Netball: Judicial hearing finds ANZ netball umpires justified in Fa'amu Ioane send off

Fa'amu Ioane (right). Photo / Nick Reed.

A judicial hearing has found ANZ netball Premiership umpires were justified in the suspension and ordering off of Northern Stars midcourter Fa'amu Ioane.

Correct processes were followed in making the decision in the round two match against the Mystics, however the judicial officer says there's the possibility of rule changes for the second half of this season to ensure the process is clear.

The Stars defender was pointed off the court for "persistent infringing" in the fourth quarter of the game, leaving the Northern side with only six players to finish the match.

The judicial officer has also found the way in which the suspension of Ioane was described by the umpire created confusion but ultimately the decision was justified.

Recommendations for possible rule-changes in the ANZ Premiership have been made following the judicial hearing.

ANZ Premiership Commissioner Kate Agnew said the thorough review had raised some areas of interest regarding the processes around warnings and suspensions, which could be addressed mid-season.

"Because it is a rare occurrence in Netball to have a player ordered off we need to ensure that the process is well-supported and clear for officials to implement and athletes and teams to understand," she said.

"The judicial hearing has given us the opportunity to address some of these areas which may result in an update of or addition to the ANZ Premiership rules."

"The ANZ Premiership continues to fully support umpires decision-making in line with the 2018 Game Management Rules. All parties involved with the ANZ Premiership need to understand and recognise their responsibilities within the competition and any potential consequences of their actions," Agnew said.