BNA president hopeful revamped domestic action can begin in March

Newly elected president of the Barbados Netball Association (BNA), Nisha Craigwell, is optimistic that redevelopment work at the Netball Stadium will be completed in time for the planned start of the domestic season in early March.

Craigwell, who was returned as president for her second stint in the role last month, said the plan was to try to start the season on or around the association’s anniversary date, which is March 15.

She told Barbados TODAY that the start date and format of the season, will however depend on a number of factors.

“Of course, we are monitoring and watching what’s happening with what was traditionally called the Netball Stadium, because that will determine the format of our season outside of playing at that venue.

“It would mean that you’d have to take more of our games back into the community, so we’re really dependent on having the netball stadium completed,” Craigwell explained.

However, the BNA president said there is likely to be a new look to the upcoming season.

“We are going to be looking at really revamping our local season because a lot of the time, the focus is really on our national teams. I would say 90 per cent of our persons involved in the sport are actually not very interested in playing at the national level, so we will be definitely looking at the way the season was played over the last couple of years and probably we’re looking to revamp it, to bring some excitement into the sport.

“We’ve traditionally had in some instances up to eight divisions and 70 teams. It’s very difficult to manage, so again, based on what’s happening with the Netball Stadium, we will be taking a look at how we can bring some excitement into the sport and also make it competitive,” Craigwell said.

“As you know, if we have a strong local season then it really assists the national program by funneling athletes into that particular area.”

The Netball Stadium upgrade reportedly has a projected completion date of late March, and according to Craigwell, national teams will also be involved in a number of regional and international events this year.

“So the Under-16 is the first regional tournament this year and it is slated for Trinidad from April 10 to 18. Of course we are watching exactly what’s happening in our region, but as it stands, the Jean Pierre Netball Tournament will be the very first regional competition for Barbados,” Craigwell disclosed.

“Outside of that, we will have the CAC games in the Dominican Republic. We are one of the six countries in the region that will be playing netball, and that is slated for July. Finally, our seniors again will be playing at the World Cup Qualifiers which are scheduled for St Vincent.”

kurtishinds@barbadostoday.bb