Netball Australia invites controversy with introduction of two-goal shot
Netball Australia boss Chris Symington has defended his board's decision to introduce a two-point shot into Super Netball, with the decision likely to cause controversy.
Fans got their first taste of the two-goal shot during a bushfire charity match on March 1, with many taking to social media to express their anger over the move away from tradition.
The Super Shot awards two goals for a successful shot when taken from the outer portion of the goal circle in the final five minutes of each quarter.
Fans got their first taste of the 'two-goal shot' during a bushfire charity match on March 1, with many taking to social media to express their anger over the move away from tradition. Credit:AAP
Despite the Herald learning after the charity match that the board was reviewing whether the rule could be implemented in the regular season, Netball Australia was adamant the two-point shot was for the exhibition match only and would not be brought into Super Netball.
Mr Symington said the divisive concept would be brought in this year in an effort to add an extra element of "thrill" to Super Netball.
“With the ever-growing competition for the attention of fans, the time is right to introduce an innovation that will make the game even more dynamic and unpredictable," he said. “We want to encourage this spectacular element of our game and, when combined with the introduction of rolling substitutions this year, we believe the Super Shot will spark new tactics, further showcase the world-class skills of our athletes and add another level of hype and excitement to our matches."
The two-point shot will apply only to the Super Netball competition and will not be brought in to any other level of the game.
The NSW Swifts conducted a poll on their Instagram page on Wednesday, asking fans whether they favoured the rule. The Swifts said the results were a resounding no, with stars Helen Housby and Paige Hadley expressing their aversion to the rule.
Over the past few years, Super Netball has moved away for the traditional format of international matches.
At the start of the year, Netball Australia announced it would be introducing rolling substitutions and extra time for the 2020 season.
The rolling substitutions can be used at any time, and five minutes of extra time will be played after a 90-second break in the event of a draw. The Super Shot will now be active for this entire five minutes of extra-time.
"Netball is a traditional sport and a lot of coaches I know don't like [the new rules]," NSW Swifts coach Briony Akle said after the charity match, where the rules were first used.
The fixtures for the upcoming Super Netball season are expected to be announced in coming weeks, with the season starting on August 1 following a delay due to COVID-19.