Netball levy to pay Pulse debt

Manawatu netballers are going to be hit with an extra levy this year to help repay loans for the Central Pulse, but Netball Manawatu chairwoman Annie Butler says it's a good investment.

The cash-strapped Pulse, who have won only once in two seasons in the ANZ Championship, have twice taken out a loan from Netball New Zealand to ensure their survival.

The first, in 2008, was believed to be $400,000, and $320,000 was borrowed last year.

The levy is likely to be $5 for a junior player and $10 for a senior to give life to the Pulse, but Netball Manawatu is negotiating with Netball New Zealand to have it start at a lower figure this season.

Final decisions on the levies will be made at the end of the month.

From next year, every netball player in New Zealand will have a levy attached to their fees to cover the franchises.

Western, Eastern, Wellington and Tasman make up the Pulse catchment area, and Manawatu falls under the Western banner.

Two years ago, all four regions said they would assist the Pulse to repay their debts, which means Manawatu players feel it in the pocket.

Butler believed the fact that the Pulse were struggling on the court made matters worse.

"Would we be having this conversation if they were winning?" she said.

"We have a moral obligation for this team. We see it as a long-term investment. Everybody has a piece of it, whether they think so or not."

The franchise teams provide a pathway for elite players like Manawatu's Alanah Cassidy, who made the Pulse this year.

Manawatu's Yvette McCausland-Durie also coaches the franchise, but the issue that will leave a sour taste in the mouths of Manawatu netballers is that they won't get to see the Pulse play in Palmerston North this year.

This season they have their home games in Porirua, Wellington and one in Napier, despite nobody from Hawke's Bay being in the squad.

Taranaki, who are part of Western Netball, also have players in the Pulse squad, but haven't hosted a game since the franchise was given life in 2008.

"We've got to keep the big picture in mind, really," Butler said.

"At the end of the day, we need these teams here for the health of New Zealand Netball. We need these franchise teams here."

Netball Manawatu's annual meeting is at Vautier Park at 7pm tomorrow.

The levies

Future Ferns $20.50

Year 6 and Intermediate $30

Secondary $43

Tertiary-Social $40

Club $65

Premier $70

On top of these base fees, players pay a levy to Western netball ranging from $4.50 to $20, based on their grade. The levy to cover the Pulse will then be added, and some clubs charge a separate affiliation fee.

- © Fairfax NZ News