YNA member Chesne Harrison, in a letter to the Tribune, said changes were needed due to issues about representative selection of local players and the communication of information from the voluntary board members.

Ms Harrison said selection of players to represent Yass at regional tournaments included players from outside Yass Valley.

“Some of the kids playing get some raw deals – they play in the local competition but don’t get chosen to play for Yass. 

“It’s not based on merit,” she said.

Ms Harrison said she believed at least two former committee members had left because of the organisation of YNA.

Ms Harrison also said information about season draws and meetings were often not published and distributed to members.

“It’s not possible to get a season draw, only a weekly one online.

“Maybe it’s time for each time to be represented at meetings again so everyone will know what is happening,” she said.

However, YNA president Gennene Kemp has rejected those claims by Ms Harrison.

The former committee members had “resigned from their positions for personal reasons,” Ms Kemp said.

On representative selection, Ms Kemp said it was a requirement for all representative players to be registered players of YNA’s competitions.

“There are no exceptions to this rule,” she said.

“We [currently] have two new players (out of a possible 50) from outside the Yass district competition,” she said.

Information about draws were published and available on the YNA website, Ms Kemp said.

“For me, it had always been about the kids and the sport. I’m extremely proud of the past eight years I’ve put into Yass Netball Association,” she said.

Representative selector Marnie Pack said Ms Harrison’s comments did not support the voluntary efforts of members to grow the sport.

“Others seem to forget that people who run sports in Yass give up their personal time to do it so we don’t have to travel to play,” she said.

”The people who run our clubs and association are volunteers who help our children to have opportunities to be active and live healthier lives.”

Ms Pack said YNA volunteers have contributed to growing netball in Yass.

“The growth rates of sports in Yass alone come and go in waves and this can be evident from a conversation from any of our club or association members.

“YNA at a glance from my view looks healthy and numbers are strong,” she said.

Ms Pack said that those who had concerns could voice them at general meetings or the next annual general meeting (AGM), which is at 12pm on February 4 at the Yass Soldiers Club.

“Teams in the competition and residents are encouraged to attend meetings and AGMs to put forward any concerns about the association or to just know what is happening within the YNA community,” she said.