Netball WA will forge a stronger relationship between grassroots and elite netball by simplifying the organisation’s governance structure in line with Netball Australia’s State of the Game Review.
The simplified structure will see West Coast Fever integrated with Netball WA alongside community netball – a move which builds on the introduction of the Pathways and Performance department in 2019, and strengthens the connection between grassroots netball and the elite level.
Going forward, the Netball WA Board will have a holistic overview of the strategic direction and governance for both community and elite netball in the State. The change in structure will see the West Coast Fever Board’s duties cease on September 15.
The move aligns with the approach adopted by Netball Australia earlier this year, which saw the Netball Australia Board and Super Netball League Commission merged to facilitate whole-of-sport strategic decision-making from grassroots through to elite level.
This streamlined approach aims to enhance the sport through best practice governance and increased opportunities for participants, partners, sponsors and members.
Netball WA President Craig Heatley acknowledged the valuable contribution of outgoing West Coast Fever Board members.
“I thank all of the West Coast Fever Board members for their passion and commitment to netball, and for their support for this governance reform – which is based on best practice, and follows the lead of Netball Australia in the wake of the State of the Game Review,” Mr Heatley said.
“They have all dedicated a significant amount of time, energy and expertise to West Coast Fever and growing the game of netball in Western Australia.”
Mr Heatley said Netball WA voting members would be consulted regarding the composition of the organisation’s Board moving forward.
“Under new leadership and governance arrangements, Netball WA remains totally committed to supporting the Netball WA and West Coast Fever teams, partners, sponsors, participants and the broader community,” he said.
“Since the appointment of our new CEO Simone Hansen, there has been an enhanced focus on strengthening governance and compliance processes across the organisation, together with effective engagement with stakeholders to ensure the sustainable growth of netball.
“These changes provide strong foundations on which to build on the success of netball in Western Australia and drive the sport’s ongoing growth and sustainability into the future.”
