Woolwich Netball Club Policies
Grading Policy
Aim
This policy aims to ensure Woolwich Netball Club provides our members with the opportunity to grade and play for teams that are competitive within the competition of ERNA.
To do this we ensure all players placed in teams can:
Grading Committee & Committee Responsibilities
The grading committee consists of the President, Secretary, Umpiring Convener, Registrar and Coaching Convener of the WNC and includes a panel of independent graders for grading day. No member of WNC will be involved in the grading of their own children and must notify the grading panel of this and any other conflict of interest.
Other committee responsibilities are outlined in Grading Committee Policy.
Parent/Carers and Players Responsibilities
It is the expectation of the Woolwich Netball Club that parents/carers and players are aware of the Grading Policy and that parents and players are reasonable in their expectations of the grading committee, the expertise of the Woolwich Netball Club and the processes in place to ensure fair and accurate grading.
Age Groups:
13, 14 & 15s
Individual grading will take place if there is more than one team in these age groups. Woolwich Netball Club holds one grading day before the beginning of the season with one wet weather day date allocated.
It is the expectation of the WNC that players that would like to play for WNC in the top two teams attend grading irrespective if they played in this team the previous season. If there are circumstances outside of the control of the player/family, please communicate this to the secretary of Woolwich via email [email protected]
Players can nominate to play in their class group (Year 7, 8 or 9) however players must be eligible for either 13, 14 & 15’s (be 13, 14 or 15 years as at 31 Dec in the year of play). Nominations must be submitted via email in an RSVP form for Grading Day to [email protected]
13, 14, and 15s can nominate 2 friends they would like to be in the same team with. The grading committee will do their best to take these requests into consideration as team formations are based on position, skills and player experience.
When grading, mid court, defence and shooting positions will be taken into account to ensure the distribution of positions into teams.
All players that do not attend Grading Day will be graded into teams based on coaches report (which includes ability, attitude and attendance), mid-season grading review, playing experience and friendship groupings.
Cadet, and Senior Players
Cadets must be 14 to 17 years of age as of 31 December in the year of play.
Seniors must be a minimum of 14 years of age as of 31 December in the year of play.
There is no Grading Day for Cadets & Seniors.
These players must put their own teams together and a representative from each team is to notify WNC of the players in their team via email to [email protected].
WNC always welcomes new players to our club. New players who do not have a team may contact WNC who will assist them in finding a suitable team to be placed in based on previous experience, positions nominated, previous grading, and vacancies will be considered by the Grading Committee.
The Grading Committee will do their best to accommodate all requests however the grading committee will finalise all teams based on positions, skills, and player experience.
Grading Process
There are three information collection points that are considered by the WNC Grading Committee that have equal value in the decisions of the team’s selection:
Grading Day will occur at the completion of registration via Player HQ. RSVP’s to Grading Day must be submitted by completion of the Grading Day form available via email (sent to email nominated on Player HQ) and on the WNC website, indicating age/division and two positions to trial in.
On Grading Day, the following will be taken into consideration:
Each player will trial in two nominated positions. A player may also be asked to trial in a position that they have not nominated to assist with the grading process of other players.
The committee will consider:
The committee will also consider the rules of ERNA for team selection in configuring teams.
We request that parents or other family members do not stand courtside during Grading Day. Parents, players and coaches are also not able to approach the selectors at any time at Grading Day or after the grading process. However, coaches may be consulted by the grading committee if required.
Final Team Selection
After Grading Day, the Grading Committee will meet to finalise the teams and the divisions that the teams are likely to be placed in.
Announcement of Teams
Will take place via the Woolwich website and players will be notified via email of the posting of the teams.
Appeals
If a player/family believes that there has been an unfair placement of their child or themselves, an email to [email protected] must be received within 24 hours of the posting of teams on the Woolwich Netball Club Website. The Grading Committee will review the appeal and the decision will be reported via email. All appeals will be handled with absolute confidentiality.
Confidentiality
All grading, coaches and mid-season reports and selectors discussions are strictly confidential. Parents/players or other family members will not approach the grading committee for information.
Late Registrations
Late player registration after being advised of cut off via email and via the WNC website are at the discretion of the Grading Committee. Players will be advised by the Woolwich Registrar via email with instructions. If there is availability, registrations will be reopened.
Late Withdrawals
Once teams have been announced, players wishing to withdraw will be accommodated however it remains at the discretion of the WNC Grading Committee to refund the registration fee.
When a player or family communicates exceptional circumstances that are out of the control of the player/family, the Woolwich Netball Club registrar will work with the player/family to reimburse registration costs.
Please note the Active Kids Voucher is non-refundable once it is allocated to Woolwich Netball Club due to Services NSW terms and conditions.
