ARMIDALE DISTRICT NETBALL ASSOCIATION
A General Meeting of the Armidale District Netball Association will be held at 6.30pm on Wednesday 13th March 2013, in the Clubhouse at the Lynches Road Netball Courts.
Jo-Ann Sozou Secretary
AGENDA
1. PRESENT
APOLOGIES
2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes for the Meeting held 30th November 2012 are tabled for confirmation.
3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
4. ACTION SHEET
NIL
5. CORRESPONDENCE IN Type Date From Subject/Description Email 21/11/2012 Donna Keeping Rep Trials Email 21/11/2012 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports November Sports Council Meeting Council) Email 23/11/2012 Kelly Walton (Netball NSW) Netball NSW November Extra Ordinary Council Meeting minutes & November Council Meeting minutes Email 26/11/2012 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports November Sports Council Minutes Council) Email 26/11/2012 Monique Smith (Netball NSW) 2013 Netball NSW Key Date Calendar Email 27/11/2012 Monique Smith (Netball NSW) 2013 Policies and Procedures and Rules for Championships and Competitions Document Email 29/11/2012 Phoebe Munro (Netball NSW) B-Camp 2013 – registrations Email 29/11/2012 Monique Smith (Netball NSW) Dept Sport & Rec Courses & Workshops 2013 Email 01/12/2012 Armidale Bowling Club Sponsorship BBQ Email 03/12/2012 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports Armidale Sports Council Newsletter Council) – December 2012 Email 05/12/2012 Kelly Walton (Netball NSW) Netball NSW Policies Email 06/12/2012 Rosa Comis (Netball NSW) 2013 State Age Teams Special Events Email 07/12/2012 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports NSW Sports Federation December Council) Newsletter Email 08/12/2012 Del Smidt (NEGS) NEGS 2013 Netball Co-Ordinator Email 10/12/2012 Monique Smith (Netball NSW) Play by the Rules Email 11/12/2012 Jan Simpson (Netball NSW) National Director of Umpiring Email 12/12/2012 Dianne Brown (Netball NSW) Coach Convenor Camp Email 12/12/2012 Battlewin Sports Tape Strapping tape catalogue Email 13/12/2012 Monique Smith (Netball NSW) Netball NSW School Holiday Clinics 2013 Email 13/12/2012 Monique Smith (Netball NSW) 2013 Key Date Calendar Update Email 19/12/2012 Rosa Comis (Netball NSW) Memo from Carolyn Campbell Email 08/01/2013 Monique Smith (Netball NSW) New Coaching Course Costs 2013 Email 10/01/2013 Kristy Guthrie (Netball NSW) 2013 - Community Engagement Email 11/01/2013 Monique Smith (Netball NSW) 2013 Northern Inland Notes and Important Date Email 14/01/2013 ADNA Registrar ADNA 2013 Calendar Email 14/01/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports Workshops for Coaches, Players Council and Sports Supporters Email 15/01/2013 Katherine Harris Under 13's Rep enquiry Email 22/01/2013 Rosa Comis (Netball NSW) Invitation; National Canteen Research Email 25/01/2013 Rosa Comis (Netball NSW) Further Information Regarding The State Age Zone Email 30/01/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports Media Release: NSW Sports Grants Council Open Email 31/01/2013 Kathleen Gifford Team enquiry Email 01/02/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports StrapSmart Workshop - Armidale, Council 20 March, 2013 Email 03/02/2013 ADNA Registrar ADNA Netball Contacts 2013 Email 05/02/2013 Rosa Comis (Netball NSW) Friendly reminder Re: State Age Zone Email 08/02/2013 Rosa Comis (Netball NSW) Level 1 and Reaccreditation 2013 Email 10/02/2013 Amy Quirk (Netball NSW) Netta Rule Changes and NetSetGO! Program Changes 2013 Email 11/02/2013 Nikki Yates Rep Netball Email 12/02/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports HACC Food Safety Training Council Email 12/02/2013 ADNA Registrar Armidale Netball Season 2013 Email 19/02/2013 Monique Smith (Netball NSW) Level 1 Umpire Courses 2013 Email 22/02/2013 Rochelle Joyce Liz Ellis Clinic Email 28/02/2013 Rosa Comis (Netball NSW) Lets Play Netball! Email 28/02/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports Player Levy Changes 2013 Council Email 01/03/2013 Jan Simpson (Netball NSW) Bench Officials Work shop Email 01/03/2013 Kelly Walton (Netball NSW) AGM Papers, 2012 Netball NSW Annual Report and Council Meeting Papers Email 04/03/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports NE 12 Hours In The Piney, Armidale - Council Where's your team? - Saturday 23 March 2013 Email 05/03/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports Team Managers Course - Council Armidale Email 07/03/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports Armidale Sports Council - Minutes Council 5th March 2013. Email 07/03/2013 James Boland Liz Ellis Clinic Enrolment Email 08/03/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports Armidale Sports Council Newsletter Council Email 09/03/2013 Kaye Sweeney Tamworth Rep Carnival 7 April, 2013 Email 09/03/2013 Alice Hudson Registration enquiry – Looking for a team Email 11/03/2013 Alex Kentish (Armidale Sports Upcoming Courses.... Grants, Council Strategic Business Planning, Resolving Conflict, Leadership & The Role of the Board Email 11/03/2013 Kelly Walton (Netball NSW) Netball NSW Memo Invoice 21/12/2012 Optus Internet Invoice 21/12/2012 Telstra Phone Invoice 21/12/2012 Jackson’s Quality Meat Canteen Invoice 04/02/2013 Optus Internet Invoice 04/02/2013 Telstra Phone Invoice 04/02/2013 Optus Internet Invoice 04/02/2013 Telstra Phone Letter 04/02/2013 Moin & Associates Sports Law – Disciplinary tribunals & legal requirement Letter 04/02/2013 Netball NSW Notice of elections – 2013 Letter 06/03/2013 Mrs Helen Wicks Sun smart initiatives
6. CORRESPONDENCE OUT NIL
7. BUSINESS ARISING
8. REPORTS PRESIDENT (If required) TREASURER UMPIRE CONVENOR REP-LIAISON OFFICER COACHING CO-ORDINATOR REORDER’S/REGISTRAR GROUNDS CANTEEN PUBLICITY SPORTS COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
9. GENERAL BUSINESS
3 Donegal Tce Armidale NSW 2350 20th November 2012
The President Armidale District Netball Association P.O. Box 1209 ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Dear Madam
RE: SUN PROTECTION POLICY AND UNIFORMS
My daughter has played netball for 6 very enjoyable years with ADNA. The past two years she has played with CSC. The uniforms that CSC and various other teams in the senior divisions wear are the “bodysuit” style of uniform.
As Armidale is situated 980 metres above sea level we are exposed to high levels of UV light. While my daughter wears sunscreen when she is playing netball I feel that the bodysuit uniform doesn’t protect her very well from sunburn. I have also written a letter to CSC asking them to consider a uniform change.
Netball Australia has a Junior Netball Policy (5-17) which mentions under its environment section the following: Organisers of netball competitions and events have a responsibility to protect young people, to the greatest extent practical, from the dangers of sun exposure. Young people should be encouraged or obligated to wear appropriate clothing and soft brimmed visors, and apply a 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin. Netball organisers should also maximise the provision of shaded areas at venues and events, or even erect artificial shades.
So I am writing to ask ADNA if they would consider introducing some Sunsmart policies to protect our children. I have enclosed a copy of the Sun Protection Policy for Sporting Groups from the NSW Cancer Council for you to consider. You may also like to consider using the Sun Sound is a short, catchy jingle designed to be played at regular intervals on loud speakers in outdoor areas, as a friendly reminder for young people to protect their skin with hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothing and finding shade.
