NETBALL CHAT column with Linda Bunch

WITH the end of season comes the associated celebrations.

As I wrote last week with senior netball, these celebrations are the "girls night out” at the presentation dinner. Celebrating the winners, commiserate with the losers, encourage each other for next season, thanking the organisers and those who give their time so willingly and do the hundred jobs, both seen and unseen that bring fixtures, competitions, seasons and sporting groups together for all to participate in, benefit from and enjoy.

Today I note the differences in celebration codes and ethics amongst various sports. Netball has no Mad Monday, not in your face; spread all over the television, newspaper and social media attention seeking (and getting) photos and stories.

No drunken rages and police involvements and no need of public apologies to fans in the days following a netball final.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying netballers are saints and do no evil.

Believe me, they play and party hard, both here on the local scene and without a doubt in Australian domestic and international levels also.

But I have to wonder, why do the sports that have the market share of sponsors dollars, prime time television rights and high-profile nationally recognisable players also seem to have this endless need for publicity, not always of the positive variety.

Men and male sports seem to be at the crux of this issue, although I believe an apology from a certainly female tennis player of late would go a long way in her favour. Yes, they deserve to celebrate their season but secure a private venue away from the cameras.