Aim
This policy aims to ensure Woolwich Netball Club provides our members with the opportunity to grade and play for teams that are competitive within the competition of ERNA.
To do this we ensure all players placed in teams can:
- Play to their best ability with players of similar skill level
- Develop their skills
- Enjoy the season of netball
Grading Committee & Committee Responsibilities
The grading committee consists of the President, Secretary, Umpiring Convener, Registrar and Coaching Convener of the WNC and includes a panel of independent graders for grading day. No member of WNC will be involved in the grading of their own children and must notify the grading panel of this and any other conflict of interest.
Other committee responsibilities are outlined in Grading Committee Policy.
Parent/Carers and Players Responsibilities
It is the expectation of the Woolwich Netball Club that parents/carers and players are aware of the Grading Policy and that parents and players are reasonable in their expectations of the grading committee, the expertise of the Woolwich Netball Club and the processes in place to ensure fair and accurate grading.
Age Groups:
13, 14 & 15s
Individual grading will take place if there is more than one team in these age groups. Woolwich Netball Club holds one grading day before the beginning of the season with one wet weather day date allocated.
It is the expectation of the WNC that players that would like to play for WNC in the top two teams attend grading irrespective if they played in this team the previous season. If there are circumstances outside of the control of the player/family, please communicate this to the secretary of Woolwich via email [email protected]
Players can nominate to play in their class group (Year 7, 8 or 9) however players must be eligible for either 13, 14 & 15’s (be 13, 14 or 15 years as at 31 Dec in the year of play). Nominations must be submitted via email in an RSVP form for Grading Day to [email protected]
13, 14, and 15s can nominate 2 friends they would like to be in the same team with. The grading committee will do their best to take these requests into consideration as team formations are based on position, skills and player experience.
When grading, mid court, defence and shooting positions will be taken into account to ensure the distribution of positions into teams.
All players that do not attend Grading Day will be graded into teams based on coaches report (which includes ability, attitude and attendance), mid-season grading review, playing experience and friendship groupings.
Cadet, and Senior Players
Cadets must be 14 to 17 years of age as of 31 December in the year of play.
Seniors must be a minimum of 14 years of age as of 31 December in the year of play.
There is no Grading Day for Cadets & Seniors.
These players must put their own teams together and a representative from each team is to notify WNC of the players in their team via email to [email protected].
WNC always welcomes new players to our club. New players who do not have a team may contact WNC who will assist them in finding a suitable team to be placed in based on previous experience, positions nominated, previous grading, and vacancies will be considered by the Grading Committee.
The Grading Committee will do their best to accommodate all requests however the grading committee will finalise all teams based on positions, skills, and player experience.
Grading Process
There are three information collection points that are considered by the WNC Grading Committee that have equal value in the decisions of the team’s selection:
- Coaches Report: All coaches will submit a player report at the end of a season. This will indicate the players skill level and if there has been a fair and accurate grading of the player. It also includes reports on attendance, punctuality, commitment, attitude & team spirit
- Mid-season Grading Review: From 2023 the WNC grading committee will observe players during the season to determine if the grading process was fair and effective. The Grading Committee will meet with the Coach to discuss performance and if there are any extenuating circumstances such as players not playing in usual positions.
- Grading Day: There is also no guarantee from the WNC that players will remain in the same team or division if the player report, mid-season grading review and grading day do not support this.
Grading Day will occur at the completion of registration via Player HQ. RSVP’s to Grading Day must be submitted by completion of the Grading Day form available via email (sent to email nominated on Player HQ) and on the WNC website, indicating age/division and two positions to trial in.
On Grading Day, the following will be taken into consideration:
- Teamwork
- Attitude/Sportsmanship
- Potential to improve
- Ball control
- Passing/catching technique
- Footwork
- Shooting accuracy if applicable
- Defensive Skills
- Speed and Accuracy
- Fitness
Each player will trial in two nominated positions. A player may also be asked to trial in a position that they have not nominated to assist with the grading process of other players.
The committee will consider:
- The balance of positions (defence, mid court and shooting positions) in the configuration of a team.
- The overall number of players per team (aim for 9 players per team)
The committee will also consider the rules of ERNA for team selection in configuring teams.
We request that parents or other family members do not stand courtside during Grading Day. Parents, players and coaches are also not able to approach the selectors at any time at Grading Day or after the grading process. However, coaches may be consulted by the grading committee if required.
Final Team Selection
After Grading Day, the Grading Committee will meet to finalise the teams and the divisions that the teams are likely to be placed in.
Announcement of Teams
Will take place via the Woolwich website and players will be notified via email of the posting of the teams.
Appeals
If a player/family believes that there has been an unfair placement of their child or themselves, an email to [email protected] must be received within 24 hours of the posting of teams on the Woolwich Netball Club Website. The Grading Committee will review the appeal and the decision will be reported via email. All appeals will be handled with absolute confidentiality.
