Muslim players from the City West Netball Club have been scrutinised by the State Netball Association, disallowing the girls from competing whilst wearing traditional headscarves.

President of the association, Ms Sharon Ball, claims that the girls look “ridiculous” wearing modest long clothing underneath the netball uniform and attributes the ban to “dress code concerns”.

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Association president Ms Ball defended the ban as a matter of uniform policy, but critics argue it effectively sidelines Muslim players. A local MP stressed the importance of protecting cultural freedom, while the mother of an affected player said the ruling forces her daughter to choose between her faith and the sport she loves.

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Association president Sharon Ball said the rule was about “equity” and maintaining a single dress code, not racism .

But local MP Darrin Lee argued the scarf undermines social integration, while the mother of one affected player said the ban fuels alienation in the Muslim community .

Ino （Yidan Sun）

State Netball officials argue the ban ensures uniformity and equity across teams. But families say the ruling forcefully attempts assimilation, unfairly excluding them from the sport.

President of State Netball Association, Sharon Ball commented, “I’m not a racist-it’s a question of dress code” when justifying the ban.

Mona Samander, a mother of one of the many players impacted expressed her concern stating that, “to ban headscarves is an extreme measure that only adds to feelings of alienation and victimisation” of these young women.

Two Sentences: Association president Sharon Ball defended the decision as a matter of uniform dress code, saying “one rule for all”.

But local MP Darrin Lee argued the ban protects integration, while parents condemned it discriminatory and harmful to Muslim girls’ participation in sport.

SNA president Ms Bell confirmed the ban, saying it was introduced to ensure “uniformity” among players.

However, a local MP argued the rule undermines religious freedom, while the mother of one affected player said her daughter now feels excluded from the sport.

The decision sparked controversy, with the association’s president arguing players should not be compelled to cover up, calling headscarves with uniforms “ridiculous.”