The Netball New Zealand Board has reviewed the Silver Ferns selection policy and updated the eligibility criteria, paving the way for greater flexibility for athletes who wish to play overseas while still maintaining the integrity of national selection.
The revised criteria will now allow athletes playing abroad the opportunity to be considered for Silver Ferns selection through a formal exemption process. This update reflects 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.
“We’ve listened to the game and believe this is a positive step forward,” said Whineray.
“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 ensures athletes are 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,” said Wyllie.
“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.
The revised criteria will now allow athletes playing abroad the opportunity to be considered for Silver Ferns selection through a formal exemption process. This update reflects 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.
“We’ve listened to the game and believe this is a positive step forward,” said Whineray.
“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 ensures athletes are 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,” said Wyllie.
“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.