Netball Hoping for Different IOC Approach to Gender Equity -- Federations Focus

(ATR) The president of the International Netball Federation says a change in the way the IOC looks at gender equity under the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms could help her sport.

Molly Rhone says her sport, as one played by primarily women, has its advantages and its disadvantages.

"Every time we meet with the sports department at the IOC, we normally ask the question, 'Is it that netball is not in [the Olympics] because it doesn't have men playing at the same level?'"

The IOC, Rhone says, would be better served by viewing gender equity across the whole Olympic program rather than on a sport-by-sport basis.

"If a sport is predominantly played by men ... it shouldn't be judged that way. Similarly [for] netball, which is played primarily played by women, they all should be ... looked at on their own merit."

Rhone says the lack of men has a positive effect in making inroads in certain countries.

"That helps in some areas of the world where women are marginalized and would like to play a sport where they don't see a lot of men around it."

Even if strides are made toward gender equity, Rhone knows there are "many, many, many of us" competing to join the program.

"There still is a process. There are many core sports and sports would have to be dropped before other sports are added. There is still some way to go.

"Every sport's dream is to be included in the Olympics. That's the pinnacle of sport."

Because it is "not as well known" as some of those other sports, Rhone says it will continue building its profile through continental events like the Commonwealth Games, Southeast Asian Games, and African Youth Games with an eye toward joining the Pan Am Games and Asian Games.

Rugby Picks Venues for Japan 2019

(ATR) Twelve cities across Japan will see Rugby World Cup action in 2019.

World Rugby has chosen Sapporo, Kamaishi, Kumagaya, Tokyo, Yokohama, Shizuoka Prefecture, Toyota, East Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Oita Prefecture to host matches during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Venues were chosen based on stadium size and quality, nearby training facilities, and transport and accommodation, with an eye also on providing geographical variance between host cities.

Speaking in Dublin on Feb. 3, Rugby World Cup chairman Bernard Lapasset called the announcement a "milestone" in RWC 2019 preparations.

"We know exactly where the matches will be staged in Japan and, more importantly, the people of those cities and fans around the world can start planning for the big event," Lapasset said.

"As it’s the first time a Rugby World Cup will take place in Asia, it will be an important milestone for us as we continue to make good on our commitment to grow the global game."

Written by Nick Devlin and Andrew Murrell

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