Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 10, 2024 6:53 pm GMT
In a significant setback for netball in Western Australia, the Western Australia Institute of Sport (WAIS) has decided to terminate its high-performance netball program after 40 years of support. The announcement, made public on Wednesday, has drawn sharp criticism from the netball community, emphasizing the impact this decision may have on developing athletes in the region.
WAIS Decision Sparks Outrage
The decision by WAIS to cut the high-performance program is a major change in the landscape of netball in Western Australia. The institute, known for its dedication to fostering athletic talent, will cease the program while still supporting the WA State Teams for the upcoming National Netball Championships in April 2025. This move has led to disappointment among former players and current stakeholders in the sport.
Former Australian netball player Caitlin Bassett expressed her frustration, branding the decision as “strange” and highlighting the inconsistency it represents within the sporting community. Stakeholders argue that the termination of this program could undermine years of progress in athlete development at various levels.
Netball WA’s Response
Netball WA’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Simone Hansen, voiced her discontent regarding the impact of this decision. “To end our relationship after 40 years is a blow to netball in Western Australia,” she stated. Hansen pointed to the fruitful partnership that has historically enabled many athletes to achieve success, with Western Australia producing talent that now competes nationally and internationally.
She outlined the necessity of continuing to nurture the state’s athletes while expressing concerns over the facilities available at the Gold Netball Centre. Hansen emphasized that resources such as strength and conditioning facilities are imperative for the ongoing development of players. The current situation necessitates Netball WA to innovate and seek alternative funding avenues to maintain program quality.
Financial Implications and Future Plans
Hansen explained that the end of the high-performance program would require Netball WA to ramp up its own investments in various areas, including medical support, athlete well-being, nutrition, and performance psychology. This increase in expenditure presents a significant challenge and could impact the overall financial stability of the organization.
Despite these challenges, Hansen remains committed to seeking solutions to ensure athletes receive the training and resources they need. In collaboration with state government bodies, VenuesWest, and WAIS, Netball WA will explore both short-term and long-term solutions before the program officially ends in April 2025.
A New Strategic Facilities Plan
In tandem with concerns about the discontinuation of the WAIS program, Hansen is optimistic about a newly released strategic facilities plan aimed at enhancing netball infrastructure across Western Australia over the next decade. The comprehensive 82-page document, developed with input from over 70 local associations and clubs, focuses on maintaining existing facilities and identifying necessary new courts and infrastructure in both the Perth metropolitan region and rural areas.
Hansen emphasized the importance of this strategic plan: “This plan provides the framework to assist all levels of government as to where their investment in netball needs to be directed from 2024 to 2034.” By identifying geographical needs and projected increases in player participation, Hansen is hopeful that authorities will prioritize investments that can bolster the sport’s foundations.
Collaboration with Government Bodies
Netball WA is enlisting the help of local, state, and federal governments to ensure the growth of netball is supported by adequate infrastructure. Hansen noted that the continuing interest in netball, evidenced by increasing participation rates, underscores the need for proactive planning and funding.
The strategic facilities plan is designed to provide a clear path forward for all stakeholders involved, facilitating enhanced coordination between various levels of government and netball associations. This alignment is crucial for accommodating the anticipated growth within the sport.
Support from Netball Australia
In light of these developments, Netball Australia has pledged its support to Netball WA and its athletes during this transitional phase. Chief Executive Officer Stacey West affirmed that Netball WA delivers high-quality programs and expressed confidence in the organization’s ability to navigate these challenges.
“Netball WA delivers exceptional programs, shown by the strength of their pathways and their standing within the national competition,” West stated. “We have no doubt Netball WA will continue to support and deliver for emerging and developing Western Australian athletes.”
The collective efforts of Netball WA, its stakeholders, and governing bodies underscore a commitment to continuing the sport’s legacy in Western Australia, despite the challenges posed by the recent changes in high-performance support.
Looking Ahead
With the cancellation of the high-performance program by WAIS, the road ahead for netball in Western Australia may be fraught with hurdles, but also opportunities. The combined efforts of Netball WA, government agencies, and community organizations are aimed at ensuring that athletes have the resources necessary to thrive in their sport.
For further information on the latest developments in netball and related sports initiatives, visit the official Netball Australia website.
In the next few months, Netball WA will face important challenges. They need to deal with the WAIS decision and also work on their plan to improve sports facilities. This plan is meant to help netball grow and succeed in the future.
