New chairlift tactic under microscope

NETBALL Australia chief executive Kate Palmer expects the "chairlift" to be debated next month when the world governing body meets.

NETBALL Australia chief executive Kate Palmer expects the "chairlift" to be debated next month when the world governing body meets, but does not anticipate a push to outlaw it.

While Palmer has lauded the innovative defensive ploy as "great for the sport", she said netball chiefs would watch the tactic to ensure there was no potential harm to the game.

Northern Mystics defender Anna Harrison made headlines this week after she was lifted by her teammates to block and reject shots in Sunday's win against Melbourne Vixens.

Palmer said feedback had been largely positive, but it would be discussed at the International Federation of Netball Associations meeting in Glasgow late next month.

Palmer, who will be at the meeting, said the sport needed to allow time for tactics to settle.

"I suspect there will be some new tactics come into play, especially with the goalers, to prevent this thing happening," she said. "If it started to damage the way the game was played or the product, then we'd need to address it.

"My colleague over the ditch, Raelene Castle, has the same view as I do - that it's great for the game - but they'll be having a watching brief as well."

Palmer said IFNA formally reviewed the rules every four years, but there was scope to make changes in between.

Palmer said IFNA's prime concern about the "chairlift" tactic would be the impact it could have if used against smaller nations at major events.

"It would not be good for the game if Australia and New Zealand turned up at the world championships and played against some of the smaller nations and did this," she said.