Shane Heal has sued the Sydney Flames after being suspended as head coach after multiple bullying complaints were raised against him.
Heal, who has been notably absent from the WNBL since January, filed Federal Court proceedings last week seeking penalties and orders preventing his termination from the Flames.
After multiple players approached the club with bullying complaints against Heal in early January, the Flames opted to carry out its own independent investigation and suspended the then-head coach while this took place.
The Flames have received the results of this investigation and have issued a show cause notice to Heal, a former international player, before possibly firing him from the team.
In his lawsuit, Heal alleges that the club contravened employment law by suspending him, requiring that he remain absent from the workplace, and making findings of misconduct against him on February 3.
Sydney Flames owner Paul Smith and president Victoria Denholm are also alleged to have been involved in these breaches.
In a statement on Tuesday, the club criticised Heal's lawsuit.
"The Sydney Flames maintain the current legal proceedings instigated by Mr Heal are simply an effort to delay or block the Sydney Flames from bringing its current process to a conclusion," the club said.
"What sits at the heart of this matter is player safety and welfare. That is our sole concern at this time, and we will always maintain focus on that.
"The Sydney Flames see no merit in Mr Heal's current legal manoeuvring and will defend Mr Heal's Court proceedings vigorously and to its full extent."
Heal's daughter, Shyla Heal, was also released from the Flames on February 1 for "personal reasons" after being absent for three games.
"The club has cleared the way for Shyla to seek other playing opportunities," the Flames said at the time.
"The Flames would like to thank Shyla for her contribution to our club over the past two seasons and wish her all the best in her future endeavours."
She will spend the remainder of the season playing for Townsville Fire.
Her father's case will next come before the Federal Court on February 15.