Netballers banned after oncourt fight

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A FIGHT at a junior netball game in Gisborne has resulted in two girls being banned for two weeks. Gisborne Netball Centre has also reiterated the message that it will not tolerate any violence on the court.

GNC manager Allisa Hall said two players were banned following a “physical incident” on May 21.

“Gisborne Netball Centre is a firm supporter of Positive Sidelines in conjunction with Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti, and Ease Up Tairawhiti.

“We enforce a Code of Conduct Policy to provide a fair and safe environment for players of all ages and abilities, to enjoy the sport we love.

“Unfortunately, as with other codes recently, we had a physical incident on Saturday, May 21, with two youth resorting to violence oncourt to deal with their situation.

“We are grateful to officials of the game and other GNC officials around the sideline area for intervening and defusing the situation as quickly as possible.

“Gisborne Netball Centre, in line with Netball New Zealand Code of Conduct policies, does not condone this sort of reaction and behaviour at our premises.

“Our Complaints Committee have met with parties involved and both players were issued a two-week standdown period.

“Code of Conduct contracts have been signed with the understanding any incidents out of line again this season will result in membership being revoked and exclusion from GNC for the remainder of the season.”

Ms Hall said no further details of the players or the teams involved would be released to the public due to the ages of the girls involved.

“The incident was a timely reminder for all teams to remember GNC’s Positive Sidelines Campaign reminding players and supporters to remember coaches are volunteers, the umpires are human, it’s only a game and to “ keep it positive.”