Thank you
Helen Wicks
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY INTRODUCTION
t is with pleasure that I introduce you to the Netball This policy has been adopted by the Board of Netball IAustralia Junior Netball Policy. This policy document Australia in accordance with the Netball Australia and framework is designed to assist all netball constitution and applies to all Netball Australia members administrators, coaches and volunteers in the including affiliated associations and affiliated clubs. development and provision of safe, healthy and fun environments in which young people can participate in The Junior Netball Policy has been developed in a way netball. that provides associations, clubs and schools with a means of quickly referencing key issues and strategies to This policy applies to junior netball programs covering assist them in developing their own policies for junior participants aged between 5 – 17 years. netball. In particular, the Junior Netball Policy will help: • create safe and supportive environments for enjoyable Netball Australia recognises the importance of providing participation to encourage lifelong involvement; the opportunity for all young Australians to engage in • provide an environment for the development of skills, netball in a way that brings them satisfaction, good cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal health; health, fun, recognition and provides valuable learnings • foster social benefits and encourage good sporting to those young participants. To this end, the Junior behaviour; Netball Policy will assist netball clubs and affiliated • provide equal opportunities for all young people to associations, schools, community sport service participate in netball programs and competitions; organisations and other groups responsible for the • encourage and actively cater for talented young sports development, organisation and conduct of junior netball. people; • develop a consistent and co-ordinated approach to all The Junior Netball Policy has been developed in netball programs in both the school and the collaboration with the eight State/Territory Netball community. Associations across Australia, together with a number of qualified coaches, teachers, parents and netball The Junior Netball Policy has been developed by Netball administrators. Australia for the benefit of all Australians. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Australian Sports It provides a framework and a direction to those with a Commission for its direction and encouragement in duty of care to young netballers. With a strong emphasis preparing this policy. We also warmly acknowledge the on safety, risk management and duty of care issues it is many hundreds of thousands of volunteers who will vital that all netball providers carefully consider this policy enact this policy through their role as supporters of junior and adopt the relevant sections. netball, and we thankyou for your commitment and dedication. Junior sport participation has many benefits including contributing to health and wellness by providing The Netball Australia Junior Sport Framework will ensure increased activity levels and reducing stress, and helping that opportunities for young Australians to develop and to build a positive self-image. It also offers a range of enrich their lives through the sport of netball will social benefits such as: continue to flourish. • developing life skills (e.g. communication, concentration, commitment); • learning responsibility and discipline; Lindsay Cane • learning how to work with others in team Chief Executive Officer environments; Netball Australia • learning to cope with success and failure; • developing a sense of community, loyalty and cohesion; • helping gifted young people become aware they are role models for others. DISCLAIMER The information contained in this Netball Australia Junior Netball Policy is in the nature of general comment only, and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on a particular matter. Readers should obtain independent professional advice where appropriate and before acting on any of the legal or risk management issues contained in this Junior Netball Policy. No responsibility or liability can be accepted by Netball Australia or the authors for any loss, damage or injury that may arise from any person acting on any statement or information contained in this Junior Netball Policy.
© 2006 Netball Australia
COPYRIGHT: Except where permitted by law, no part of this Junior Netball Policy may be reproduced by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of Netball Australia.
2 CONTENTS
Attracting Young People to Netball and Keeping • Sexual Harassment ...... 21 Them Involved ...... 4 • Child Protection ...... 21 • How Should We Present Netball? ...... 4 • Use of Images ...... 23 • Motivators for Participation ...... 4 • Privacy ...... 23 • Ability ...... 5 • Health and Safety ...... 23 • Body Shape ...... 5 • Facilities and Equipment ...... 23 • Disability ...... 5 • Physiological Considerations...... 24 • Ethnicity ...... 5 Body Temperature Regulation ...... 24 • Gender and Sexuality ...... 5 Fluid Balance ...... 24 • Geographical Location ...... 6 Nutrition ...... 24 • Indigenous Australians...... 6 • The Environment ...... 24 • Socio-Economic Status...... 6 Weather Conditions ...... 24 Sun Protection ...... 24 Physical Growth and Maturation...... 7 • Training and Competition ...... 24 • Developmental Process ...... 7 • Infectious Diseases...... 25 • Implications for Netball ...... 8 • Medical Considerations ...... 25 • Programs, Training and Competition ...... 8 • Drugs ...... 26 • Talent Development ...... 9 • Weight Management ...... 27 • Table 1: • Dealing with Emergencies ...... 27 Stages of Development for Young People ...... 10 • Pregnancy ...... 27
Netball Pathways ...... 12 Glossary of Acronyms and Key Terms ...... 28 • Stages in Netball Progression ...... 12 • Planning the Progression ...... 12 Acknowledgements ...... 29 • Broad Experiences ...... 13 Fun Net ...... 13 Further Resources ...... 30 • Progression ...... 13 Netta – (Modified Netball) ...... 13 Website References ...... 30 • Advanced Progression ...... 13 • Specialisation ...... 13 Contacts for Junior Netball ...... 31 • Recreational Participation ...... 14 • Table 2: Progression for Junior Netball ...... 15 • Diagram 1: Netball Australia Elite Athlete Pathway ...... 16
Forming Links ...... 17 • Community Benefits ...... 17 • School / Club Relationship ...... 17
People Making it Happen ...... 18 • Codes of Behaviour ...... 18
Quality Coaching ...... 19 • Aims for Quality Coaching ...... 19 • Understanding Learning ...... 19 • Planning ...... 19 • Developing Effective Coaching Skills ...... 19
Safety Considerations and Legal Management for Netball ...... 20 • Vicarious Liability ...... 20 • Discrimination ...... 20
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY ATTRACTING YOUNG PEOPLE TO NETBALL & KEEPING THEM INVOLVED
etball Australia has developed programs and To encourage ongoing participation for young people, Npathways to assist in increasing the retention netball providers need to offer activities in a varied and rate of young people participating in sporting interesting way. Modifying netball to foster skill activities. The overall decline in participation rates development and to emphasise the social and fun throughout the sporting industry impacts significantly aspects will help to keep interest and allow satisfaction upon the individual who no longer chooses to for developing young participants. participate, and is particularly prevalent in young girls who have recently finished school. The promotion and encouragement of volunteer roles (e.g. coaching, officiating and administration) will also Netball should be planned around the needs of young assist in retaining young people within netball. people to make it a positive and quality experience for them. Young people want: HOW SHOULD WE PRESENT • to keep good friends and make new ones; NETBALL? • fun, excitement and enjoyment; Young people need to feel they are getting a fair go in • to experience challenge, achievement and their netball sporting opportunities and It is important personal responsibility; that netball is made to fit young people. Modified • to be personally satisfied; rules, games and equipment assist in doing this and • to use and improve their skills and to be healthy. help young people to experience success.
Development programs and modified versions of netball offer young people: • activities better suited to their capacities with a more suitable level of challenge; • the opportunity to develop skills in a rewarding and enjoyable environment. MOTIVATORS FOR PARTICIPATION Early netball experiences impact greatly on continued participation. It is important to understand what motivates young people to stay involved in netball, so we can develop and conduct programs which best cater for them.
Netball providers need to: • do all they can to make the netball experience for young people a safe and positive one; • listen to young people’s views and encourage constructive feedback to improve their netball experience.
All young people should have the fundamental right to be physically active and participate within netball. Netball Australia makes decisions based on principles of equity so that individuals are not affected negatively by ability, body shape, disability, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, geographical location and socio- economic status.>>
4 A number of netball programs have been developed which may be adapted for young people who fall within these categories. These programs also aim to address issues relating to access and equity, which are magnified when young people belong to more than one of the above groups. ABILITY Netball providers should be aware that young people develop both physically and psychologically at different rates. They need to recognise and accommodate different stages of learning and development within young people. It is important that all young people are given the opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of their current level of ability. BODY SHAPE Netball attracts participation by young people of all body shapes and sizes. Netball providers must take care not to judge a young person’s ability and interest by their body shape. They must ensure young people experience all court positions regardless of their current height or shape. This will maximise skill people, including those with a disability. This means diversity, enjoyment and future potential. providing a range of opportunities that: • require no adaptation and are fully inclusive of DISABILITY young people with disabilities; Netball recognises that young people with a disability • require some adaptation to include young people enjoy their netball experiences. Netball providers have with disabilities; a responsibility to create opportunities for all young • are only for young people with disabilities. ETHNICITY In netball, we encourage participation of young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds in order to: • accommodate real or perceived differences in opportunities; • promote cultural diversity in netball experiences for all young people; • provide access to a wider cross section of the Australian population; • enable young people from diverse backgrounds to compete at the highest levels. GENDER AND SEXUALITY Netball welcomes the opportunity for boys and girls to participate together, in either single sex or mixed gender competitions.>>
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY It is recognised that young people prefer the opportunity to individually choose specific competitions in which they would like to participate. It is important that netball providers create an environment that is welcoming and comfortable for people to participate, regardless of their gender or sexuality. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION Young people from rural and remote regions may be disadvantaged because of: • limited opportunities and facilities in the community; • the distances to travel for training, coaching and competitions; • the additional costs and time to participate; • the limited number of young people available to play; • fewer competition options; • restricted access to a high performance coaching environment.
Netball providers should identify opportunities to reduce barriers for participation. INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS Culturally relevant support offered by netball encourages participation by young indigenous people in netball.
Netball providers should: • encourage young indigenous people to participate in sport; • provide help with coaching and resources; • offer places to gifted young indigenous people in talent development programs. SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS Provision should be made to allow and encourage young people from a wide cross section of society to participate in netball programs, which will benefit both the individual participant and netball.
Above all, young people must be treated with respect regardless of their capabilities and experience a safe and responsible environment led by caring netball providers. Ultimately this will provide a rich netball experience for young people and result in continued retention of interest and supported talent development.
For further information regarding programs to assist these areas, contact the Development Officer in your local State/Territory Netball Association.
6 PHYSICAL GROWTH AND MATURATION
etball Australia recognises the diversity that These changes occur in the same sequence in comes with physical growth and maturation, everybody, but there are great individual differences Nand understands that young people grow and in: mature at different rates. Netball offers a range of • when puberty starts; opportunities/programs to cater for the needs of • how long puberty takes (it can be 18 months to 5 developing young people. Participation in netball can years); be more rewarding and safer for young people if • how much growth occurs in the adolescent growth netball providers: spurt. • adapt activities to their changing needs especially during periods of rapid growth; Adaptation occurs as a result of external rather than • judge performance according to a young person’s genetic factors. stage of development, and not by what others of the same age can do; The growth spurt in height happens first and is • leave decisions about specialisation as late as followed by the growth spurt in weight and strength possible. respectively.>> To assist in growth and development young people should be encouraged to participate in a wide range of sporting activities.
DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS The development of a child is driven by three distinct processes: growth, maturation and adaptation. These have important implications for training and competition.
Growth is the increase in overall body size with changes in muscle, bone and fat and this affects motor skills. Growth is complicated because: • different parts of the body grow at different rates; • periods of growth start and stop at different times.
Maturation is the genetically programmed series of changes leading to maturity.
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY It must be noted that pubertal growth begins in girls at around the age of 10 years and in boys at around the age of 12 years.
Young people may be at risk of dropping out of netball unless appropriate strategies are implemented and they are given the chance to fulfill their goals. This applies particularly to some early developing girls and late maturers who may be small for their age.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NETBALL Netball recognises the uneven spread in growth and maturation in young people. Recognition of individual needs within chronological age groupings, including emotional or psychological maturity, needs to be considered when determining the developmental status of a young person.
Netball activities should be organised so young people have positive experiences regardless of their developmental status and the focus should be on personal improvement, as opposed to comparison with others of the same age.
PROGRAMS, TRAINING AND COMPETITION For safety, young people must have qualified coaches who plan programs, training and competition schedules according to individual needs. These should be: • designed around the holistic needs of young people with consideration of their level of social, emotional and psychological maturation; • planned taking into account all physical activities undertaken by a young person; • adjusted on an ongoing basis so loading is progressive and matched to their developmental stage.
Training is beneficial for the best possible growth and development of young people. In addition, game based experiences are an important part of netball because it provides the challenge in advancing skills, health and social benefits.>>
8 interest to have them concerned about whether they are going to make the elite ranks. This concern could manifest in overtraining and be counter-productive. Training and competition schedules need to be planned around the holistic needs of each individual athlete and his/her family.
It is important for administrators, teachers, coaches and parents to understand the various stages of skill and social development that young people are experiencing, particularly during pre- adolescence. Recognising these general stages Challenging competition is of development will assist clubs and schools in only one element of the preparing developmentally appropriate development process programs for young people participating in and all junior netball netball. participants should be encouraged to Table 1 highlights the specific stages of development achieve, do their best for young people, and provides guidelines and and develop their full strategies on how to manage them effectively. sporting potential. The emphasis in junior netball competition should be on the quality of the experience and its appropriateness to the age and ability of the participants.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT Expert opinion is that young people should be encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities requiring a variety of motor skills before beginning to specialise in a single sport, event or position.
Some young people have the potential to become elite athletes and hence may wish to train seriously. Their progress is best catered for by: • delaying specialisation until mid adolescence; • graduated talent development programs based on quality coaching and talent management; • physical, psychological and social preparation for the demands of high level competition; • education about the societal role of elite athletes and the potential impact of success and failure on their lives.
While achieving and responding to challenges, young people must also have fun. It is not in their best
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY TABLE 1 - STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
SCHOOL-BASED APPROX AGE DEVELOPMENT RANGE SKILL DESCRIPTORS SOCIAL DESCRIPTORS STAGE (year)
Mastery of basic movement skills eg. throwing, Still egocentric. hitting, catching and running. S S Children work well individually, in pairs and in small groups. R T R
A Can build sequences of two or more skills. E A E Respond well to positive general feedback. E N Y
Y Effort more important than outcome. Y N Can follow simple instructions and visual cues. L 7 U R
- Responds to simple rules and games with F A
5 limited decision-making skills. E
Able to apply skills in more structured but Work well in pairs, small groups and teams.
Y modified games eg. Netta netball. S
R Respond well to constructive and positive feedback. R A Generally, girls are better at balance based A A M Can develop a strong sense of belonging. E I activities (eg. hop, skip, dance) and boys enjoy T R Y T explosive power based activities. P Cannot think through consequences of actions. E 0 E 1 N L Improve basic techniques.
- Emphasis on fun, equality and inclusion. D 8 D I Can better understand purpose of rules. M
Refine skills, and understanding of game Attracted to fun, belonging, competition and social opportunities. strategies. Modified rules and safety remain Can see sport as an opportunity for advanced freedom and
E important. S independence. C R N A
E Can select a sport to specialise in without being Skill differences because of pubertal differences become evident. Y E C L a “SPECIALIST” within it. S Y R Can understand basic concepts behind how sport is played. E A 4 L E 1
O Cannot depersonalise criticism. - D
1 May lack commitment to practice and patience. A 1 Will compare self with peers and peer acceptance is important. Family support still pivotal.
Consolidation, refinement and specialisation of Improved ability to understand consequences of actions. E
S skills.
C May participate for social status. R N A E
E End of puberty may demonstrate increased
L May carry unrealistic and media highlighted expectations of sporting E C
D muscle mass for strength and explosive power Y successes. S D E in males. I 6 L
1 Development of self-discipline. M O - Can evaluate strengths and weaknesses of own D 5
A play. 1
Continue skill specialisation and refinement. More realistic goals about sporting abilities in broad context of their
E Can meet increasing demands in performance. lives. C S N R Good abstract thinking skills.
