Netball Australia today confirmed it has completed an investigation under its Integrity Framework with respect to Sarah Klau who, following an incident on 7 June this year, pled guilty to a charge of common assault. That matter was dismissed by the courts on 3 September 2026.
The Integrity Framework includes the Netball Australia Code of Conduct which covers Sarah’s responsibilities as both an Australian Diamond and Super Netball athlete.
Netball Australia has found that Sarah has breached the Code of Conduct by:
- failing to behave in a professional manner while in public so as not to compromise the reputation of Netball Australia, netball and/or the NSW Swifts; and
- engaging in conduct that did or could bring the game of netball, Netball Australia and/or the NSW Swifts into disrepute.
- Netball Australia established that the conduct of 7 June warrants formal disciplinary action noting the seriousness of the charge and the clear standards that are reasonably expected of an elite athlete representing Netball Australia and a Super Netball Club.
The following sanctions have been proposed, and accepted by Sarah:
- $5,000 fine; and
- Two match suspension which is wholly suspended for 12 months and will be activated in the event of a future Code of Conduct breach.
In addition, Sarah will be required to complete additional education. She has also received a formal reprimand making clear the standards that are expected of an elite athlete representing the Australian Diamonds.
In determining the sanction, Netball Australia considered Sarah’s individual circumstances and her otherwise exemplary personal history. Sarah has also accepted full responsibility for her actions and has demonstrated genuine remorse for her conduct and its impact on the victim. She has also apologised to both the venue and victim.
In confirming the outcome, Netball Australia Chief Executive Mark Falvo reiterated the seriousness in which this matter has been considered and that any act of violence is inconsistent with the expectations and obligations of any person involved in netball.
“We expect our athletes to demonstrate safe, respectful and professional behaviour both on and off the court. Where conduct falls short of those standards, our Integrity Framework provides a clear and fair process for addressing it and determining an appropriate outcome.
“On this occasion Sarah’s conduct represented a significant but momentary lapse in judgement, and one that has been mitigated by her otherwise excellent character and behavioural history. We also acknowledge that Sarah has expressed genuine remorse for her actions and has recommitted to the high standards expected of our athletes.”
