Netball is hoping to follow the example of rugby sevens by campaigning for the inclusion of a cut-down, speeded-up version of the sport in the Olympics, overhauling its image and attempting to banish forever associations with airtex shirts, bibs and windblown playgrounds.
A new version of the sport trialed earlier this month will be used as the catalyst for a long-term push for international growth that will result in a lobbying campaign for inclusion at the 2020 or 2024 Olympic games. If successful, it would become the latest to try to follow Twenty20 cricket by introducing new rules, more spectator participation and new outfits.
The so-called “fastnet” version of the sport was tried for the first time at the MEN arena in Manchester last weekend with the blessing of the international federation in a six-country World Series tournament.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Played in four fast-paced six-minute quarters, the rule changes were designed to speed the game up and encourage attacking play. Shots were allowed from outside the goal circle as well as inside, scoring two points instead of one, and teams were allowed to nominate one quarter as a “power play” during which all goals counted double.
Supporters were encouraged to vocally back their team and sit in designated areas, which included the England Enclosure, the Aussie Posse, the Kiwi Corner and the Malawi Mezzanine — by which point organizers were presumably running out of alliterative monikers.
England Netball’s chief executive, Paul Clark, said it was a “great success” and would help build on progress in recent years that has enabled it to secure a high-profile sponsorship deal from the Co-operative, launch a super league, and secure regular coverage on Sky Sports.
It is hoped that the fastnet format will also help build participation levels and persuade those who have given up the sport because of time or family pressures to return. There are more than 3,200 registered clubs in England and the sport is played in 81 percent of schools, despite growing competition from women’s soccer.
Netball would tick some IOC boxes in that it would help open up the prospect of Olympic success to new countries. The sport would also help boost female participation in the games. Yet Clark conceded there was much to do before it could become an Olympic sport, particularly in terms of international expansion.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely