Australia netball coach Lisa Alexander "believes the push to introduce a two-point shot in the new Australian domestic league is sexism at play," according to Dana Johannsen of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. Despite "widespread opposition from high profile players, coaches and fans," Netball Australia is preparing to implement the new rule in '18, after "bowing to pressure" from broadcast partner Channel 9. The TV network "had been pushing to bring the new rule in for the inaugural season next year," but Netball Australia officials were able to put plans on hold, citing the need for "further examination of the impact of the rule." However, it is understood the rule change is a "done deal" for '18. Alexander "is angry the rule, which she describes as counterproductive" to her national program, is being pushed through "at the behest of (predominantly male) broadcast bosses." She said, "There's a little bit of a feminist angle to that in that I don't particularly like males taking control of how our game progresses" (NZ HERALD, 10/17).
