Netball Australia blinks first in contract stoush ahead of World Cup

Netball’s messy stalemate — that resulted in national squad members being left in limbo over their World Cup selection this week — is over.

Netball Australia has blinked first in the standoff between the national body and its players association, agreeing to extend the existing Diamonds agreements past the World Cup to allow a team to be announced for the pinnacle event.

NA and the Australian Netball Players Association (ANPA) on Friday morning signed a Collective Player Agreement (CPA) for the Netball World Cup, in an extension to current playing terms, a move that will allow the 19 members of the Diamonds squad to be informed about World Cup selection.

The interim agreement will be extended until August 31, ending the messy stalemate that resulted in national squad members being left in limbo over their World Cup selection this week.

NA had reneged on a previously agreed timeframe in which to inform Diamonds squad members of their involvement in the World Cup, insisting they sign long-term Collective Player Agreements before the team could be nominated.

It doubled down on its stance when the move became public, saying while it understood the impact the decision to rigidly enforce selection criteria was having on Diamonds players, it had to “uphold good governance standards” and would not announce a World Cup squad before player contracts were signed.

But with no sign negotiations would end quickly, NA has relented and agreed to the Australian Netball Players’ Association’s (ANPA) request that negotiations be separated from the selection announcement.

Netball Australia has blinked first in the standoff between the national body and its players association. Picture: Getty Images

NA said the decision would provide certainty for the Diamonds squad.

“Players will today (Friday) be notified of their selection outcome, which will remain confidential under Netball Australia’s selection policy until a team announcement,” a NA statement said.

NA boss Kelly Ryan said: “We have come to an agreement with the ANPA to provide certainty to the playing group and we’re looking forward to supporting the team throughout the 2023 Netball World Cup.”

A statement released by ANPA just after noon said the players had welcomed NA’s change of heart.

“The Australian Netball Players Association welcomes Netball Australia’s agreement to extend the existing Diamonds Collective Player Agreement and Diamonds Player Contracts through to 31 August 2023.

“This interim agreement has the effect of:

extending the negotiating period for the current bargaining discussions;

ensuring that players can be notified of their selection in the upcoming Netball World Cup squad;

restoring good faith to the negotiation process.

“In the interests of player wellbeing and for the sanctity of the Australian uniform, ANPA welcomes NA’s change of heart.

“We once again commend the Diamonds players for taking a principled and united stance for the national uniform, national team, all fellow players and the sport.”

Netball Australia has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Netball Australia blinks first in contract stoush ahead of World Cup