Netball Fiji is facing upheaval as 15 of its 19 affiliate associations demand leadership changes, walking out of a special general meeting. President RubyAnn Sorovaki-Bainimarama seeks guidance to resolve the ensuing conflict. Concerns raised include the composition of the Fiji Pearls team, leading to threats of deregistration by the associations if leadership does not change.
Netball Fiji is currently experiencing significant turmoil as representatives from 15 of its 19 affiliated associations walked out of a special general meeting (SGM) held in Suva. This dramatic action indicates a demand for changes within the leadership of Netball Fiji. President RubyAnn Sorovaki-Bainimarama expressed concern regarding the representatives’ departure and is actively seeking guidance on how to address the resulting impasse.
Local media reports reveal that the walking out of the meeting highlights serious discontent with the current leadership. Sorovaki noted that while the motions brought forward during the SGM were constitutional, the leadership wished for discussion rather than a premature exit from the meeting. The gathering had been called by Alumeci Vosararawa-Sachs, president of Suva Netball Association, alongside other heads of affiliated associations.
Vosararawa-Sachs emphasized that without the support of the netball associations, the governing body is fundamentally weak. She highlighted a major concern about the Fiji Pearls’ team composition, which consists solely of players from Suva. “Without us (netball associations) they are nothing,” Vosararawa-Sachs stated, underscoring the importance of the associations’ roles.
Furthermore, Vosararawa-Sachs proclaimed, “We will not be affiliated [with Netball Fiji] under the leadership of RubyAnn Sorovaki-Bainimarama and the executives.” She added that the associations plan to seek judicial advice and inform World Netball, as well as the Ministry of Justice, about the potential deregistration of Netball Fiji.
The ongoing discontent within Netball Fiji highlights a pivotal moment for the organization, as 15 of its associations demand significant leadership changes. The fallout from the SGM demonstrates the urgent need for dialogue and resolution among the governing body. The leadership of RubyAnn Sorovaki-Bainimarama is under scrutiny, and the actions taken by the associations may lead to a restructuring of Netball Fiji’s governance.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
