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

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.”