E Continued increases in speed, strength and size. A E C T E S Slower rates of improvement in strength and Can generally cope with pressure from parents, coaches and others. A E Y L L endurance than during puberty. Greater security about body image. + O D 7 Sophisticated awareness of how their body A 1 moves in skill execution.
10 IMPLICATIONS FOR NETBALL RECREATIONAL PLAYERS OF NETBALL
Conduct Fun Net. At this age the emphasis should be on “play” and all activities should be focused on recreational participation (creative play). Relatively short training sessions (20-30 minutes). Build skills with simple sequences and lots of practice. Simple relays, and short games for young children eg. Rats and Rabbits. One or two quality cues per Fun Net session. Lots of prompts for creative play in and outside of the structured program.
Introduce sports specific skills such as throwing and catching with Progressive development of sequences leading to minor games of appropriately modified rules and equipment (Netta). Netta Netball. Incorporate problem solving, appropriate behaviour and cooperative play Emphasis on building competence and confidence in basic skills and techniques. movement challenges. Can develop a sense of team work. Target equality of opportunities for participants. Short instructions mixed with lots of practice, skill correction, and generalist skill development. Consult parents about perceived needs of “family friendly” times for a season’s commitment. Several prompts to practise at home and with friends. Incorporate social opportunities in addition to netball. Training sessions between 30 and 60 minutes. Invite parents to develop social support and partnerships in managing teams.
Increased intensity and complexity of challenges. Emphasise the sense of belonging and empowerment. Fun, appropriate fitness activities should be used. Offer short and creative training opportunities. Coaching points remain important. Continue basic skill progression. Flexible opportunities are required for older beginners or players with special needs. Incorporate social opportunities in addition to netball. Continue to provide opportunities for young people to play a variety of positions. Training sessions of approx 60 minutes, using a variety of training methods and activities. Awareness of social needs, nutrition, hydration and injury prevention. Emphasis on development of skills and sharing play.
Positive and specific feedback is important for skill refinement. Recognise that some players may not be interested in training. Cater for individual differences that may result from physical, cognitive and Provide flexibility in competition types and uniform choices. social maturation. Incorporate social opportunities in addition to netball. Help set realistic individual sporting goals. Recruit recreational players to assist with other club events and Offer lots of ways to belong to a team and be accepted. committees.
Consider individual specialised training programs for talented young people. Provide recreational versions of the game of netball.
Introduce some advanced skill development techniques.
Broad range of purposes – eg. coaching for elite representation OR fun, As for “Mid Adolescence”. fitness and highly social experiences.
Strategic pathways in support and coaching for talented youth.
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY NETBALL PATHWAYS
evelopment pathways are designed for young In netball, the progression moves through the Dpeople to move progressively through netball following stages: and to provide opportunities to: • broad experiences when young people experience • develop in line with their level of maturation; fundamental motor skills in a variety of activities, • move easily from one stage of involvement to with fun being the focus (eg. Fun Net). another; • progression when young people are introduced to • have positive experiences while developing their skills basic skill development, but fun and enjoyment are and interests; still important (eg. Netta). • inspire them to stay involved long term. • advanced progression when a greater focus is placed on skill development and understanding is STAGES IN NETBALL PROGRESSION enhanced through the use of minor games. Although sports have different requirements, they all • specialisation when some young people become have definite stages in progressing young people from more serious about netball and are keen to refine early involvement to developing them into an their skills (eg. club/association representative teams experienced participant. at ages of 15+). A focus on positive experiences remains essential in the specialisation phase in netball.
Some young people may not be interested in specialisation, however recreational participation is always an option and should be encouraged. PLANNING THE PROGRESSION The Netball Australia Junior Development programs provide a sequential progression of programs and experiences that will assist young netballers to develop health and social benefits, skills, knowledge and positive attitudes.
To encourage long-term involvement, it is important young people are able to participate in netball at the right level for their interests and abilities.
Programs differ for stages of participation in the: • nature and duration of activities; • style of instruction; • education in the rules and etiquette of netball; • emphasis on competitive elements.
Planning of competitive experiences should reflect the level of physical, social and emotional development of the participants while providing a progressive bridge to adult competition.
12 BROAD EXPERIENCES Young people need to develop basic experiences and movement skills and be introduced to simple rules and fair play. Therefore, it is important that young people are able to “play” in an informal setting during their early development.
When young people are being introduced to netball or fundamental activities it is best not to have formal competitions so that the focus is on participation, skill development and fun for all.
The introduction of young people to organised competitive netball should be gradual and is best achieved through programs such as Fun Net.
Fun Net Fun Net is a play based movement skills program for 5–7 year olds. Emphasis is on the acquisition of the basic movement skills, in a fun environment of games and activities.
PROGRESSION ADVANCED As the young person advances in netball, fundamental PROGRESSION motor skills in the previous stage need to be In this stage, young people are learning how to train supplemented by more specific netball skills. and practice becomes a more powerful factor in skill development, but fun and enjoyment remain In this stage, young people should be able to: • try out different positions within netball; important. • gradually increase the time they spend in practice; • experience fun, challenge and excitement through An emphasis is placed on the improvement of a wide the way activities are organised. range of skills and the importance of learning through game specific activities are introduced. Scores can be kept but there should be no competition rankings, including a no finals policy for 11 & Under. Inter and intra-school, and inter and intra-club Focus should be maintained on enjoyment while competitions should act as stepping-stones to more building technical and tactical skills. formal competition, and in the later years representative teams and regional competitions should Netta – (Modified Netball) be offered. Netta is a modified game of netball for 8–10 year olds and it was developed as an introduction to the sport SPECIALISATION of netball. It is a skill and competition based program Within the teenage years many young people will and all children should participate in Netta prior to decide to specialise in netball and training becomes a entering junior competitions. significant part of their lives.
Further information regarding Fun Net and Netta can By this stage they may have developed their physical, be found on the Netball Australia website at cognitive, social, emotional and movement skills to a www.netball.asn.au. level needed for highly specialised training in netball.>>
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY Coaching clinics and talent development programs play Training can be in the form of games aimed at a role at this level by assisting young people to maintaining and improving basic netball skills and specialise within netball. technical proficiency.
Practice becomes the focus of training in the Some young people in the recreational participation specialisation stage and netball providers need more phase look for a competitive netball experience, while technical expertise to assist the development of young others prefer competitions focusing on social outcomes people. and fun.
Competitions at club, school, state and national levels Table 2 summarises generalised skill and game should focus on enjoyment whilst meeting the needs progressions within the netball pathway. of young people. These competitions should provide an environment that allows young people to perform to the best of their ability. An important role of netball organisations is to assist all netball providers (including parents/carers) to move young people through specially designed pathways according to their talent and interest. Early positive RECREATIONAL PARTICIPATION experiences within junior netball are vital for continued Young netballers may choose not to enter the participation. specialisation phase and prefer to play recreational netball. Recreational participation may be an option In addition, parents should help young people to during or after the specialisation phase. balance their demands and commitments (eg. school work, part-time jobs, family and peers, entertainment This is a desirable option for young people and may etc) to enable them to continue participation at the lead to the ultimate goal of life-long participation. The desired level. main aim is to have fun through playing netball and spending time with friends.
14 Table 2: PROGRESSION FOR JUNIOR NETBALL
ADVANCED RECREATIONAL BROAD EXPERIENCES PROGRESSION PROGRESSION SPECIALISATION PARTICIPATION
PROGRAM • Familiarisation (Fun Net) • Beginner (Netta) • Intermediate • Advanced • Any Level
AGE SPAN (YEARS) • 5 – 7 • 8 –10 • 11-13 • 14+ (mid adolescence) • 11–17+
• Fun, learning, general • Fun, developing ball • Fun, improving a wide • Enjoyment and • Enjoyment, social and FOCUS athletic development & and movement skills. range of ball and improving performance. personal satisfaction. acquisition of basic • Introduction to the movement skills. motor skills. sport of netball.
