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11 Year-old Boy Wants Netball Gender Ban Lifted – Discrimination Claims

11 year-old boy wants netball gender ban lifted – Discrimination Claims

An 11 year-old boy wants a netball gender ban lifted, which prohibits boys playing the sport from the age of 12.

However, Netball SA said in a statement it will not be reviewing its gender policy.

Netball gender ban leaves boys out of the game

Josh Vanderzalm has played netball for the past three years.

However, Netball Association rules state that when he turns 12 in a few weeks time, he can no longer play.

The sport considers boys from that age are too big and strong to play with girls.

Josh told News Limited:

“I’m not rough at all.

”I’m not like that and people need to know that boys aren’t like that.”

Too small for basketball

Basketball competitions told Josh he is too small and too gentle to play the sport.

Therefore, he has been playing wing and goal attack for the Wildcats Netball Club.

The Wildcats are part of the premiere female netball league in the Adelaide Metropolitan Netball Division.

Netball SA policies state he won’t be able to play competitive netball until he turns 16, when he can compete in the men’s competition.

Josh’s mum Robyn wants Netball SA to review its gender policy because not all boys develop at the same rate or in the same way.

“It’s a real shame because he’s not the biggest, strongest or most aggressive player on the court, and he really loves the sport,” she said.

Josh Vanderzalm with his mum Robyn.

Huge void for boys

Josh’s coach Tina Coad expressed sadness that Josh won’t be able to continue playing the sport that he loves.

“There is a huge void of opportunity for boys aged between 12 and 16 to play netball.

“I am hopeful that in the future there will be pathways, but that doesn’t help boys like Josh who want to play the sport they are passionate about.”

Netball SA won’t review policy

Netball SA said in a statement it will not be reviewing its gender policy:

“Once boys, or persons who identify as male, are over the age of 12, the decision is based on the disparity of size and strength, which can impact the outcome of the game and create an unfair advantage.”

Clubs exempt from discrimination laws

Miles Heffernan from Discrimination Claims says not-for-profit clubs and associations are exempt from discrimination laws.

“They are not employers, they are not providing goods and services, and they are not providing accommodation, therefore they have a specific exemption under the law,” he said.

“As a result, these types of associations can choose who they want to let in and who they don’t.

“The idea behind the exemption is to allow minority groups to get together with like-minded people, to offer membership and support to each other.”


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