the investigation of the culture of the Queensland Firebirds after complaints were made by former player Remi Kamo. Defender Kamo became the first Super Netball player to lodge an official complaint, accusing the club of bullying, gaslighting and an "unsafe environment" before her departure in mid-2024. After a seven-month independent review, Netball Australia (NA) announced in March that Kamo's allegations "were not substantiated" and no further action would be taken. NA refused to hand over the report or any details of its findings, citing the confidentiality of those who took part. However, Kamo and ANPA have said key witnesses were not interviewed. Kamo and the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA) released separate statements on Wednesday, voicing concerns about the potential mishandling of the investigation. "While the investigation was conducted by a third party, this in itself does not guarantee procedural fairness," ANPA's statement said. "We believe that key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed. "These include the investigator not confirming with Remi the specific allegations that would form the scope of the investigation, and the omission of interviews with some key witnesses named in Remi's complaint. "ANPA has formally requested an independent review of the investigation to assess whether the process met the required standards of fairness and rigour. "Despite numerous discussions with Netball Australia over the past month a formal response to this request has not yet been received." Kamo, who will turn out for the Northern Stars when New Zealand's ANZ Premiership starts this weekend, wrote a lengthy emotional post on Instagram that received support from current Firebirds captain Ruby Bakewell-Doran. Working as a psychologist before joining the Brisbane-based outfit, she said she made the official complaint after calls for help fell on "disinterested ears". "I believed all relevant witnesses to my complaint would be interviewed. They were not. Some people who saw and felt what I did, were not even contacted, despite being available to help the investigation, " Kamo wrote. "I believed fellow players and staff would have the chance to speak in a safe process about the appalling conduct they experienced and observed. People who, to this day, are ready to give evidence. "I have repeatedly asked for further details of the investigation - a breakdown of the response to each allegation, whether the allegations had merit or not and on what basis. "I have received none of these details. Just platitudes and hollow assurances." She said the "non-response" showed NA felt there was no need to improve the treatment of Super players and those who made official complaints. "Because both the process was unfair and the lack of findings or recommendations a missed opportunity, I reluctantly make my message public. "I hope that some transparency will create the accountability the response to my complaint did not."
ABC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Remi Kamo claims Queensland Firebirds investigation was mishandled
Independent investigators probing a formal complaint made about the Queensland Firebirds are being accused of not interviewing key witnesses, while another former player has told ABC Sport of similar distrust with the system. Remi Kamo and the Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA) released separate statements on Wednesday, voicing concerns about the potential mishandling of the investigation that followed Kamo's complaint about the culture at the Firebirds. In March, the investigation concluded, Photo shows A player hunches over with a hand across their mouth turning away from the camera Netball Australia has concluded its months-long investigation into the Queensland Firebirds, but the players' association is unhappy with the outcome. Since then, Netball Australia has refused to hand over the report, a summary or any details of its findings, citing a promise of confidentiality to those who took part. However, Kamo and ANPA have said key witnesses were not interviewed who they believe could have changed the outcome of the investigation. "It turns out that one can be simultaneously brave and naive," Kamo said. "Naive to think the fairness which the sport of netball teaches its players would extend to the way netball administration treats its players. "I believed all relevant witnesses to my complaint would be interviewed but they were not. Some people who saw and felt what I did were not even contacted, despite being available to help the investigation … People who, to this day, are ready to give evidence. Kamo plays for the Firebirds against the Mavericks. ( Getty Images: Albert Perez ) "I have repeatedly asked for further details of the investigation — a breakdown of the response to each allegation, whether the allegations had merit or not and on what basis. "I have received none of these details. Just platitudes and hollow assurances. "I also did not anticipate the whispering campaign against me. Apparently, I am vexatious, which is odd given this is the first time I have ever made a complaint. "I genuinely believed the bravery of the players would be met by a fair process. For these reasons, I reluctantly express no confidence in Netball Australia's response to my complaint." Netball Australia has been contacted for comment by ABC Sport. The defender was one of two players at the Firebirds not offered another Super Netball contract for this season, alongside Donnell