• Modified equipment • Modifications to • Game specific and • Fitness, technical and • Social aspects and and need for a broad equipment, rules and behavioural skills. tactical training, goal events. CONSIDERATIONS range of developmentally game structure. setting, managing • Encourage involvement appropriate experiences. aspirations. in other roles (eg. coach, official).
RECOMMENDED • Up to 30-45 minutes • Up to 40-60 minutes • Up to 60-90 minutes • Up to 90-120 minutes • Up to 60 minutes SESSION DURATION
• 1 per week • Up to 1–2 times per • Up to 1–2 times per • Up to 5 times per week • Up to 1–2 times per RECOMMENDED week (including game). week (including game). (including fitness training week (including game). SESSION sessions & games). FREQUENCY • Minimum of 2 rest days per week.
• “Play”, minor games • Skill development • Skill development • Training & competition • Training and and opportunities to through understanding through understanding with the aims of skill competition with SESSION participate focusing on minor & modified minor & modified development, game options at various levels. CONTENTS individual and small games. games. sense and performance. group movement challenges.
• Broad range of • Broad range of • Careful introduction • Individual based • Train to enjoy physical APPROACH TO movement experiences movement experiences and progression. training programs with activity and social CONDITIONING - without structured - without structured graded progressions. aspects of belonging to conditioning. conditioning. a team.
• Program focusing on • Competition with • Competition with • Introduction of inter- • Focus on social skill development. emphasis on all-round emphasis on all-round state competitions. competitions. • No competition. development and development and • Emphasis on individual • Level of competitive offering opportunities offering opportunities and all-round intensity appropriate to to experience different to experience different development. individual motivation. COMPETITION positions. positions. • Experience competition • No representative • Representative teams also through officiating teams. and regional and coaching younger • Emphasise fair play. competitions in later groups. years. • Competition rotation (no scoring). • Scoring tallies.
• Recognise effort and • Recognise effort, • Introduce opportunities • Recognise effort and • Recognise effort, participation. improvement, for further improvement in team participation and FOCUS application and development. and individual contribution to the sport. participation. performance.
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY DIAGRAM 1: NETBALL AUSTRALIA ELITE ATHLETE PATHWAY
PRIMARY PROVIDERS
Netball NATIONAL SQUAD Australia
NATIONAL 21 & UNDER SQUAD Netball Australia / Australian Institute of Sport NATIONAL 19 & UNDER PROGRAM
NATIONAL 17 & State Institute / UNDER PROGRAM Academy of Sport
NATIONAL 15 & Member Organisation UNDER PROGRAM
Academy program for each State/Territory.
• Associations • Clubs • Schools
16 FORMING LINKS
oung people receive their most effective and Ysatisfying sports experiences when there is goodwill and co-operation between organisations at all levels. These include: • netball providers (national, state and local); • sport organisations (national, state and local); • schools and school sports associations; • government (local, state and federal); • commercial and non-profit providers (eg. YMCA, disability sport agencies); • sponsors; • youth/church groups.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS Strong links amongst community organisations provide positive experiences for young people and foster long term participation.
These links amongst schools, community organisations and netball clubs/associations will ensure a systematic and co-ordinated delivery of junior netball. Close links will also provide for a smooth transition between school and community netball competitions.
Ongoing communication amongst organisations (especially schools and sport organisations) can avoid inconsistencies in netball delivery, or when appropriate, develop a compromise (eg. team selection, program and competition models, uniform requirements) to meet the needs of all parties.
All groups should consider how they could combine or share resources to benefit young people. Access can be increased and costs reduced with joint provision and dual use of facilities, sporting equipment, instructional resources and coaching and other human resources.
SCHOOL/CLUB RELATIONSHIP Schools and clubs are important providers of the building blocks of netball, as well as delivering program and competition pathways.
There are mutual benefits when schools and clubs work together, including: • the promotion of netball programs within schools; • increasing the number of young people being able to participate; • sharing of resources (human, equipment etc); • access of club services to the school; • school involving the club in program delivery.
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY PEOPLE MAKING IT HAPPEN
he most important resource in junior netball is CODES OF BEHAVIOUR Tthe people who provide the infrastructure for The netball Codes of Behavior include a selection of the delivery of activities, and set the social key principles upon which coaches, teachers, umpires, atmosphere around sport. They include: administrators, parents and young players should base • young people their netball involvement. The Codes of Behaviour • parents and carers ensure that young people develop good sporting • school teachers behaviours and enjoy a positive netball experience, • coaches which will encourage them to remain involved in • officials netball throughout their lives. • administrators • other volunteers The delivery of junior netball would not be possible without the continuing commitment of volunteers in To enjoy their sport, young people should be able to: all roles and at all levels of competition. Volunteers • experience skilled and sensitive leadership through contribute to the total sporting experience of young their coaches, officials and administrators; people and in different ways they: • have input into how sport is provided for them; • make sport accessible and provide a safe and • participate in an inclusive, positive and caring enjoyable environment for activity with friends; environment where they are not exposed to physical • teach them sports skills; or verbal abuse from other young people, their • pass on an appreciation of attitudes leading to a parents/carers or sport providers. healthy lifestyle; • teach them important life lessons such as playing fair, and coping with winning and losing.
To protect the health, safety and well-being of all people participating in netball activities, Netball Australia has developed and issued Role Specific Codes of Behaviour. The Codes of Behaviour are documented in the Netball Australia Member Protection Policy which is located on the website at www.netball.asn.au.
Netball Australia strongly supports the adoption of these codes by associations, clubs and schools, including distribution of the Codes of Behaviour to all relevant parties at the commencement of every netball season.
18 QUALITY COACHING
uality coaching is an essential element in Qcreating a positive experience for young people in netball. Coaches have a responsibility to assist in building the confidence, self-esteem and ability of young people through their own positive role modeling and equitable treatment of all participants. These skills are then applicable in many aspects of their life.
When coaches plan and provide sessions based on a good understanding of how young people learn and how skills are best developed, young people have the People typically learn more than one thing at a time. best chance of: In the process of building netball skills, young people • enjoying their sport; are also learning what is expected of • becoming competent in skills and strategies; participants/players, how to work with friends and • building a good knowledge of the rules, etiquette teammates, and skill and game competencies. and traditions of the sport; • being enthusiastic about life-time sport. PLANNING Comprehensive planning is needed by coaches in Above all, it is important that young people learn that developing seasonal programs, including goals and sport is fun and safe. strategies for the sequential development of basic skills, team strategies and level of challenge. When Coaches have a major influence on the holistic planning, coaches need to consider: development of young people in netball by educating • maximising participation and enjoyment; them in the physical/technical skills and strategies • being inclusive of all young people, whether from within the rules of netball, sporting behaviours and other cultural backgrounds, or with special needs lifestyle/social skills. (e.g. a disability or medical condition); • learning goals for performance (movement skills, AIMS FOR QUALITY COACHING values and attitudes); Important characteristics of a quality coach are: • the actual learning tasks and objectives for the • understanding learning styles, behavioural session; characteristics and developmental issues or needs of • management of time and space, particularly with young people; respect to participant safety; • developing appropriate programs/activities for young • evaluation and review. people; • fostering a sense of personal achievement by DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE COACHING recognising individual and team performance; SKILLS • developing a range of appropriate feedback Coaches learn to coach in two main ways – through techniques. formal learning such as coach education programs, and informal learning through experience. Coaches should instil in young people a sound understanding of the skills, tactics, strategies, rules, Coaches should have appropriate knowledge and skills etiquette and behaviour standards of netball. gained through attending courses or workshops and should be accredited, and regularly update their UNDERSTANDING LEARNING coaching accreditation. Learning is a lifelong and active process for both coaches and players. It is developmental and changes Netball Australia reviews the Coaching Accreditation as young people grow and mature with: Framework on a regular basis to ensure that courses • physical changes; become more accessible and are relevant to coaches of • social, emotional and psychological development; junior netball programs. • experiences as they progress from familiarisation to beginner to intermediate to advanced levels of skill. Refer to the Netball Australia website at www.netball.asn.au for further information regarding coaching accreditation courses.
