Netball: Socks not a fashion statement - Tutaia

Shooter Maria Tutaia has upset transtasman bosses by wearing compression socks. Photo / Getty Images

Mystics back captain after netball bosses complain about uniform contravention

Star shooter Maria Tutaia's snazzy long socks have caught the eye of transtasman league bosses - and they are not happy.

The Mystics and Silver Ferns shooter has apparently contravened uniform regulations with her use of compression garments this season, but the Auckland franchise is backing its captain.

Tutaia has worn long compression socks in a varying array of colours this season, along with a sleeve on her shooting arm. In Monday night's New Zealand conference final against the Magic she added more spandex to the mix, wearing a compression T-shirt under her dress.

The added layers are in danger of breaching the league's uniform regulations, which, with the exception of footwear, prevent players from wearing outside branding on court as part of an agreement with dress supplier Scody.

ANZ Championship general manager Andy Crook was reluctant to discuss the issue while the Mystics are preparing for a semifinal clash against the Queensland Firebirds this weekend, but he confirmed he had voiced his concerns to the Mystics and New Zealand Netball Players' Association over Tutaia's attire.

"There have been a few raised eyebrows, including my own," he said. "It is something we are working on with the Players Association and the Northern Mystics to get a solution... it is an ongoing discussion."

Mystics' chief executive Julie Paterson said she will not be instructing Tutaia to ditch the added layers. "Clearly it is not standard uniform, but there are no rules in place in the ANZ Championship that restricts the use of compression garments.

"From our perspective Maria feels [compression garments] are helping her performance and anything that helps her perform we obviously support."

Tutaia, who was sidelined with a painful foot injury last season, told the Herald earlier this year she believed the garments gave her an edge.

"When my calves tighten, everything tightens so there is science to it, it's not about trying to be fashionable or anything like that," she said. "It's just increasing the blood flow so I can keep running for longer."

But others believe the new look is less about performance and more about promotion. Tutaia has a sponsorship deal with a sportswear company and has been giving the brand plenty of exposure.

Other franchises have complained the veteran has deliberately worn gear in the same colour as the opposition. Tutaia wore black and yellow compression wear against the Magic on Monday, navy blue against the Vixens the week before and magenta against the Southern Steel.

The Southern Steel have secured Jhaniele Fowler-Reid for another two ANZ Championship seasons.

The most prolific shooter in the league this year with an average 46 goals per game, Fowler-Reid was the Steel's top priority when looking to lock in next year's roster, with the Jamaican international a key target for other rival syndicates.