Netball Fiji has been warned not to use delaying tactics to prolong the court action taken by sacked national coach Melissa Walker for wrongful dismissal.
Mrs Walker has filed claims amounting to $40,000, saying she has not been paid by Netball Fiji since she started work in Fiji.
Magistrate Mary Muir warned Netball Fiji lawyers who represented officials Milika Munivai, Christina and Patricia Rokoua that she would not entertain delaying tactics because the matter had become a national issue.
Ms Muir gave the warning when Netball Fiji lawyer asked for more time.
Netball Fiji is disputing Ms Walker's claims.
"I don't want the case to be dragged on, let me remind you that I will not have that," Ms Muir said.
"How is it that Netball Fiji needs more time because they are disputing the claims. I am sure they knew about her claims when she was abruptly sacked."
She added that delaying tactics would not do the defence any good. She said Mrs Walker's situation was critical as a foreigner whose visa depended on the case and the fact that the former netball coach was having financial difficulties.
Netball Fiji and its officials, including the unrepresented Wati Seeto, have been given two weeks to file their written submissions for the dispute and Ms Walker's lawyer, Laurel Vaurasi, has been given three days thereafter to respond.
Mrs Walker's contract was terminated in September this year for violating her contract.
Her alleged violation was talking to the media about her contract and her claims.
The matter will again be heard on December 18.
