Maurice Blackburn

Netball Victoria exemption leaves Danny on the sidelines

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers are helping a 12-year-old boy take his fight to play netball to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

Danny Loats plays for the Alphington Netball Club which is part of the Banyule and District Netball Association (BDNA).

He is the only boy selected to play in the Under 13s for the BDNA in an elite junior team in a tournament hosted by the Diamond Creek Force Netball Association.

In accordance with a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) exemption awarded to Netball Victoria, the Diamond Creek Force Netball Association chose to rely on the exemption and not allow Danny to play in tournaments it organises.

Maurice Blackburn lawyer Natasha Andrew said Danny wanted to join his teammates and compete.

"The exemption provided to Netball Victoria by VCAT in 2008 makes it clear that it is at the discretion of individual associations to ban boys from playing in the under 13 age group only if Netball Victoria provide other opportunities for boys aged 12 to participate in other netball competitions," Ms Andrew said.

"Danny can play in his local netball league but can't represent his league in elite competitions.

"All Danny is asking for is a fair go from Netball Victoria and the chance to represent his association in other junior tournaments."

Danny just wants the opportunity to play in inter-association tournaments.

"I want to play netball with my friends and they want to play with me," Danny said.

"They rely on me and I'm the goal shooter and we make a good team."

Danny's father, Greg said the decision to exclude his son was mean spirited.

"Our complaint is not directed at challenging the exemption but rather when and how the exemption is used," Mr Loats said.

"Danny is the only boy in the BDNA squad and the association has made the decision to make their under 13 competitions mixed and it is unfair that he can't represent the BDNA is inter association tournaments.

"Girls can play AFL and soccer, boys should have the same opportunities. Netball Victoria needs to show some leadership and give boys the same chance."

In 2008, Netball Victoria were successful in receiving an exemption under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act to give netball associations the right to exclude boys aged 12 years and 13 years from playing.