The Suncorp Super Netball league has announced today the introduction of the two-goal Super Shot for the 2020 season, kicking-off August 1.
The decision to bring the Super Shot into Super Netball was made by the Super Netball Limited, the league commission established by Netball Australia to help innovate and grow the commercial opportunities within the SSN.
While Netball Australia fully endorses the new rule, the Super Shot will only be used in the SSN and is not proposed to be rolled out into any other form of netball, including grassroots, DUANL and international matches.
Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner says that discussions about the inclusion of a two-goal shot have been held for years and that she is excited to see how the new rule unfolds.
“Super Netball Limited was established to ensure there was a dedicated focus on growing the sport entertainment value of the League and we are supportive of the Commission driving innovation and thinking differently about how the game is presented.”
“The Super Shot has been discussed over a number of years now. It’s been a rich debate and there’s a diversity of views about the 2-point shot, this year we’ll have the opportunity to see it in action.”
“There have been many innovations and rules changes in the game across our 90-year history. This is a significant one, and we look forward to the excitement it will add to this year’s Suncorp Super Netball.”
“For the Diamonds and the remainder of Netball in Australia, the game will not change, and the sport will continue to play by the International Netball Federations rules.”
Super Netball CEO Chris Symington explained that the new rule should see an evolution in scoring tactics, an increase in excitement and growth of the fan base.
“We know that the long shot is statistically more challenging, but the game has always been predicated on the ability for our shooters to score from anywhere in the circle,” he said.
“We want to encourage this spectacular element of our game and, when combined with the introduction of rolling substitutions this year, we believe the Super Shot will spark new tactics, further showcase the world-class skills of our athletes and add another level of hype and excitement to our matches.
“With the ever-growing competition for the attention of fans, the time is right to introduce an innovation that will make the game even more dynamic and unpredictable.”
The Super Shot is one of three new rules being introduced into the league for 2020, joining a new extra-time rule and rolling substitutions.
The 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season will get underway on August 1, with more details on fixturing and potential ticket sales to be announced in the coming weeks.
