Netball bigwigs face backlash over oranges ban Article from: The Courier-Mail
By Robyn Ironside
March 20, 2009 12:00am
A JUICY stoush is brewing between Netball Queensland and citrus growers over the banning of oranges at games because of potential damage to teeth. The umbrella body for 82 netball associations has sanctioned the ban based on the high acid levels of oranges and the potential damage to children's teeth.
"Most of our associations have banned oranges at half-time or are discouraging coaches from offering oranges," said a Netball Queensland spokeswoman.
But Queensland Citrus Growers, which is about to roll out a major campaign promoting fruit at sports games, said it was outrageous to be discouraging children from eating fresh fruit.
State manager Chris Simpson said "citrus and kids' sport had been synonymous for generations". "I'd like to see medical research and evidence to prove fruit is unhealthy, particularly fresh citrus," Mr Simpson said.
Netball Queensland's consultant dietitian Kerry Leech said acidity was the problem.
"When players come off the court at half-time they're generally a bit dehydrated and the worst thing for teeth in that environment is acid, because it erodes the enamel," Ms Leech said. "So we're encouraging fluids to re-hydrate at half-time rather than eating half an orange."
Dr Derek Lewis from the Australian Dental Association's oral health committee agreed oranges and athletes were not a good mix.
Mr Simpson said his organisation was launching a campaign in which hundreds of mandarins would begiven away at sporting functions.
"If they're concerned about oranges, why not try an Imperial mandarin?"
I grew up eating oranges at halftime of my soccer games. It still happens today. Some parents do grapes now too as an alternative since there is less effort and mess involved. It is not like all the kids are doing is eating oranges. They are also consuming beverages so the oranges aren't staying on their teeth. I can't see why they think acidity is a problem.
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