A new rule known as the ‘power play’ has been instituted in the Suva Netball Association for the 2025 club season, designed to heighten the excitement and intensity of matches in both the women’s Super grade and the men’s Major grade. Under this rule, teams can earn one or two points for goals scored during the final five minutes of each quarter, with goals made from designated areas counting for two points, similar to practices in Australia and New Zealand.
The season commenced last week with knockout competitions to select the top eight women’s teams for further training and representation of the association. Last Saturday marked the beginning of the club league competitions at the National Netball Centre in Suva, where a total of 13 rounds are set to be played over the next 10 weeks. This season includes participation from 10 clubs and a total of 87 teams across nine grades, catering to players from under-nine to adults, including men’s and mixed teams.
Games coordinator Dominiko Tabuaura expressed enthusiasm about the new rule’s potential to generate more interest among both players and spectators. “We have made the competitions more exciting this year with the power play rule. It brings something fresh to our local league,” he stated. Additionally, the inclusion of the Naila netball club from Tailevu is an effort to further develop the sport in Fiji.
Tabuaura extended gratitude to sponsors like New World IGA and Sports World for their continued support, emphasizing the association’s commitment to inclusivity and the promotion of netball from grassroots to elite levels.
With these developments, the Suva Netball Association is not just looking to showcase talent but also to foster a community around the sport, promising a bright future for netball in the region.
The overall sentiment around the changes and the new season seems optimistic, with the community eager for the competitive matches ahead.
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