Netball's Olympic Hurdle
Despite its growing global popularity, netball remains excluded from the Olympic Games. Libby Evans investigates the reasons behind the sport’s absence.
The Olympic Games unite nations together as athletes compete and spectators involve themselves by supporting their teams.
A sense of unity is fostered, cultures are respected and celebrated, and disabilities are commemorated through the Paralympics. Despite this inclusive spirit, netball remains excluded from the Games.
This notable absence highlights the intricate elements that might contribute to the sport’s omission.
Providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and be rewarded for their talents is a key aspect of the Games.
Yet, the question lingers- why isn’t netball part of the line-up?
Netball win, by Libby Evans
Netball win, by Libby Evans
Group picture, by Libby Evans
Group picture, by Libby Evans
With four major international championships, including the Netball World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, Fast5 Netball World Series and Netball Quad series, the sport has a global platform, with super leagues being played around the world.
Despite being recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1995, it is still absent from the games. This remains a significant hurdle for global expansion which can lead to limited media exposure and funding.
In 1895, the first game of netball was conducted in England. The sport was developed as a modification of basketball, which was traditionally a male sport, intending to provide women with a game that adhered to female etiquette.
In 1900, women were first allowed to compete in the Olympic Games, but only in three sports – tennis, golf and croquet.
Today, around 20 million people across 70 nations play netball, particularly in Commonwealth countries.
The sport took a significant step forward in 1963 with the establishment of the World Championship tournament.
The milestone was founded following a meeting in Sri Lanka with representatives from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies gathered to formalise the rules and regulations of netball.
Fast forward a century and netball remains predominantly a female sport, with professional netball only including female participation.
In the sporting industry, men’s sports teams often dominate the headlines and funding due to being perceived to have more opportunities for success at higher levels.
Without the male presence in netball, it is harder for the sport to achieve the same level of popularity as male-orientated sports.
Is the gender disparity preventing netball from progressing to the Olympics?
Devon Dynamites, the only mixed-gender netball club in Devon, competes in the national league. The emergence of these netball clubs can offer a new direction. Promoting diversity and inclusivity can help to broaden netball’s appeal and expand its international reach.
Team photo, by Knights Netball Club
Team photo, by Knights Netball Club
Dean Iyavoo playing netball
Dean Iyavoo playing netball
Dean Iyavoo, captain of the mixed-gender team, expressed his opinion about the impact of male participation in netball on the female community.
He noted that men's involvement could create a "superhero complex," where men could feel they are rescuing the sport.
He shared his thoughts on a comment from former England coach Tracey Neville, who stated that "netball is owned by women." Dean acknowledged Neville's significant contributions and experiences in the sport and understood her comment.
“I want for the professional women that paved the way for us men, to get recognised for what they have done.”
Alternatively, Dean also addressed the misconception that netball is just a girls' sport, calling it "massively condescending" as it implies the sport remains a playground game.
He emphasized that netball is no longer exclusively a female sport- it's expanding, and men are being encouraged to play without feeling self-conscious.
“This shift is helping to change the stigma surrounding the sport,” Dean exclaimed.
Enthusiastically, Dean spoke from his experience that younger top-level players are supportive of men's involvement in netball, often inviting them to elite training sessions and sharing these moments on social media.
“This openness can help raise awareness and spread the word about men’s netball,” he noted.
There is still progression to be made in increasing male participation in netball. But does the current gender imbalance present an advantage or a disadvantage?
England netball player Jayda Pechova shared her insights on why netball hasn't been included in the Olympics during a Zoom call.
“Big countries like Russia, the United States and lots of European countries are not playing it. I do believe that netball should be in the Olympics, but I understand why it isn’t right now,” admits Jayda.
When asked about her opinion on men playing netball at a higher level, she nodded her head as she said, “It is a completely different game when men play. I find it quite refreshing to watch. It’s a good thing as not many sports are played by women and dominated by women."
"It’s a safe space for both genders and there’s not another sport like it."
Jayda Pechova playing for Bath Netball
Jayda Pechova playing for Bath Netball
Jayda mentioned, “Netball is a female-dominated sport, but more men are starting to play it, especially in Australia and New Zealand. If more men were playing there is potential for it to be included in the Games.”
Jayda Pechova defending
Jayda Pechova defending
She appreciated that women are the leaders in the sport, but acknowledged that for netball to expand and secure more funding, men need to be involved in playing it too.
Jayda Pechova warming up for England Netball
Jayda Pechova warming up for England Netball
Jayda passionately spoke about how netball is gaining popularity, and this could be down to its increased visibility on major broadcasting platforms like Sky Sports and the BBC. The netball World Cup was aired on the BBC, showcasing the sport to a wider audience.
Libby Evans orginal audio
England Netball dress at Sky Studios, by Libby Evans
England Netball dress at Sky Studios, by Libby Evans
Statistics from the IOC website shows that the Tokyo 2020 Games had a gender split of 51% male and 49% female athletes.
Although not equal, the percentage of female competitors has increased with each Olympic Games- Rio had 45%, Beijing saw around 42% female athletes and London had 44%.
The IOC says it actively addresses gender disparities by adding more women's events and introducing mixed-gender sports.
The IOC has specific criteria that a sport must meet to be included in the Olympic Games.
Philip Barker, a sports journalist who has covered every Olympic Games since 1996, is an executive committee member of the IOC and is editor and chief for the International Society of Olympic Historians, discussed the requirements a sport must fulfil to be selected for the Olympics.
He explained that a sport needs global popularity and a widespread presence. It must be governed by an international federation that follows the Olympic Charter's principles and maintains well-established rules and standards.
Philip spoke about why netball potentially isn’t in the Olympics yet, “The sport must get a good TV audience and crowds in the stadium.
Past Olympic venues such as Tokyo did not have netball as a popular sport, so it wasn’t considered. Softball was because it is very popular in Japan. Brisbane 2032 may have a shot at introducing the sport to the Olympic world, due to how popular netball is in Australia.”
Philip Barker at the 2012 Olympic Stadium
Philip Barker at the 2012 Olympic Stadium
Philip Barker at the 2022 Bejing Winter Olympic Games
Philip Barker at the 2022 Bejing Winter Olympic Games
Netball team, by Libby Evans
Netball team, by Libby Evans
The IOC stated, “Each Organising Committee of the Olympic Games has the opportunity to propose to the IOC one or more additional events from new sports. As an example, for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the Paris 2024 OCOG has proposed to the IOC the inclusion of 4 additional events (breaking, climbing, skateboarding and surfing).”
Netball's journey toward potential inclusion in the Olympics remains complicated. While the sport is absent from the Games, it thrives globally with major competitions.
As male participation increases and media coverage expands, netball might become a stronger contender for future Olympic consideration.
Netball's ongoing progression continues to capture the attention of athletes and fans, potentially encouraging more nations to embrace the sport.
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