DEVELOP STRONG PLAN

Q What can netball in Cairns and the Far North do to improve participation numbers and skills of players?

AIn business, a successful outcome or vision, requires the development of a strong plan or strategy, developed by collaborative leadership that can be implemented by and for all key stakeholders. My opinion is that if we want “success” as measured by state and national selections, we require the development of a strategic plan for our associations to follow – which includes minimum standards for coaching, umpiring and player development. In our region there has been and is so much talent both on and off the court that is going untapped. In more than 30 years of my involvement in netball, there have been senior state and national players, highly qualified umpires and coach- es relocating to our region that have been “un” and/or under used as valuable resources. To become a “Diamond” (national player) a player must follow a pathway. The first step in that pathway is participation in the State League Competition, the second being selection in the Australian National League. There is a similar approach for officials as well. To create Far North netball that is sustainable and ultimately competitive requires development of a vision for all of stakeholders to buy into.

Q Should the Far North push for a Suncorp Super Netball franchise in the future?

A No. I think it could divert attention to where the resources should be directed to developing our juniors and creating a top-level State League program that is competitive with the Brisbane based state netball league teams.