Charlotte Varcoe
A NEW uniform policy could pave the way for local netballers.
The Mid-South East Netball Association introduced its Inclusive Uniform Policy which will allow netball clubs to apply to register other pieces of clothing for players.
According to the policy, it seeks to “accommodate and support” netballers’ individual needs while also encouraging participation and involvement in netball at all levels.
While the focus remains on safety and uniform appearance across a team, the policy provides “established procedures” to communicate expectations and “manage compliance practices” in competitions within the association.
Approved uniform standards will be the result of consultation with participants, administrators and the board of management.
Acceptable options for the team uniforms include a netball dress or bodysuit, a skirt or skort with the team shirt, shorts or leggings with a top or any other religious garment deemed safe to play sport in.
Teams may wear any combination of a dress, skirt, skort, shorts, bike shorts, legging or shirt provided the design and colour on all items are matching in design and colour.
Teams may also choose to register tops as singlets or short and long sleeve shirts.
Netball association president Sara Gray said the introduction of the policy was under the guidance of the Limestone Coast Local Government Association and as a result of Netball Australia introducing a similar policy a few years ago.
“Players do not have to wear dresses, they can wear other clothing including leggings and long shirts but it has to be registered with the association,” Ms Gray said.
“They also have to look the same and the leggings and shorts cannot have pockets or zippers and players have to be able to play sport in them.”
She said there were a number of guidelines around what the clubs could apply for with Nangwarry leading the charge.
Ms Gray said the decision came following an association player last year wanting to participate but not wanting to wear the netball dress.
“We liaised with them and modified a shirt and short combination and they were more than comfortable playing,” she said.
“This is going to be the way forward and although it may take a bit of time for people to get their heads around it we are all very much in the planning stage.”
Ms Gray said it was about giving the option with players not having to commit.
“They can wear a skirt one week and shorts the next or leggings,” she said.
“The clubs have been receptive to it and in the coming years I would assume it would be incorporated with designs and things like that.”
She said inclusivity in netball would also encourage participation numbers.
“If this is what it takes to help get people on the court then that is what we are all about,” Ms Gray said.
“I am not sure if this would be a reasonable way to increase players but there are people out there that would make a difference to whether they play or not.
“This is about promoting a uniform which provides a sense of belonging for players and creates a positive identity for the netball community.”