Wallam. Both chose to move across the ditch and are about to start campaigns with the Stars and Mystics in the New Zealand Premiership this weekend. Aussie Diamonds shooter Donnell Wallam was also not re-contracted by the Firebirds. ( AAP: Matt Turner ) Last month, Kamo spoke with New Zealand media outlet Marae about her desire to find a more welcoming environment. "In 2023, the people who had spoken up weren't contracted the following year, so it felt like if you want to stand up for yourself or your teammates, then you're not welcome here. "I already knew that I didn't want to return there before they didn't contract me and I thought, I actually have nothing to lose. "I've spoken to so many people who have been through that environment, that would have liked to do that and didn't because they wanted to get another contract." Loading Instagram content Netball Queensland issued a statement off the back of this, where it reiterated the investigation's unsubstantiated findings and rejected claims Kamo made about club culture. "We acknowledge that communication to athletes not receiving a contract is difficult to receive … The Queensland Firebirds are off to a great start to this Super Netball season. We wish Remi the best for her inaugural season at the Stars," it said. In its own statement, ANPA on Wednesday said it believes the wider Super Netball playing group will be hesitant to report issues in future after watching Kamo be subjected to an unfair process. "ANPA commends Remi for the courage, care for others, and commitment to progress that she has shown by making a formal complaint to Netball Australia," the statement read. "Remi has taken a stand during a difficult period, and in doing so, is helping to drive important change for current and future players. "ANPA has raised concerns with Netball Australia over a number of months regarding aspects of the investigation process. While the investigation was conducted by a third party, this in itself does not guarantee procedural fairness. "We believe that key steps expected in a fair and thorough process may have been missed, including the investigator not confirming with Remi the specific allegations that would form the scope of the investigation, and the omission of interviews with some key witnesses named in Remi's complaint. "While we respect Netball Australia's responsibility to uphold confidentiality for all participants in the investigation, the allegations themselves are known to Remi and we believe it is both possible and appropriate to provide her with a clear summary of the findings without breaching those protections. "ANPA has formally requested an independent review of the investigation to assess whether the process met the required standards of fairness and rigour … Once the current matters are resolved, ANPA looks forward to working constructively with Netball Australia to review and strengthen its complaint-handling policies and processes." Kamo's repeated efforts to speak out But the defender says she aims to try and ensure the sport offers better support to the next generation of players in the Super Netball league. The Firebirds would love to move on from the dramas of last year. ( Getty: Glenn Hunt ) "My message to the netball administrators is this: Be brave enough to have the difficult conversation about how to improve your response to complaints and about how to prevent bullying in the first place. "Review your methods and behaviours just as the players do after every single game we play. Why? Because that's how you improve. "Make your investigations thorough by listening to all the people who wish to be heard and provide real protections for complainants so that it is safe for them to raise their voice. "To my fellow players at the Firebirds and across the sport of netball, for the support you have all given me — thank you. It means a lot. More than you know." Another player comes forward with concerns Kamo Speaking on the condition of anonymity, this player says they still have fears of being ostracised by their peers, years after they've retired. The Super Netball trophy on display on court before the grand final. ( Getty: Scott Barbour ) Watching Kamo's story unfold over the past eight months and the way she's been branded a troublemaker has compelled them to come forward with their story in solidarity. This athlete did play throughout the Super Netball era and said their relationship with their head coach in their final season left them feeling mentally broken. Originally, they approached Netball Australia with allegations of bullying, before their case was passed on to the state member organisation to organise an independent investigation. Unlike Kamo, the final report was shared with this player and ANPA. Even though a long list of mistreatment was detailed, the complaints were also deemed to be unsubstantiated. The failure of administrators to hold the coach accountable despite their behaviour being laid out on paper left the player with little faith in her club. Reflecting on that time, she told ABC Sport there were a lot of similarities between her experience and Kamo's. Although the outcome was less than desirable, the athlete said they felt positive that they were able to influence a change in policy. Now, any player complaint made against a club must be handled and investigated by Netball Australia. They thought about escalating the matter with Sport Integrity Australia, but said they felt so worn out by the whole ordeal that they decided to move on.
