In with the NEW: Mystics Captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson
“At First I Didn’t Want Change… These New Rules are Great for the Fan Experience”
It’s a big year for new rules and new vibes - let’s see what players, coaches and officials think of all of the ANZ Premiership’s changes!
Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson is celebrating her 10th year with her beloved club this year, and from when she started on court as a young 19-year-old to now, she’s seen a fair bit of change! Here she chats about some of the ANZ Premiership rule changes, the ones she’s most excited about and what rule changes she would make if she could!
It’s a BIG year for the ANZ Premiership this year, with plenty of new rule changes - and of course the one that everyone is talking about is the introduction of the two-point shot. What do you think about this new rule, and how will it change the way games are umpired?
At first I didn’t want it to change as I liked it how it was, but now we’ve been playing it I find it super exciting! I don’t think the new rules will change the umpiring however, the umpires will have to be clear on whether it was a two or one point shot.
Coaches will now be able to be in a designated spot in front of the bench, which will mean more engagement with their players. Does this change anything for you in terms of keeping control, or guiding, the game?
Definitely not, I think it adds to it. I often relay messages to the team from the coaches this allows the coaches to give the messages even clearer. I think it also allows them to communicate with us easier.
And we will now be able to hear live umpire audio with the aim of improving clarity. What are your thoughts on this, and have you been preparing for this change?
I really like it, I got to experience it on the Northern Tour with the Silver Ferns and I thought it was great. I think for the fan experience and people who don’t know the symbols for the calls I think this is a great way to bring them into the game.
Do you think the new rules were a long time coming, and are you excited by them?
I wouldn’t say they are a long time coming, yet, I do think they will be great for those who are in the stadiums and get a real feel for the intensity and vibe of the game!
All sports have to evolve with the times, new technology and the ever-increasing physicality of players. What do you think the biggest changes have been on court in recent times, and is there anything that surprises you now?
I think the biggest changes of recent times will be these rule changes. I think this will really highlight how people can adapt between the one point and two point shot and the strategies.
If you could change one rule, what would it be?
Ohhh, I’m not to sure! But maybe on a centre pass when it’s Mystics ball & the other teams’ GA & WA break, we should get to take a free pass at the transverse line.