Netball could do worse than stay Amateur
Reports last month that Vicki Wilson’s tenure on the Qld Firebirds coaching position was limited due to her fulltime employment elsewhere disturbed me . In the eyes of the junior membership of the sport and outside supporters like myself she is the obvious attraction for outside imports and local talent development , yet she is constantly headbutting with the administrators of the sport. The bubbling issues are never explained , decisions taken rarely justified and it looks poor for the most popular played sport in Australia. Wanting any coach of a netball team to be fulltime in that role is a backward step in my view. Players the same . The sport at the elite level is just beginning to walk again with the ANZ Championship producing some great contests and profile to showcase fantastic athleticism and personalities. But now the rush to do it all fulltime is worrying. The financial side of things appears to be way off ,if athletes are to be remunerated adequately to cease employment . Current payments are extremely basic which begs the questions above as to how administrators believe fulltime playing status can be achieved. Money isn’t my main issue though , it is the life balance that needs to be allowed and all sport should provide for people to experience more than just the game. Too many don’t , mine included (cricket) and they are developing narrower individuals all living just one dream, a dream that can be shattered quickly or never quite reached and earnings never realised. Experience in the real world and old fashioned hunger to perform is a balance that has been lost to many sports , netball should take it’s time to follow. The contests don’t get better , the skills probably quicken up , game sense gets worse and we have limited the futures of many individuals who become stuck in a category- BE CAREFUL.
I totally agree with Ian Healy’s article. Vicki Wilson is the best thing that happened to Firebirds. It is sad that Netball Queensland does not back support her and her efforts!!!!! What a disgrace Netball Queensland is turning out to be!!!! Just another thing QlD Netball never listens to and does their own thing anyway. Shame on you Netball Qld!!!! Everyone says the president of Netball QLd is a mentor and not a leader!! THIS GOES TO PROVE THIS POINT!! ALL OUR SUPPORT IS WITH YOU VICKI!
I also agree with Mr Healy. Shame on Netball Queensland for acting so unprofessionally. How can they possibly advance netball in this state when politics seemingly has a precedent over decisions. Everyone knows that there is no room for politics within sport. Associations are doing well with the promotion of netball and netball Queensland are seemingly dismantling the good work we are doing. Vickie is doing a great job for the benefit/development of netball and she is the obvious selection bacause of this. The Firebirds have achieved greater heights with Vickie and if netball Queensland interfer too much, the support for the Firebirds may fail. They, netball Queensland, should remember and understand that they do not exist without the support of all surrounding associations. How about listening for a change and showing some of the deserved support.
I totally agree with the coments Netball Qld are all there for themselves and not the good of the sport.Vicki Wilson is the best thing that has happened to the sport of netball..Vicki has only brought more people to the sport of netbal she is a great asset to Queensland.Come on Quweensland lwets get behind one of our own,ALL OUR SUOPPORT VICKI.Keep fighting we need you in netball.