World Netball has announced the appointment of Fay Meiklejohn as the new Chair of the Rules Advisory Panel (RAP). The announcement, made earlier this week, signals a commitment to ongoing refinement and development of the sport’s regulations.
Meiklejohn’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for netball, as the sport continues to evolve and gain global recognition. The RAP plays a crucial role in ensuring the rules of the game are modern, fair, and promote a high level of competition. The panel is responsible for reviewing and recommending changes to the rules, taking into consideration feedback from players, coaches, umpires, and other stakeholders.
The move is part of a broader series of developments within World Netball. Recent announcements include the confirmation of dates for the FAST5 Netball World Series 2023, to be held in Christchurch. This event, known for its fast-paced and dynamic format, is a key component of the international netball calendar.
Beyond the FAST5 series, World Netball has also been actively involved in preparations for the Netball World Youth Cup 2025. Officials for the tournament have been announced, and the official match schedule was released in April of 2025. These steps demonstrate the organization’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of netball talent.
In a significant move to broaden the competitive landscape, World Netball introduced Cup and Plate competitions to the Netball World Cup 2027. This change aims to provide more meaningful matches for all participating teams, regardless of their world ranking. The introduction of these competitions reflects a desire to increase participation and enhance the overall experience for athletes and fans.
The global rankings themselves have also seen movement. The Isle of Man recently moved up five places in the WN World Rankings, highlighting the growing competitiveness of netball programs outside of the traditional powerhouses. Similarly, Wales achieved a milestone in January 2025, entering the top six of the World Netball rankings for the first time following an annual update.
Looking ahead, World Netball is actively planning for the future. Discussions have taken place with Brisbane 2032 CEO, Cindy Hook, regarding netball’s inclusion in the 2032 Olympic Games. This meeting underscores the organization’s ambition to elevate the sport’s profile on the world stage.
World Netball has announced plans to include netball in the Commonwealth Youth Games 2027 in Malta. This inclusion will provide a valuable platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the Commonwealth.
The Glasgow 2026 event schedule has also been unveiled, with the netball final slated for Sunday, August 2nd. This promises to be a highlight of the games, attracting a large audience and showcasing the excitement of netball to a global audience.
To enhance accessibility for fans, World Netball has partnered with NetballPass to provide live and on-demand coverage of top-ranked teams. This initiative aims to make the sport more accessible to fans around the world, allowing them to follow the action wherever they are.
In addition to expanding coverage, World Netball and TSC have launched a process to identify hosts for both the Netball World Cup and the inaugural Men’s Netball World Cup. This signifies a commitment to growing the sport at all levels, including the development of men’s netball.
Finally, World Netball has secured a deal with KitQueen, in partnership with Nike, to provide officials’ kits. This partnership ensures that officials are equipped with high-quality apparel, contributing to a professional and consistent officiating experience.
The appointment of Fay Meiklejohn as RAP Chair is the latest in a series of strategic moves by World Netball to strengthen the sport’s foundations and position it for continued growth. With a focus on rule development, global expansion, and increased accessibility, World Netball is demonstrating a clear vision for the future of the game.