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AND LEGAL MANAGEMENT FOR NETBALL
ffering netball to young people obliges VICARIOUS LIABILITY Oorganisations to take all steps to assure their When a person in a sports organisation is negligent (ie. safety. An important objective of the Netball breaches the duty of care and standard of care Australia Junior Netball Policy is to provide a fun, safe expected of them), there may be serious repercussions and rewarding sports experience for young people. for the principals of that organisation. Netball organisations need to: • provide safeguards that comply with legal Commonwealth, State and Territory volunteers requirements dealing with the physical and protection legislation has been developed to provide psychological welfare of young people; protection to individual volunteers from personal • ensure netball providers meet their duty of care to liability for loss, injury or damage caused as a result of participants; an act or omission on their part while undertaking • ensure young people are treated fairly in all aspects their volunteering duties on behalf of a community of netball provision. organisation (which generally includes a sporting organisation). Under this legislation, if liability is Best practice by netball providers means minimising incurred the volunteer is protected and liability risk to young people. This requires, but is not limited transfers to the organisation. However, protection for to: volunteers is not unconditional and exemptions may • providing training for netball providers working with apply. The volunteer protection legislation differs in young people; each jurisdiction and the summary above is of a • establishing and monitoring risk management general nature only. procedures; • following through with all the welfare related Therefore, organisations can be vicariously liable for guidance offered, particularly by the Australian offences committed by anyone in the organisation Sports Commission and Sports Medicine Australia. including volunteers (paid or unpaid).
Netball providers have a legal duty of care to protect In an effort to reduce the risk of negligence by netball the welfare of young people and to make sure they are providers, managers should monitor their not exposed to risk in any aspect of netball delivery. staff/volunteers and programs regularly.
To assist in meeting the “duty of care” and “standard DISCRIMINATION of care” to young people in sport, netball providers Discrimination legislation also differs in each should have policies that: jurisdiction. It is beyond the scope of this policy to • identify the underlying legal issues relevant to the provide a summary of all the Commonwealth, State provision of netball; and Territory legislation applicable to the netball • identify safety concerns, such as personal abuse context. However, some general comments in relation (including harassment and discrimination), to discrimination are provided below. environmental conditions, medical conditions, facilities, equipment, infectious diseases, drugs and Direct discrimination occurs where young people are: dealing with emergencies. • treated less favourably in, for instance, access to training or selection in teams because of an attribute All netball organisations should have a Member or characteristic such as their gender, ethnicity, Protection Regulation (MPR) to deal with issues disability or sexual orientation, or surrounding screening people for the right roles in • refused membership or provided membership on less netball and ensuring that clear and adequate processes favourable terms and conditions than other members are in place in dealing with a harassment complaint. because of an attribute or characteristic.
Associations and clubs should contact the local Indirect discrimination is where a practice is imposed State/Territory Netball Association for MPR information which on its face is not discriminatory but which and training courses. Schools need to contact the local impacts on one young person more than another public education departments for member protection because of a personal attribute or characteristic of that information. person.>>
20 Discrimination is prohibited with regard to work, education, provision of services and registered clubs. The attributes or characteristics of discrimination differ in each jurisdiction but generally include age, disability, physical features, race, religious belief/activity and sex (not an exhaustive summary). For additional information regarding this issue please refer to the Equal Opportunities Act in the respective State/Territory.
Schools, clubs and local associations should endeavour to provide all young people, irrespective of age, disability, physical features, race, religious belief/activity and gender, with the same opportunities for participation in netball.
Commonsense must prevail when developing suitable competition regulations and when dealing with age, disability, physical features, race, religious belief and sex related issues. Please refer to the Netball Australia Junior Netball Policy Strategies Checklist for further information relating to implementation strategies. SEXUAL HARASSMENT Sexual harassment refers to “the unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that offends, humiliates or intimidates a person”, and it can be verbal or physical. Child abuse includes: • sexual abuse/misconduct – any sexual act or threat This offence involving children may involve the more imposed on a child; serious criminal offences of indecent dealing and • physical abuse – non-accidental injury and/or harm sexual assault. to a child; • emotional abuse – behaviour that can Reasonable steps must be taken to prevent sexual psychologically harm a child (eg. severe verbal harassment in the sporting context. This may include abuse). a written policy and training and informing everybody (staff, volunteers and young people) of their Queensland and New South Wales are two states that obligations and rights. have introduced mandatory screening for all persons working (paid or volunteer) with children. New South Wales screening is known as the “Working with CHILD PROTECTION Children Check” and “Prohibited Employment Child protection is about keeping young people safe Declaration”. Queensland screening is also known as from abuse and protecting them from people who are “Working with Children Check” and appropriate unsuitable to work with children. Under current child applicants are supplied with a ‘Blue Card’. As of the protection legislation, a child is considered to be a 1st January 2006, Western Australia will also require person under 18 years of age. mandatory screening of people engaged in child related work (refer to the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004).>>
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY Child protection legislation makes it mandatory for mandatory reporting. Mandatory reporting is where, sporting organisations and individuals involved in sport upon reasonable grounds, a person suspects that a as paid employees or volunteers to meet certain child has been or is being abused, must report it as requirements. These requirements also apply to soon as practical to the particular government individuals and organisations originating outside of the departments. states with child protection legislation in place. It is important to note that while Queensland, New South • Mandatory reporting applies to all teachers within Wales and Western Australia are the only states with NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, NT and ACT mandatory screening legislation, any teams originating • Mandatory reporting does not apply to coaches from outside of these states, and who travel to except for within the Northern Territory. Queensland, New South Wales or Western Australia for camps, competitions or activities, must comply with To prevent exposure of young people to criminal acts, the relevant legislation. For example, coaches, in delivering sport netball providers must ensure all managers, support staff etc must undergo the appropriate policies and procedures are followed. appropriate screening for the state they are traveling to. Please contact the local State/Territory Netball Association for information relating to screening In addition to various screening legislation throughout procedures and Member Protection Regulations. the country, state legislation also differs in the area of
22 USE OF IMAGES Netball providers must be aware of the potential risks linked to the use of photographs/videos of young people in sport. Appropriate steps must be taken to ensure the acquisition or display of images containing young people are not misused or accessed by unauthorised personnel.
Permission must be obtained from the young person’s parent/guardian prior to taking the image. Any information regarding the display of images must not be published unless prior consent has been granted by the parent/guardian. All personnel taking such images must be approved by the organisation and registered under the appropriate procedure. PRIVACY The Commonwealth Privacy Act and State and Territory privacy legislation governs the collection and use of personal information and provides strict guidelines about the disclosure of such information. HEALTH AND SAFETY Every State and Territory has legislation governing occupational or workplace health and safety (OHS). The OHS legislation may apply to workers, volunteers, students or club members.
To comply with health and safety regulations netball providers must implement a risk management procedure so they are aware of and can attend to, any Protective and modified equipment is also important in problems regarding exposure to health and safety injury prevention. Items such as post padding must be risks. properly fitted, used at all times, and regularly maintained. For further information regarding risk management policies and procedures please contact the local Measures should be adopted to reduce the risk of State/Territory Netball Association. facility or equipment-related injury during netball activities. This includes: FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT • maintaining facilities and equipment in a safe Facilities, sporting equipment and protective condition; equipment should meet the standard requirements of • properly supervising all participants during sessions; safety for netball and should be inspected regularly. • modifying equipment and rules (as appropriate); Uniforms and footwear should be appropriate, • cancelling matches or training where inspection of properly fitted and maintained. playing surfaces and equipment shows they are unsuitable or unsafe for play; The dimensions of playing equipment must be suitable • ensuring that the ‘run off’ areas are free of for the participant’s size and physical ability so that obstacles. young people: • experience fun and success; Contact your local State/Territory Netball Association • are less likely to be injured. for further information regarding safety requirements.
