By Amy Deakin
The Netball Super League (NSL) has rejected an appeal by Leeds Rhinos to overturn their dramatic 71-69 extra-time loss to Birmingham Panthers – despite video footage appearing to support the Rhinos’ claims of a scoring error.
The controversy stems from a final-minute shot in normal time on May 4 by Joyce Mvula at the Worcester Arena, which Leeds argue should have been awarded two points, not one, under the new “super shot” rule introduced this season.
This new rule means in the last five minutes of each quarter any successful shot taken from the super shot scoring area counts for two points rather than the normal one.
On-court official’s mistake cost Leeds the game
Had the two points been awarded, Leeds Rhinos would have secured a win in regular time. The digital scoreboard in the arena is said to have registered a two-point goal, but it was recorded by the officials desk as a one-pointer following hand signals presented by the controlling umpire.
Rhinos say they didn’t realise there was a discrepancy until the end of normal time, which is why they didn’t raise an appeal during the game – and were shocked to be told the recorded score was a 59-all draw and extra time would ensue.
The Panthers went on to win 71-69 in extra time. Cue controversy.
The letter of the law
Although replays seem to confirm that Mvula’s attempt was made from within the designated super shot area, NSL rules currently do not allow video reviews or retrospective changes to match outcomes based on officiating decisions.
Following an internal review prompted by a Rhinos’ official complaint after the game, the NSL said: “The NSL regulations do not permit the competition committee to change or amend the outcome of a match following an umpire’s on-court decision in respect of the World Netball Rules of Netball. As a consequence, the result stands.”
The league acknowledged the incident and said it is working closely with officials to prevent similar controversies in future.
My view – netball needs VAR
Should top-flight netball introduce VAR or similar to enable a third match official (TMO) sat in a dark room outside of the noisy stadium to analyse slow-mo replays when the on-court officials require?
Yes, 100% – but in a controlled way, so it doesn’t slow the game down too much. Perhaps limit its use to a couple of times a quarter. A balance to strike.
Netball is a professional sport. It’s also an investment. Just ask Tom Wagner, of Knighthead Capital, who recently bought a stake in the Birmingham Panthers franchise. Big money and increasingly high stakes mean decisions that can be corrected in the moment should be. Just like tennis, football, rugby and cricket.
NOTE: Amy Deakin is Chief of Staff for the One Thousand Trades Group and a keen amateur netball player.
