THE 2021 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season may be long complete, but the Suncorp Super Netball and Netball Australia have today confirmed the outcome of the joint investigation into the circumstances around the Melbourne Vixens’ failure to travel to Western Australia for their Round 8 clash with the West Coast Fever.

While a trio of Vixens were unfortunately struck down by border restrictions and in turn unable to travel to Perth for the Round 8 match against the Fever, the club has been fined for its unwillingness to travel with an incomplete squad. The investigation was completed by the League Compliance Manager and the subsequent penalty – a $50,000 fine, with $25,000 suspended for two years – has been endorsed by the Netball Australia Board.

According to the Melbourne Vixens statement on Wednesday, the team was found guilty of breaching one of three separate matters. Firstly – and fortunately – the Vixens players in question were cleared of any wrongdoing in in relation to their leave period in northern NSW during the SSN bye round, which inadvertently barred them from entering Western Australia. Secondly, the Melbourne Vixens were also cleared of any breach in relation to its conduct and decision making in the lead up to the scheduled match.

The breach in question, however, was around the SSN Team Participation Agreement (TPA), with the Vixens’ failure to travel to Perth and play the fixtured match forcing the league to later reschedule the offending game in Queensland, and effectively bear the brunt of its ensuing costs. Therefore, in addition to the $50,000 fine, the Vixens have also been ordered to pay $31,702.92 for the costs to replay the match at Nissan Arena on July 22.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan explained that while the ongoing pandemic has presented challenges throughout 2021, the breach was clear and required the hefty sanction to ensure it does not happen again. Ryan also suggested that clearer protocols will be put in place going forward given there was no deliberate intent behind the issue.

“The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for our competition this year,” Ryan said. “Whilst the investigation noted this was an unprecedented circumstance and there was no deliberate intent to disrupt the competition, we take any breach of the rules seriously.

“Netball Australia recognises that clearer processes and protocols are required for the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season.”

While Netball Victoria – who owns and operates the Melbourne Vixens – has accepted the penalty, CEO Rosie King said that she was disappointed in how the situation played out. King also expressed her confusion that the league’s ‘COVID-19 Decision Making Process’ was not enacted for the unique situation.

“We are disappointed with the outcome considering the evidence we supplied throughout the review,” King said.

“We are also disappointed that other options initially presented by the league – such as to delay the game for 24 hours to enable the entire team to travel, or to relocate the game to South Australia or Queensland – were not explored or supported, nor was the league’s ‘COVID-19 Decision Making Process’ enacted which would have provided a framework for teams to follow in such circumstances.

“We understand, however, that the environment in which everyone was working in was extraordinarily difficult with the clock ticking and decisions being made under pressure-cooker conditions. The wellbeing and safety of our athletes and staff will always be our priority. 

“We hope that the league’s protocols are likewise reviewed as part of a continual improvement exercise.”

Picture credit: Getty