Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Bernard - FILE

If Marva Bernard, president of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA), has her way, Jamaica's netballers could be taking part in a semi-professional league soon.

"We would like to start thinking about a semi-professional league which would enable our girls, especially those who are on the national team, to play a lot more highly competitive games, much more than they are doing now," said Bernard, who was re-elected president at the JNA's annual general meeting held on Saturday at St. Hugh's High School.

She added, however, added that the matter is still up for discussion among council members, but she is thinking about six-teams, 30 matches. She said that they would need the support of corporate entities for the sponsorship of this league.

Bernard noted that this is the same thing that has been happening in Australia, New Zealand and England and she would like to see it replicated here. She said that the league will also be taking at closer look at some of the rules that govern the sport.

"It's work in progress, but these rules are seeking to regulate the process of transfers of registered members between clubs within the JNA and to prevent any ambiguity amongst the clubs and to establish the procedures to be followed," she said.

Continue with training

"We are also going to continue with the administrative training with our club administrators and so, if they keep proper books of accounts, they will be able to run the clubs in a more professional manner."

Bernard also said the matter of umpiring is also high on the association's list. She indicated that they have identified some talented local umpires who they hope to see achieve international certification, as they need to get more international umpires in the pool to join Sylvester Campbell and Dalton Hinds.

Bernard mentioned that marketing and fund-raising will also be high on their agenda.

The JNA financial year, which ends on 31 August, saw the association with revenues of $24.9 million and expenses amounting $25.1 million. The total overall income was $25 million, up 18 million from the previous year.

Nola Philpotts-Brown, marketing manager of Blue Cross, is the only new member on the executive as she was elected as an honorary council member.

The other members of the executive are: first vice-president Yvette Smith, second vice-president Dorothy Hobson, treasurer Elaine Walters, assistant treasure Hyacinth Smith and secretary Cheryl Thompson-Andrews.