A significant disruption is unfolding in Fiji’s netball community as 15 out of 19 associations have chosen to withdraw from all Netball Fiji-sanctioned competitions. This decision was confirmed by Alumeci Sachs, president of the Suva Netball Association, who expressed the concern that without the participation of the majority of associations, Netball Fiji would struggle to fulfill its role.
Sachs emphasized the importance of these associations, stating, “Without us they are nothing.” This coalition, which includes prominent groups from Suva and Lautoka, is advocating for a resolution that addresses their grievances concerning governance, national team management, and constitutional compliance. They are also seeking legal advice on the situation, suggesting that they may alert World Netball and local authorities about potential deregistration of Netball Fiji due to these ongoing issues.
Current Netball Fiji president RubyAnn Sorovaki faces the daunting task of leading the organization through this turmoil. She acknowledges the need for a reevaluation of the governing practices and aims to convene discussions with stakeholders to prioritize the sport’s future. Sorovaki remarked, “It’s not a good thing but we still need to go into it with good faith and continue to try and engage.”
Similar sentiments have been echoed in prior articles, where concerns about inadequate support for grassroots development and dissatisfaction with financial transparency have been highlighted. The Fiji Pearls are currently ranked 16th globally, and their failure to qualify for major competitions, such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games, comes amid criticisms of leadership and a call for more strategic planning within the organization.
This pivotal moment presents a unique opportunity for reform within Fiji’s netball scene. Stakeholders are hopeful that upcoming discussions can lead to constructive changes in governance, enhancing support for players and associations alike. The collective push for accountability and renewed leadership may foster a stronger and more resilient netball culture across Fiji, ultimately leading to the sport’s growth and success on both local and international stages.
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