Netball SA will immediately pay the $10,000 component of the fine levied against the Adelaide Thunderbirds by Suncorp Super Netball (SSN).
The fine follows a finding that the Thunderbirds exceeded their 2019 salary cap by $22,698.
“We freely admit errors were unintentionally made last season regarding transport arrangements for players,” said Bronwyn Klei, CEO of Netball SA which operates the Thunderbirds.
“So of course, we accept the fine which I think is appropriate given the facts involved.”
As the SSN makes clear in its media release, Netball SA self-reported the mistake as soon as it is was discovered and has been fully cooperative throughout the investigation.
“I would like to stress that this was never about competitive advantage,” Ms Klei said.
“Our mistake was in directly bearing the costs of providing players with air flights and access to cars instead of using other contractual processes which are available to all teams under the SSN Competition Rules.
“There were a number of small errors which, when added together, resulted in the breach.
“I can assure everyone that new systems have been put in place to prevent any re-occurrence and these robust safeguards are now being checked by the SSN.
“As many people know, Netball SA is currently undergoing a range of improvements that will make our organisation – and our sport – stronger, smarter and better able to survive in a crowded and highly competitive environment.
“Good organisations learn from their mistakes and we can now go forward, totally focused on the 2020 netball season.”
