The last thing netball needs right now is controversy.
However, they seem to go together and especially when there is a major international tournament coming up.
It was like this preceding the last World Championship and the World Under-21 Youth Championship.
On both occasions the controversy had to do with the management team, and judging from last week’s events that seems to be the case again.
The major championship this time is the Worlds in Singapore in July.
We don’t have much time to prepare. Therefore, the last thing we need is trouble in the camp because it will be a big distraction.
I am wondering what negative impact will come as a result of Maureen Shepherd being relieved of her duties as manager.
I want to make the point that she played a key role in the team’s outstanding performance at last year’s Commonwealth Games in India where they finished seventh – their highest ever finish.
I was told that Shepherd, a senior administrator who once served as president of the association, was a great mentor and motivator for the girls.
It is a pity then that she won’t be able to impart her human resources skills in a way that would enhance the self-esteem and confidence of the team.
It is in this context that I find the timing of her departure unsettling.
That she was dismissed means that there must have been elements of her stewardship that did not please the executive of the Barbados Netball Association.
The association’s official release to the media on the separation was terse and gave no reason. As such, it would not be wise to speculate or be associated with the several different versions of the one story that matters – Shepherd was given her walking papers.
I am aware, too, that she commented publicly on the issue but it doesn’t seem likely that the association will change its decision.
A letter was written to players and member clubs by team coach Alwyn Babb following Shepherd’s dismissal. It seemed to be in response to that development. The letter outlined some of the issues he said the management team faced but it was scathing in its tone and might not have served the purpose Babb intended.
The fundamental message might have been lost as it could have irritated those at whom fingers were pointed and they might now be slow to consider some of the matters raised.
It’s human nature. Those who were wounded will take time to heal but time is not on our side.
I hope the players will not be drawn into the politics of the matter. Ideally, they should be left to concentrate on their preparation without having to take sides. They must not be used as pawns as both parties try to make their point.
Not only that, if there’s a public fallout, it could very well hurtfund-raising efforts that would assist with the team going to Singapore.
I am sure we are aware that we will be penalised if we don’t go to the tournament. Beyond this, I think we need the opportunity to build on what was achieved at the Commonwealth Games. How will this be achieved if there are divisions among some at the top and it trickles down to other levels that have a vital role to play in our advancement?
Despite his strong sentiments, I believe Babb is committed to the cause of seeing netball progress but there must be unity of purpose to reach the summit.
In this mission, one of the first things we also need to realise is that none of us is bigger than the sport.
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