It is a rarity in the world of netball, so much so that even the most adoring fan of Super Netball would be unsure if there is some sort of match review or tribunal process.
But make no mistake: the actions of Queensland Firebird Gretel Tippett were wrong, disgraceful and unsporting.
There were two missed opportunities on Saturday night of the doubleheader to address her actions, but they were not taken.
The first was the umpire simply giving her a warning and continuing play. The umpire should have recognised the severity of a deliberate two-handed push into the back of Jo Weston.
Under Super Netball rules, the umpire has the authority to suspend Tippett from the game for a period of time or exclude her from the game altogether. She chose not to apply any of these rules.
The second opportunity was missed by coach Roselee Jencke. The unsporting push occurred right in front of the Firebirds bench and was not missed by many. The former Diamonds player turned coach should have seen not only the utter frustration with her goal attack but how such an action needs to be removed from the game.
With many families and young netball hopefuls watching live and on their TV screens in prime time, she should have seized the opportunity to call a technical timeout and remove Tippett herself from the game. The OAM recipient has a responsibility for the welfare of all players and to ensure the integrity of the game at the highest level.
There is no doubt that both the umpire and Jencke would wish they had their time again after watching the replay.
Tippett’s antics are not an isolated incident. Commentator and former Diamonds Captain Liz Ellis commented during the match that Tippett ‘does that quite a bit’ and that ‘she takes players out and it gets dangerous’.
Ellis also went on to comment how Tippett is named in the Diamonds squad and how she needs to address her style and that she can’t push her way out of her frustrations.
So is there any good to come from this?
The actions of Jo Weston is certainly something to reflect on. Upon being pushed to the floor, any competitive athlete would no doubt spring back up and give back to their nemesis quick smart.
Not Jo Weston. Perhaps in shock of being slammed to the ground, she simply dusted herself off and continued playing. Much like her Vixens line-up, she showed poise, focus and the utmost professionalism.
Even in the post-match interview in which Weston was named MVP for the match, she wouldn’t buy into the incident, stating she simply did not want to talk about it. Her composure and level-headedness was remarkable, and she is the true role model for the sport.
It was only last year that Netball Australia teamed up with Samsung to develop the ‘Rethink Role Models’ campaign. In celebrating the determination and skill of women in sport, the campaign reflected on the stories of a number of Diamonds players. Chief executive of Netball Australia Kate Palmer said in her promotion of the campaign that, “Our Diamonds players show the utmost respect for their teammates and opposition, and that makes them the role models they are”.
Fortunately for all involved, Gretel Tippett was not one of the chosen Diamonds to be featured.
So where to now? All is not lost. Super Netball and the Queensland Firebirds still have an opportunity to address Tippet’s poor behaviour and unsporting conduct.
From a club level, the Firebirds could fine and ensure that a public apology is made by Tippett. I am sure they could also develop some in-house sanction for Tippett’s behaviour for not only painting her club but the game of netball itself in a poor light.
If the executives of Super Netball understood the importance of how this conduct is dealt with, they would also step in and ensure this sort of behaviour is not condoned. This family-friendly sport needs to maintain the highest levels of respect and integrity to ensure its continued success.
Finally, perhaps Gretel Tippett herself might draw this conclusion herself. Perhaps she might even read this article and reflect on it.
Harper
Guest
What about the horrible antics of Bruce who took a "dive" to milk a penalty and as soon as it was rewarded, jumped up off the ground as if nothing happened and that she hadn't even hurt a fingernail. Since when did netball turn into a soccer match? I was appalled at this more than the shove in the back by Tippett.
Dorcas
Guest
Well written article . Every bit of it could just as well be addressed to, pardon the pun, "Giant" Brice for shoving Courtney Bruce to the floor during the dying stages of the West Coast Fever - Giants clash. It had a bad look. .
Michelle
Guest
So... it's now Wednesday and nothing has been reported about any sanctions. Disappointing. Tippett's behaviour is not what we want to promote and although there have been other incidences of unnecessarily rough play lately, unfortunately for Gretel, her's is the worst and she needs to be made an example of. This kind of poor sportmanship can not be ignored and therefore implicitly accepted.
Gab
Guest
Top article. Suncorp super netball is full of tough, strong, physical ladies which is a wonderful thing. However Tippett does not fit into this category, as she is oversteps the mark into the dangerous and outright dirty category. Take a scan of the Firebirds facebook page, and you will see even they (F'birds fans) are disgusted with her behaviour and disappointed to see there has been no sanction from either the competition or the club. That says it all really, if even the team's own fans are outraged. It shows that your article is right on point.
Pudding
Guest
This article is perfect. It's about time someone called attention to the dirty tactics Tippett employs week in, week out. She is simply a thug on court. People have been sucked in by her being different and are now realising that she's actually clueless on court and simply barges her way around like a bully. She's paid no dues to netball whatsoever, leap frogging more talented girls who have sacrificed for years to play at the highest level. She's just dazzled those who should know better (Lisa Alexander I'm looking at you) with nothing more than height and a few lay ups. She's not exciting, she' not talented at netball and she's certainly no role model for youngsters.
Sam
Guest
There should definitely be further actions taken. With many young netballers watching and that incident being put on a replay, zoomed in and slow motion for everyone to see it is not something we should be condoning. Is Netball Australia doesn't take a disciplinary action then the Firebirds should take that into their hands to show they do not pride themselves on their athletes acting like perpetulent children. Tippett has not only embarrassed herself, but her team, coach and support crew.
Charlie
Guest
All out brawls on the court is not something I ever want to see but I don't mind a bit of biff here and there. You've got 80 strong athletes, all handle pressure differently. Some like Jo Weston handle it with class, others like Tippett, Romelda & Jaimie Lee-Price just to name a few channel their frustration through shoves and elbows, or way back in Mo'onia's day, just a flat out punch into then Susan Pratley's face. Tippett is young and will learn and grow from this. If she doesn't, her opposition will use her short fuse to their advantage. I remember when I first saw Nat Medhurst play. She used to sneak in the odd push and elbow. Didn't like her much because of it. She's now one of my favourite athletes. No push n shove, just speed, skill and class. Great article. Nice read.
mel
Guest
This has happened to my daughter (U15 rep) playing gk against an U17 team. There was no sanction and my daughter carried a muscular injury to her back through the carnival. The same carnival she lost a toenail from being deliberately stomped on. Rough play happens and strong players learn to deal with it with grace. But it does need to be addressed and is a bad look. My daughter? If her opponent is flustered she feels she must be playing well.
peterkenn2
Guest
nice to see a netball article on Roar again
Jen
Guest
Interesting tweet by Jono Bredin, the New Zealand Umpire, stating that International Netball rule 13.2.2 Dangerous Play, the umpire if deemed a deliberate act, shall supend the player or, in a serious case, order the player off the court. The Sanction should also be a penalty pass. Neither of which occured on the weekend.
Lenore
Guest
Terrific article and some long overdue 'tough analysis' on netball and its players. This is a part of Tippett's game that makes me dislike her immensley. She has form with this kind of dirty play, in the major semi final in 2015 she aggressively shoulder charged Paige Hadley & sent her flying when the umpire wasn't looking. I'm glad Liz Ellis has changed her tune and realised what a dirty player Tippett is, as I recall Liz sticking up for her in previous instances such as the shoulder charge.