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY 3. Nutrition The nutritional needs of junior netball participants are affected by their level of activity. A balanced diet with adequate caloric intake, including iron and calcium, which provides them with all the essential elements should be encouraged. THE ENVIRONMENT In managing risk, consideration must be given to environmental factors and their impact on participants.
1. Weather Conditions PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS Different regions in Australia vary in their definition of Thorough warm-up and cool-down exercises should “extreme” weather conditions, due to specific accompany all netball activities. All efforts should be acclimatisation issues within the local environment. made to eliminate unsafe skill practices so that young people do not sustain injuries as a result of these Sometimes extreme weather conditions (eg. heat, cold, techniques. Young people should play in a variety of rain or wind) make it best to postpone training and/or positions and not over-train in particular skills. competition.
1. Body Temperature Regulation 2. Sun Protection Compared with adults, young people have a larger Organisers of netball competitions and events have a skin surface to body mass ratio, and their sweat glands responsibility to protect young people, to the greatest are immature, making them more susceptible to heat extent practical, from the dangers of sun exposure. loss and heat gain. In conditions of extreme temperature and humidity, netball sessions should be Young people should be encouraged or obligated to shortened or cancelled. Uniforms should be suitable for wear appropriate clothing and soft brimmed visors, the climate. and apply a 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin.
Young people who are most at risk of heat-related Netball organisers should also maximise the provision decreases in performance are those who are lacking of shaded areas at venues and events, or even erect cardio-vascular fitness, are high in body fat, are poorly artificial shades. acclimatised and in poor health. Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) has developed a policy 2.Fluid Balance related to preventing heat illness in sport. People Fluid balance is important at any time but needs more involved in junior netball programs may obtain further attention in some weather conditions. Young people information regarding general safety guidelines, which do not instinctively drink enough to replace fluid lost is specific to their geographical location, from the SMA during activity. They should be reminded to drink website at www.sma.org.au. before, during and after training and competition. TRAINING AND COMPETITION Water is essential to fluid replacement. Methods of Training and competition are generally beneficial for weight reduction by dehydration are extremely the development of young people in sport. However, dangerous and should not be used under any excessive involvement can compromise their health and circumstances. wellbeing, and can adversely affect their performance in netball and other sports. In adverse weather conditions specific fluid practices according to Sports Medicine Australia’s most current Over-training and over-competing can result in serious guidelines should be followed. Refer to the Sports outcomes such as injury, illness, negative psychological Medicine Australia website at www.sma.org.au for effects and burnout (refer to Table 2 regarding training further information. loads and frequency).>>
24 The coach has an important role in preventing diseases, such as: negative outcomes such as injury and illness through • not sharing drink bottles; careful planning, implementation and evaluation of • removing or cleaning blood stained programs. clothing/equipment; • keeping infected players away from training and Prevention requires planning a training schedule that competition areas; controls the amount of stress placed on the young • maintaining personal hygiene standards. person by: • scheduling pre-season training to increase fitness Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) has developed a levels; policy related to infectious diseases in sport. People • gradually increasing training loads; involved in junior netball programs may obtain further • planning adequate recovery; information regarding these guidelines from the SMA • providing variety in type and content of training website at www.sma.org.au. sessions; • carefully monitoring the effect of training; MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS • reducing work loads when warning signs emerge. Some young people have chronic medical conditions, which affect their participation in netball. Particular Young people must be monitored carefully because care needs to be taken in the case of long-term they may not recognise warning signs and symptoms conditions such as: such as fatigue, muscle soreness, headaches and mood • Asthma and other respiratory conditions changes. Moreover, young people may not effectively • Diabetes communicate such a problem. • Epilepsy • Heart or lung disease In general, the younger and less experienced the • Hepatitis person, the less intense, less frequent, and shorter the • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) duration of training/practice and competition, and >> more rest time is required within and between sessions. INFECTIOUS DISEASES The risk of contracting illnesses such as hepatitis, skin infections and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) increases under some sports conditions.
The risk of infection increases when young people: • live and train in close contact with others, thus increasing cross-infection; • train in environments where germs breed (eg. change rooms); • share contaminated items (eg. drink bottles); • are exposed to new environments when travelling to compete; • damage the skin allowing transfer of germs; • come in contact with other people’s blood.
Appropriate preventative measures can be taken to avoid the spread of infectious
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY Netball providers must be aware of the specific needs notify the netball provider in writing of any change to of each young person and know how to prevent and their child’s medical condition, fitness or ability to deal with problems, particularly in case of an participate. This option is preferable as it places the emergency. onus on the parent/carer to ensure that their child is medically and physically fit and able to participate. Parents/carers should complete a pre-participation This said however, if the netball provider has actual screening questionnaire dealing with any special needs knowledge of change to a child’s fitness and ability to and implications for sports participation. Netball participate then this may result in some liability arising providers must then ensure that relevant personnel if no action is taken by the netball provider. within the organisation are aware of the information in the pre-participation screening questionnaire and that Medical opinion should be sought when the fitness or the information is used appropriately, such as in an performance of any young person is questionable, and emergency. A failure by the netball provider to use the when recovery from illness or injury is in doubt. information may result in greater liability. DRUGS An alternative to collecting the pre-participation Social drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and cannabis are screening information is to obtain a declaration from commonly available in the sport environment and the parent/carers that the child is medically and social settings. Their use affects general health and physically fit and able to participate in the netball well-being and should be discouraged at any activity activities and that the parent/carer will immediately connected with netball. Young people should be encouraged to carry this philosophy through to their personal life.
Less common but still of concern is the use of performance enhancing drugs, which some young people may use in response to pressures to ‘win at all costs’.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not condone the use of any supplements under the age of 18 years.
Netball Australia has developed a comprehensive Anti- Doping Policy, which is strictly applied to all levels of the sport. This policy can be viewed on the Netball Australia website at www.netball.asn.au.
26 WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Positive messages must be provided to young people about healthy eating as an aid to performing well. Netball providers should act promptly when a dramatic change in a young person’s weight becomes apparent. DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES Planning what to do when an emergency occurs is an essential part of risk management. Netball providers must be conversant with policies and procedures and able to deal with emergencies so young people are well cared for. This information must be communicated to all members of the organisation and appropriate information must be visually displayed throughout the venue/facility.
It is recommended netball providers have current first aid qualifications. They should seek medical opinion when: • the health of a participant is questionable; • recovery from illness/injury is uncertain; • a participant is injured during training/competition.
When medical advice cannot be obtained, the netball provider should not allow the young person to participate.
A first aid kit must be available at training and competition venues. Emergencies should be formally reported, discussed, and changes made to procedures if needed. PREGNANCY Netball Australia is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all its members, including pregnant players. Netball Australia encourages all pregnant players to discuss their decision to continue playing during their pregnancy with their medical practitioner.
The Netball Australia Pregnancy Policy can be viewed on the website at www.netball.asn.au.
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS AND KEY TERMS
The following terms and definitions are provided to Community Sport all netball provided for young people ensure clarity of the information. by netball clubs and other community organisations outside the Acronyms school system. AASN Active Australia Schools Network Competition a structured contest measuring ACHPER Australian Council for Health, Physical performance against an opponent, Education and Recreation oneself or the environment. ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder ASC Australian Sports Commission Disability activity limitations or participation CLD Culturally and Linguistically Diverse restrictions that are related to an JSF Junior Sport Framework impairment of body structure or JNP Junior Netball Policy function. NSO National Sporting Organisation Duty of Care responsibility to act in a required P&C Parents and Citizens Association manner of care, which will arise SMA Sports Medicine Australia when one person reasonably ought URTI Upper Respiratory Tract Infection to have another in mind at the time of engaging in the conduct Key Terms complained of. Administrator a person responsible for managing the delivery of netball. Egocentric interested only in the needs and wants of the self and not caring Adolescence the transition period between about other people. puberty and adult stages of development, generally from the Elite Sport netball performed at national or age of 12. international levels.
