Netball's governing body, the International Netball Federation, refuses to sanction men's netball or push for it to become professional. We live in a time where equal rights and opportunities are the hot topic of world sport and I believe male netballers need to be part of the discussion.
I found TVNZ presenter Hayley Holt's comments about the game disappointing. She said: "They're taller, they're heavier, they can throw the ball harder, I just think it's weird."
When challenged about her viewpoint she sarcastically replied: "Oh those poor men getting no coverage, this is like welcome to our world. Seriously, welcome to our world."
I am all for feminism and the battle for equality. Regular readers will know I am a passionate supporter of all women in sport - I cover the Baywide women's rugby competition every Sunday and it's not because I feel like I have to, I genuinely enjoy the spirit with which the game is played and the rapid improvement shown.
My issue is when the debate begins to centre around men versus women - a battle to convince one is more oppressed than the other.
Holt's comments implied we should not care about the growth of men's netball because women have faced similar battles in the past and still do.
To me, that is not the way to go about creating an equal, more accepting social environment for everyone.
Equality is defined in the dictionary as "the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities".
Mowing down one sport or part of society just because another has struggled in the past is not equality.
Luckily, Holt's opinion seems to be an outlier. Following the game on Saturday my social media feeds were filled with people praising and supporting the men's team.
I interviewed Rotorua's Sam Sinclair this week, one of the All Stars players who went up against the men, and she spoke glowingly of the experience.
"I had a lot of fun in that game and they played some really respectful netball in that they didn't just turn around and biff it to their seven foot two shooter. They used some speed and got it into the circle which gave us a chance to set up on defence.
"All the girls that played in that tournament, both in the Ferns and All Stars, have come up against those guys in training. They always give up their time to come and help out at franchise trainings or when we're in camp for the Ferns and they're always there for a run against us.
Mowing down one sport or part of society just because another has struggled in the past is not equality.
"So for them to have the opportunity to play against us on TV and in front of a live audience was really special for them and I'm glad they got that opportunity. It definitely helps in breaking down those barriers, that netball is purely a women's sport. It was really good to see all of those guys out there.
"It would be really cool to see more guys getting involved in the sport, we all love it so I'm sure they would too," Sinclair said.
I hope the International Netball Federation is listening to the feedback from that series and that in future we can all approach diversity with the same attitude as Sinclair.
