Introduction
I take a look at look Netball New Zealand structural overhaul that is in the works.
Netball New Zealand Structural Overhaul
New Zealand netball bosses are planning a radical structural overhaul, addressing concerns money is getting tied up in administration instead of hitting the ground.
Netball New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle last week travelled the country meeting netball leaders to outline proposed changes to the regional structure.
The plan would abolish the regional set-up and move to a zone-based model.
Five zones will be created, each aligned with an ANZ Championship franchise and responsible for delivering the strategy for the game from the grassroots level through to the high-performance end.
My Ten Cents
This move has been badly needed since the creation of the ANZ Championship. The current structure worked fine for the old National Bank Cup which had two additional teams, then the number of Kiwi sides in the ANZ Championship. I also do wonder if the current structure has contributed to the lack of development pathways which I have dealt with in past entries. The planned changes would bring the current structure closer to what the Australians are using to there success. In Australia you basically have state netball associations and then the ANZ Championship franchises.
Would this move mean more funds would become available to the grass roots of the game?
Well I would like to think so. Kiwi ANZ Championship sides face the tough task of recruiting the best managers from both the sporting and corporate world. Having a more consolidated regional structure could help towards this. Then it the teams have to ensure they hire the right person for the right job which is the hardest part.
The big question that remains is if blatant self interest will prevent the reforms from being undertaken?
Only time will tell.
