There’s a kiss of winter in the air. Duvets are replacing
waffle blankets, there are stew recipes in the Sunday papers and if I worried
about pedicures, I’d worry even less for a few months.
And it’s football season… yeah yeah we get more excited for
rugby or cricket. But equally exciting, for more South Africans, it’s netball
time.
The thing about netball is thousands keep doing it. AFL
players in their 30s and 40s are remarkable, and practically crippled, but look
around a netball park on a winter Saturday or a sports centre any night of the
week and you’ll see girls of all ages – from 8 to 80 looking for an attacking
break or a sneaky bounce pass.
Somehow, I’ve become an umpire, which is not especially
stressful at the littler levels, unless you come across a coach who was a state
rep player in 1997 and is at pains to remind you of that fact. Also, I have to
wear white shorts. And now NWSD will be
having their very own “Netty “team. (An all-male team will be taking part as
well dare I say)
There are many reasons to love Netball. Here are mine:
1. Sharon Strzelecki, who proved that netball, welcomes all.
2. Women organize netball. I’m sorry if this offends, but it
makes a difference. I used to attend my godsons rugby matches coached and
organized by the fathers and let’s just say I finally had time to do my
eyebrows.
3. Netball the only sport where players get a manicure (of
sorts) before the game. Nail inspection please ladies.
4. Other than buggered ankles, there are few serious
injuries. Head protection is unnecessary in netball and this speaks volumes.
Note, however visors must be soft. Nothing worse than a poke from a rigid peak.
5. Fellas
are welcome. Mixed netball is thriving. On the other hand, co-ed football is
pretty much unheard of (except touch). And no, cheerleaders don’t count as
players.
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