Four major netball associations in Fiji are pushing for changes to the voting rights of the executive committee members during today’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Netball Fiji. The current voting structure includes various members of the executive committee, making it challenging for association representatives to influence key decisions.
The existing rules, defined in Article JOd of the constitutional guidelines, state that associations that do not meet their annual subscription and member levy requirements 14 days before the AGM will be stripped of their voting and speaking privileges. The levy is set at $10 for each registered individual, encompassing players as well as coaches and managers. Membership fees are differentiated by the size of the association, with major associations required to pay $100 and minor associations $50, although life members are exempt from fees.
Isikeli Leweni, vice president of the Nadi Netball Association, voiced concerns over the established voting framework, arguing that the executive committee outnumbers association delegates, creating an inherent bias against any proposed changes, including amendments to the constitution.
Additionally, Leweni highlighted a worrying trend of dwindling membership within Netball Fiji, attributing this in part to younger players gravitating toward rugby. He pointed out that many potential netball players are disillusioned by the selection process for the Fiji Pearls national team, prompting them to consider rugby as a more appealing option.
Avinesh Kumar, president of Nadroga, echoed these concerns, asserting that decisions should primarily reflect the views of association members rather than the executive committee to uphold democratic values within Netball Fiji.
Mere Rauluni, president of Nasinu Netball, emphasized their collective intent to challenge the existing levy fees at the AGM, advocating for amendments to the executive voting rights in support of the associations’ unified stance.
This apparent consensus among the association leaders underscores a growing demand for reform within Netball Fiji, suggesting that significant changes may emerge from today’s AGM that could alter the leadership landscape of the sport in the country.
The discussions reflect an optimistic outlook for the future of netball in Fiji. Stakeholders are hopeful that productive conversations at the AGM may pave the way for substantial changes, emphasizing the importance of local governance and strengthening the grassroots foundation of the sport. With increased focus on fair representation and community involvement, Fiji’s netball scene stands to benefit from a more inclusive and energized approach moving forward.
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