A new policy has been implemented in Australian women’s basketball aimed at breaking down the barriers that pregnancy and childcare had previously presented for players.
A parental and pregnancy care policy was announced by the Australian Basketballers’ Association and the Women’s National Basketball League on Wednesday, providing players in the national league access to the full provision of a qualified carer or player-elected support personnel for all away trips.
The policy also provides additional care and financial support for mothers with children up to the age of four on away trips, with additional support costs provided in addition to a players’ other salary and entitlements.
Jacob Holmes, the ABA’s chief executive, welcomed the policy, which follows last year’s introduction of an agreement to ensure players receive industry-standard conditions, including a minimum wage of $7,500, up from the previous range of $0 to $5,000.
“The policy represents a crucial step forward in ensuring improved player conditions within the WNBL and gives our players a chance to succeed at the highest level,” Holmes said. “This is a basic right for our players and vital to the professionalism of the league.”
The Dandenong Rangers player Rachel Jarry said it represented another important step in creating a sustainable and foundational competition for current and future players.
“As elite athletes, we want to be able to perform at our best at all times, but also feel supported on and off the court,” Jarry said. “We can now make choices for our families, without the uncertainty over our playing contracts, and know that the player’s association and league provide players with their full support.”
The policy, which mirrors a similar agreement introduced in Super Netball two years ago, was implemented in round one of this season and will be backdated.