Carer any person given the responsibility Etiquette the rules of correct behaviour in for supervision of a junior (eg. netball. guardian or relative). Growth Plate a region of cartilage near the ends of Children young people aged 5 to 12 years. bone from which bone growth occurs and which is weaker than Chronic Illness an illness persisting for a long time. mature bone.
Club community netball organisations. Junior Member A player who is not 18 years of age by midnight on 31 December in their Coach a leader, teacher or instructor in year of registration. junior netball. Junior Netball the organisation and management of netball and pre-netball activities for young people aged 5 to 17 years.
Member Protection a term used widely in the sports industry to mean practices and procedures that protect an organisations members.
NSO the national governing body for netball and its affiliated associations, clubs and individuals.
Negligence an action in tort which protects people from the careless behaviour of other members of the community. To be successful in an action for negligence the following must be>>
28 established: a duty of care; a failure Practice repeated performance to gain or to observe the standard of care improve a skill. expected and the other party suffering damage as a consequence. Recreational when sport is played for fun, and to Participation maintain skills (eg. mixed/social Netball Experience the holistic concept of learning competitions). netball skills and behaviours through training, practice and competition in Schools educational institutions: primary, a fun and safe environment. special and secondary.
Netball Providers all those involved in delivering junior Session includes training, practice or netball (eg. volunteers, parents, competition. coaches, teachers, officials, administrators, schools, clubs and Selection Policy the basis for selection decisions and government and private providers). young people’s rights in relation to such decisions. Official umpire, scorer, judge or referee in netball. Training the systematic process of improving netball performance through Pathways planned steps for young people to instruction and practice. This term is progress from beginner to not necessarily elite focused; it can experienced participant as a player, also refer to a structured practice official, administrator, coach and/or session. team support person. Vicarious Liability when one person is liable for the negligent actions of another person, even though the first person was not directly responsible for the action.
Young People people aged 5 – 17 years.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Netball Australia acknowledges all contributors and authors of previous versions of the Netball Australia Junior Netball Policy.
Netball Australia expresses gratitude for the significant contribution in developing this Junior Netball Policy by the members of the National Junior Sport Framework Steering Committee:
Yvonne Rate Former Netball Australia Board Member Dr Geraldine Naughton Australian Catholic University Paula Nielsen School Sport Australia Dr Grace Bryant Sports Medicine Australia (NSW Branch) Lynne Sheehan Netball Victoria Sue Gaudion WA Netball Jane Scahill St Mary’s Central School (NSW) Lara Hayes Junior Sport Unit, Australian Sports Commission Netball Australia also wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the development staff in each State and Territory Netball Association, the Australian Sports Commission’s Junior Sport Unit and Lander and Rogers solicitors.
The development of the Netball Australia Junior Netball Policy was managed and edited by Netball Australia Coaching Director, Megan Simpson.
All photos courtesy of Kelly Barnes. Special thanks to Boroondara Netball Association and its members. Designed and Printed by R.M.Gregory Printers.
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY FURTHER RESOURCES AND WEBSITE REFRENCES
FURTHER RESOURCES Harassment-free Sport – Guidelines for Officials, Child Protection – A Resource for the Sport and Australian Sports Commission, 2000. Recreation Industry (Policies and Procedures), Western Australia Government – Ministry of Sport and Harassment-free Sport – Guidelines for Sports Recreation, 2000. Administrators, Australian Sports Commission, 1998.
Child Protection - A Simple Guide for Sport and Harassment-free Sport – Guidelines for Sport and Recreation Organisations Parents, New South Wales Recreation Organisations, Australian Sports Sport and Recreation, 2003. Commission, 1998.
Child Protection in Sport and Recreation – Harassment-free Sport – Guidelines to Address Guidelines for Achieving Child Protection for Peak Homophobia and Sexuality Discrimination in Sport, Bodies and Associations, New South Wales Sport and Australian Sports Commission, 2000. Recreation, 2003. Harassment-free Sport – Protecting Children from Child Protection in Sport and Recreation – Abuse in Sport, Australian Sports Commission, 2000. Guidelines for Achieving Child Protection for Sport and Recreation Clubs, New South Wales Sport and How to become a sport safe club – Guidelines for Recreation, 2004. Developing and Implementing a Sport Safety Plan, Sports Medicine Australia & Sport Safe Australia, 1998. Child Protection in Sport and Recreation – Guidelines for Parents, Guardians and Children, New Project Axis – Providing Safe Environments for South Wales Sport and Recreation, 2004. Children and Young People in Sport, Recreation and Adventure Organisations, Queensland Government – Harassment-free Sport – Guidelines for Athletes, Department of Families. Australian Sports Commission, 1998. Working with Children Check, Queensland Harassment-free Sport – Guidelines for Coaches, Government - Commission for Children and Young Australian Sports Commission, 1998. People.
WEBSITE REFERENCES
Australasian Legal Information Institute www.austlii.edu.au
Australian Sports Commission www.ausport.gov.au
Child Wise and ECPAT www.childwise.net
Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian www.childcomm.qld.gov.au
Commissioner for Children Tasmania www.childcomm.tas.gov.au
Department for Families and Communities South Australia www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au
30 Netball Australia 43-45 Marion Street Harris Park NSW 2150 Ph: 02 9633 2533 www.netball.asn.au
ACT Netball Association PO Box 423 Dickson ACT 2602 Ph: 02 6241 4088 Department of Sport and Recreation Western Australia www.netballact.com.au www.dsr.wa.gov.au Netball New South Wales Disability Sport Unit – Australian Sports Commission PO Box 396 www.ausport.gov.au/dsu/index.asp Lidcombe NSW 1825 Ph: 02 9646 5666 www.netballnsw.com National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Netball NT www.napcan.org.au GPO Box 4037 Darwin NT 0801 Ph: 08 8942 2241 National Institute of Family Studies – National Child [email protected] Protection Clearing House www.aifs.gov.au/nch/state Netball Queensland PO Box 50 Moorooka QLD 4105 New South Wales Commission for Children and Young Ph: 07 3848 6330 People www.netballq.org.au www.kids.nsw.gov.au/check Netball South Australia New South Wales Department of Sport and Recreation PO Box 2082 Hilton Plaza SA 5033 Child Protection and Employment Screening Ph: 08 8238 0500 www.dsr.nsw.gov.au www.netballsa.asn.au
Northern Territory Department of Community Netball Tasmania Development, Sport and Cultural Affairs PO Box 961 Launceston TAS 7250 www.dcdsca.nt.gov.au Ph: 03 6425 1970 www.tasnetball.org.au Office for Recreation and Sport South Australia www.recsport.sa.gov.au Netball Victoria PO Box 60 North Melbourne VIC 3051 Play by the Rules Ph: 03 9321 2222 www.playbytherules.net.au www.netballvic.com.au
Review of the Safety of Children in Care in the ACT WA Netball and ACT Child Protection Management 303 Stirling Highway Claremont WA 6010 www.childprotectionreview.act.gov.au Ph: 08 9286 5800 www.wanetball.com.au Scale plus Law Resource Attorney General’s Department www.scaleplus.law.gov.au
School Sport Australia www.schoolsport.edu.au
Sport and Recreation Queensland Netball Australia and State/Territory www.srq.qld.gov.au Netball Associations provide support and service to netball participants and Sport and Recreation Tasmania providers through membership to the www.development.tas.gov.au/sportrec/home.htm association in each State/Territory. Information on netball membership Sports Medicine Australia can be found on the State/Territory www.sma.org.au netball websites.
JUNIOR NETBALL POLICY Netball Australia 43-45 Marion Street Harris Park NSW 2150 Ph: 02 9633 2533 www.netball.asn.au