The Netball NZ board will now allow athletes playing abroad the chance to be considered for Silver Ferns selection through a formal exemption process. Photo: photosport
The Netball New Zealand Board has updated its Silver Ferns eligibility criteria, paving the way for greater flexibility for athletes who wish to play overseas.
Pressure was mounting on the national body to take a more flexible approach after Silver Fern shooter Grace Nweke decided to play in the Australian netball league this year to challenge her game.
The decision to play for the New South Wales Swifts, meant Nweke could not be considered for the Silver Ferns this year.
Nweke recently told RNZ that she needed to know where she stood so she could make informed decisions about where she would play next year.
But the Netball NZ board undertook a review of the selection policy and the revised criteria will now allow athletes playing abroad the opportunity to be considered for Silver Ferns selection through a formal exemption process.
Up until now there has been no official process.
It said the update reflected the evolving nature of elite netball globally and Netball New Zealand's commitment to supporting athlete welfare, performance, and long-term development.
Netball New Zealand Board chair Matt Whineray said the board recognised the need for a more flexible and responsive approach, while still maintaining the integrity of national selection.
"We've listened to the game and believe this is a positive step forward," Whineray said.
"This update strikes a balance between flexibility and fairness, acknowledging the increasingly global nature of netball while continuing to protect the integrity of our domestic competitions and the mana of the Silver Ferns."
Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie said the change ensured athletes were supported through clear and transparent decision-making.
"Ultimately, the purpose of this proposed process is to ensure that all exemption requests are evaluated fairly, consistently, and transparently," Wyllie said.
"It safeguards the athlete through a structured and transparent approach, while upholding the broader interests of Netball New Zealand, the Silver Ferns, and the ANZ Premiership competition."
Netball New Zealand will implement the updated criteria ahead of the upcoming international season, with clear guidelines and assessment measures for any exemption applications.
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