Netball NSW believes that all participants should be supported in wearing a uniform that encourages comfortable, welcoming, and inclusive participation for all. By introducing our Inclusive Uniform Guidelines, we have seen the small change make a substantial impact on many players, umpires, Clubs and Associations alike.
A traditional playing dress or uniform may not suit individual needs or preferences for an array of reasons, and a lack of appropriate uniform options is a key barrier to participation for both men, women, boys and girls. Similarly, evidence suggests there is a large barrier for engaging and retaining underrepresented groups such as people from culturally and linguistically diverse background, as well as gender diverse people.
To gain a better insight on how our Clubs & Associations are embracing adaptability in regard to inclusive uniforms, Netball NSW sat down with Wilma from Shoalhaven Netball Association.
Shoalhaven Netball Association used Netball NSW’s uniform guidelines as a catalyst for change. The SPRINTER Netball Participation Study (2020) indicates that only 2% of registered Netball NSW members were male, with evidence suggesting that uniform regulations have a part to play in this. With ongoing discussions on how to create more inclusive uniform opportunities, Wilma believed that their policy should change to reflect and align with Netball NSW guidelines. “The inclusion of boys/men into the competition altered our thinking… we were thinking about 2023 and the inclusion of a men’s team into State Titles” – Wilma, Shoalhaven Netball Association.
Wilma gave credit to the change, stating that she has already seen a positive impact within her Association. “I can see the diversity in the uniforms and Seniors of all body shapes and sizes are enjoying being able to play sports in the uniform that best reflects their needs” – Wilma, Shoalhaven Netball Association.
Encouraging other Clubs & Associations to embrace inclusivity and help create a positive environment, Wilma confirmed the positive feedback she received from parents and spectators and allowed individual clubs to take initiative to design uniforms that best reflected their own beliefs. With a strong focus on continued participation and enjoyment in our sport, and a commitment to embracing positive change, Wilma and Shoalhaven Netball Association have welcomed the change in uniform standards.
Regardless of race, skin colour, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or ability, everyone should feel supported to play Netball in NSW. Through conversations with parents in our community, it is clear how a change in uniform regulations was a necessary step in contributing to a more welcoming and inclusive netball environment. This has been widely well received with the change being referred to as a “godsend”. The shift has allowed players to comfortably and confidently enjoy netball while getting active, improving mental and physical health, making friends and having a great time while doing it!
Netball NSW encourages all affiliated Clubs & Associations to embrace and support the flexibility around uniforms, to allow for positive change and contribute to a more welcoming and inclusive environment for Netball in NSW.
For more information, please visit our webpage Inclusive Uniforms - Netball NSW
