There is a desire for netball to go in a different direction, hence several changes are foreseen as mandatory in the local set-up {{more}}

This was the general consensus coming out of last Saturday’s Annual General Meeting of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association, held at the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.

One past president, Godfrey Harry, suggested that the new executive look seriously at the SVGNA’s constitution and it be extended to fall in line with international standards of a four-year tenure.

Additionally, he wants a relook at the constitution, which prevents an officer from serving two successive terms in a position.

But Harry referred to the “eroding” of the constitution, as current treasurer Jacintha Ballantyne has been able to serve more than two terms.

Another who added his voice for change was Carlos Williams of the Green Hill Sports Club.

A faithful servant to the sport, Williams acknowledged that there is need for a revival in netball, and suggested: “Netball has to stoop to rise again.”

Meanwhile, president of the SVGNA Dellarice Duncan, in her report, spoke of some of the changes which she would like to see in the very near future and proffered a variation in the sport – Fast5.

“….Netball, like every other sport, is changing to keep the interest of its fans… It is with this in mind that I recommend that we introduce the Fast5 competition for 2014… This is an exciting, high impact version of the game … It has been doing well internationally and I think the time has come for us to introduce it here,” Duncan said.

Duncan proposed that the Fast5 be played among the five top teams here, which can draw players from other teams.

“Fast5 is exciting and would certainly whip up interest among all,” she added.

“We have had persons umpiring at the same level for years and for whatever reason they have not taken the regional exams… A local programme will encourage and give them the confidence to aspire to be better,” Duncan noted.

Last Saturday’s meeting also heard the treasurer’s and committee of management’s reports, and included the election of officers for the 2014 to 2016 tenure. (RT)