Two transgender netball players have been banned from competing in Australia’s Riddell District Football Netball League following an on-court incident that has reignited debates about inclusion and safety in women’s sport.
The league took action after video footage showed Melton Central player Manawa Aranui colliding with a Romsey opponent during regular play, sending the player to the ground in what officials are investigating as a potentially dangerous contact.
The RDFNL announced that both Aranui and teammate Kale-Ee, who is also transgender, would be excluded from the competition pending a full review of the league’s inclusion policies.
Player safety is our paramount concern,” league president Jordan Matthews said in a statement. “While we are committed to inclusion, we must ensure all participants can compete safely.”
The incident, which occurred during a routine match last weekend, was captured on video by spectators and quickly circulated on social media, sparking heated debate about transgender athletes in community sport.
Witnesses described the collision as occurring during normal gameplay, though opinions differed on whether the contact was excessive or simply part of the physical nature of netball.
“It looked like a standard contest for the ball that went wrong,” said one spectator who requested anonymity. “These things happen in netball, but this has become about much more than one incident.”
The Romsey player involved required medical assessment but was not seriously injured, returning to play later in the match. However, the incident has prompted broader concerns from some players and parents.
We support inclusion, but there are legitimate safety concerns that need addressing,” said Sarah Chen, a parent of a player in the league. “We need clear policies that protect everyone.”
Melton Central Football Netball Club expressed disappointment at the ban, arguing their players were being unfairly targeted.
“These are dedicated athletes who have played without incident all season,” the club said in a statement. “One collision during competitive play shouldn’t result in exclusion. We stand by our players.”
The ban has divided the local netball community, with some supporting the league’s decision while others argue it constitutes discrimination.
This sets a dangerous precedent,” said Dr Amanda Price from Pride in Sport. “Trans athletes already face enormous barriers. Banning players for normal sporting contact sends a terrible message.
The RDFNL’s current policy allows transgender players to compete in the division aligning with their gender identity, following Netball Australia’s inclusion guidelines. However, the league is now reviewing these policies.
“We need to ensure our policies reflect community expectations while respecting everyone’s right to participate,” Matthews explained. “This is a complex issue requiring careful consideration.”
The incident comes amid broader debates about transgender participation in sport, with various codes grappling with balancing inclusion and competitive fairness.
Netball Australia reiterated its support for trans inclusion while acknowledging community concerns. We believe sport should be for everyone, but we also understand local leagues need to make decisions based on their specific circumstances,” a spokesperson said.
Former Australian netball captain Liz Ellis urged caution in the debate. “One incident shouldn’t define policy. We need evidence-based approaches that consider player welfare without discriminating against anyone.”
The banned players have engaged legal representation, with their lawyer arguing the exclusion violates anti-discrimination laws.
Our clients have been banned not for their actions, but for who they are,” said lawyer Patricia Williams. The collision was a normal sporting incident being used to justify discrimination.
Video analysis of the incident shows Aranui and the Romsey player contesting for the ball, with contact occurring as both players moved toward the same space. Such collisions are not uncommon in netball, though the size differential between the players has been noted.
Netball is a contact sport despite the no-contact rules,” explained former umpire Robert Morrison. Players collide all the time. The question is whether this was notably different from typical play.”
Some players in the league have expressed mixed feelings about the situation.
“I want everyone to be able to play, but I also want to feel safe on court,” said one player who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s not an easy issue to resolve.”
The incident has attracted attention from politicians, with some calling for clearer state-wide policies on transgender participation in community sport.
“Local leagues shouldn’t be left to navigate these complex issues alone,” said state MP Rebecca Thompson. We need consistent, fair policies across all sports.
Trans advocates worry the ban could discourage participation from an already marginalised community.
Many trans people already avoid sport due to discrimination,” noted Alex Murray from Transcend Australia. “Bans like this only reinforce those barriers.”
The RDFNL has announced it will conduct a comprehensive review, including consultation with players, medical experts, and the broader community.
“We want to get this right,” Matthews said. “That means listening to all voices and finding a path forward that works for everyone.”
Some have suggested exploring alternative solutions, such as open divisions or modified rules, though others argue this would undermine inclusion efforts.
“Separate isn’t equal,” argued LGBTQ+ advocate Jamie Chen. “We need to find ways to include everyone in mainstream competition.”
The Romsey club has remained notably quiet on the issue, releasing only a brief statement supporting “player welfare and fair competition for all.”
Meanwhile, other leagues are watching closely, aware that similar issues could arise in their competitions.
Every sporting body is grappling with this,” admitted one league administrator. “There’s no perfect solution that satisfies everyone.”
Medical experts have called for more research into injury risks in community sport involving transgender athletes.
We need data, not assumptions,” said sports physician Dr Michael Roberts. Most community sport involves varied body types anyway. We should base policies on evidence.”
The banned players continue to train with their club while awaiting the review outcome, with Melton Central maintaining they remain valued team members.
This is about more than sport,” the club’s president said. “It’s about belonging and community. We won’t abandon our players.”
As the review proceeds, both sides of the debate are marshalling arguments, aware that the outcome could set precedents for community sport across Australia.
Whatever decision is made will have ramifications beyond this league,” observed sports sociologist Dr Helen Walsh. “That’s why getting it right is so important.”
For now, the league continues without Aranui and Kale-Ee, while the community remains divided on whether their exclusion represents necessary caution or unjust discrimination.
The review is expected to take several weeks, with the league promising transparent consultation throughout the process. Until then, the debate over inclusion, safety, and fairness in community sport continues.
