Netball Australia has concluded an investigation into the circumstances that required the Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever’s Round 8 match to be rescheduled.
The investigation found the Melbourne Vixens breached the Suncorp Super Netball League Team Participation Agreement (TPA) by failing to travel to Perth and play the fixtured match.
The investigation was completed by the League Compliance Manager and the subsequent penalty has been endorsed by the Netball Australia Board.
The Vixens have been fined $50,000, with $25,000 suspended for two years, and ordered to pay $31,702.92 for the costs to replay the match at Nissan Arena on July 22.
The Melbourne Vixens, who are owned and operated by Netball Victoria, have accepted the fine.
“The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for our competition this year,” said Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan.
“Whilst the investigation noted this was an unprecedented circumstance and there was no deliberate intent to disrupt the competition, we take any breach of the rules seriously.
“Netball Australia recognises that clearer processes and protocols are required for the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season.”
