Netball's uniform debacle hints at bigger problem for women in sport

The Australian netball team, the Diamonds, faced a significant distraction during the 2026 Commonwealth Games, not from their unexpected semi-final loss to Jamaica, but from a controversy surrounding their uniforms. Media coverage heavily focused on players tugging at ill-fitting dresses throughout matches, a detail that overshadowed the lopsided 99-38 victory over Tonga.

While some players, like Sophie Garbin, initially downplayed the issue, the persistent need for adjustments highlighted a deeper problem. As ABC journalist Britt Carter noted, "if a shooter has to pull it down more than 10 times in a quarter, how much of that energy could be re-directed?" This points to a tangible impact on performance, where focus is diverted from the game to managing uncomfortable attire.

“

if a shooter has to pull it down more than 10 times in a quarter, how much of that energy could be re-directed?

Beyond immediate performance impacts, the uniform debacle touches upon broader issues affecting women in sport. Research, including a recent survey of elite Australian athletes by the ABC and Deakin University, reveals that a quarter of female athletes have negative feelings about their body image, and 44% have experienced eating disorders or disordered eating. These figures are substantially higher than in the general population.

Sydney-based netballer Teigan O'Shannassy, who has a history of eating disorders, emphasizes the need for greater awareness of these struggles. She shared her own experiences during the Super Netball season, admitting discomfort with her team's dress and the difficulty of performing when feeling self-conscious. O'Shannassy's candidness underscores how uniform issues can exacerbate body image concerns, creating significant barriers to participation and well-being for female athletes.

“

When you're playing in a dress in front of thousands of people you want to be able to perform, and don't want to have to think about how you look or how you feel in the dress. If you're struggling with your body image, having to do that and put on something that you don't want to wear, or you don't feel comfortable in, is really hard.