Netball coach Tracy Wallace has received a lifetime ban from all child-related netball activities in Victoria after a tribunal found she bullied, humiliated, and abused multiple young players over many years. The ban was imposed by Netball Victoria in April of last year, but an appeal to the National Sports Tribunal (NST) led to a temporary reduction. However, Netball Victoria successfully appealed this decision, resulting in the reinstatement of the lifetime ban this week.
Findings Against Wallace
The tribunal confirmed numerous allegations against Wallace, including the use of aggressive language and tone in the presence of children between May 2017 and January 2025. Specific findings detail instances of swearing, belittling, and derogatory remarks. In one incident in 2018, Wallace reportedly screamed abuse at a player who told her to "stop and shut up" during an argument with umpires, telling the child to "get the f*** out of the stadium." Another instance in 2021 involved Wallace calling a child "so s***," questioning her ability to hold a ball, and referring to her as ugly and a "slapper."
Wallace also faced accusations of using her position to obtain information about players and parents. The tribunal found that she maintained a fake social media account under the name 'Alex Fang' in 2017 to gather details. Furthermore, evidence indicated Wallace kept a "dirt file" on parents and players and engaged in conversations with a child about "schoolyard gossip" and "matters related to relationships with boys" between 2021 and 2023.
Inappropriate Conduct and Abuse
Beyond verbal abuse, the tribunal found that Wallace engaged in inappropriate contact with a child, making phone calls and sending messages that exceeded professional boundaries. She was also found to have encouraged and participated in conversations of a sexual nature with a child, discussing private details and whether a girl was "having sex in her school bathroom."
Wallace was also criticized for comments about a player's weight, telling a child she was "too fat" and needed to "lose weight," and forcing an injured child to continue playing. In one incident at a 2025 pre-season camp, Wallace punished four children with inappropriate language and forced them to swim underwater in front of their peers, causing humiliation. The tribunal determined this behavior was intended to "embarrass, humiliate and punish the four girls" and reinforce her authority.
Wallace also punished a child by forcing her to change into a sports bra in view of others, leading to embarrassment. Parents provided evidence detailing the "significantly detrimental psychological effect" the camp had on their children. The tribunal also upheld allegations that Wallace victimized or fabricated stories about a child who had left her team.
Association Culture and Coaching Partner
The tribunal noted that Wallace's misconduct occurred within a context of a "results-driven" and "win-at-all-costs" culture at the Westside Saints and the St Albans Caroline Springs Netball Association (SACSNA) between May 2017 and January 2025. This culture demanded "unqualified respect and obedience" from children and parents, with complaints about coaching methods reportedly not being encouraged or acted upon.
Wallace's long-term coaching partner, Darren Adam Abela, has pleaded guilty to multiple child sex offences, though these are unrelated to the findings against Wallace. Abela worked closely with Wallace at the Westside Saints. The tribunal found that complaints made against Wallace were often referred back to the association for investigation, with no apparent action taken.
Netball Victoria argued in its appeal that Wallace's conduct was "undeniably extremely serious" and demonstrated a "contumelious disregard for the policies and child-safeguarding obligations." The association also submitted that Wallace had shown "little, if any, remorse or contrition" and that the "damage she did to children under her care was substantial."