Confidentiality
All grading, coaches and mid-season reports and selectors discussions are strictly confidential. Parents/players or other family members will not approach the grading committee for information.
Late Registrations
Late player registration after being advised of cut off via email and via the WNC website are at the discretion of the Grading Committee. Players will be advised by the Woolwich Registrar via email with instructions. If there is availability, registrations will be reopened.
Late Withdrawals
Once teams have been announced, players wishing to withdraw will be accommodated however it remains at the discretion of the WNC Grading Committee to refund the registration fee.
When a player or family communicates exceptional circumstances that are out of the control of the player/family, the Woolwich Netball Club registrar will work with the player/family to reimburse registration costs.
Please note the Active Kids Voucher is non-refundable once it is allocated to Woolwich Netball Club due to Services NSW terms and conditions.
Codes of Behaviour
As a member of the Woolwich Netball Club you agree to comply with these policies. You must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct during any activity held or sanctioned by Netball Australia, Netball NSW and affiliated member organisation or an affiliated club:
Players, parents, spectators, coaches and umpires are to observe their respective Aussie Sports Code of Behaviour as outlined below. Failure to observe the Code of Behaviour may result in the offending person(s) being brought before the Executive Committee for an explanation and possible disciplinary action.
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR - PLAYER
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR – COACH
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR – PARENT/GUARDIAN/SPECTATOR
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR – UMPIRE
CODE OF CONDUCT – ADMINISTRATORS
As a member of the Woolwich Netball Club you agree to comply with these policies. You must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct during any activity held or sanctioned by Netball Australia, Netball NSW and affiliated member organisation or an affiliated club:
Players, parents, spectators, coaches and umpires are to observe their respective Aussie Sports Code of Behaviour as outlined below. Failure to observe the Code of Behaviour may result in the offending person(s) being brought before the Executive Committee for an explanation and possible disciplinary action.
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR - PLAYER
- Participate because you enjoy it, not just to please parents and coaches.
- Play by the rules.
- Know the rules.
- Participate fairly and safely.
- Abide by decisions, without argument or bad temper.
- Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain or coach approach the official during a break or after the game.
- Captains are to approach the umpire in a courteous and polite way.
- Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent and throwing equipment is not acceptable or permitted in any sport.
- Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
- Ensure that at all times your behaviour is fair.
- Be a patient and enthusiastic supporter of fellow players.
- Applaud all good play, by your own team and opponents.
- Be a responsible team member.
- Always be on time.
- Encourage and assist all players.
- Attend all training sessions.
- Ensure you always bring the appropriate uniform and equipment to training and/or matches.
- Do not engage in practices that affect sporting performance (alcohol, tobacco and drug use).
- Respect and acknowledge the contribution of those who create the opportunity for you to play including (volunteers, scorers, coaches, administrators & umpires).
- Care and respect the uniform and equipment provided to you.
- Be frank and honest with your coach concerning illness and injury and your ability to train and play fully.
- Conduct yourself in a responsible manner relating to language, temper and punctuality.
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR – COACH
- Treat all players with respect at all times. Be honest and consistent with them. Honour all promises and commitments both verbal and written.
- Promote a climate of mutual support among your players. Encourage players to respect one another and to expect respect for their worth as individuals regardless of their level of play.
- Encourage and facilitate players’ independence and responsibility for their own behaviour, performance, decisions and actions.
- Involve the players in decisions that affect them.
- Determine, in consultation with the players, what information is confidential and respect that confidentiality.
- Provide feedback to players in a caring sensitive manner to their needs. Avoid overly negative feedback.
- Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards your players. This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse. Be alert to any forms of abuse directed toward your players from other sources while they are in your care. (Abide by Netball NSW Member Protection Regulation).
- Refrain from any form of harassment towards your players. Treat all players fairly within the context of their sporting activities, regardless of gender, race, place of origin, athletic potential, colour, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs and socio-economic status.
- At all times use appropriate training methods which will benefit the players and avoid those which could be harmful. Ensure that the tasks, training, equipment and facilities are safe and suitable for age, experience, ability and physical and psychological conditions of the players.
- Ensure the players time spent with you is a positive experience. All players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities. Provide training and game opportunities that ensure everyone has a reasonable chance to succeed and to improve/acquire skills and develop confidence.
- Recognise individual differences in players and always think of the player’s long term best interests.
- Set challenges for each player which are both achievable and motivating.
- Respect the fact that your goal as a coach for the player may not always be the same as that of the player. Aim for excellence based upon realistic goals and due consideration for the participant’s growth and development.
- At all times act as a role model that promotes the positive aspects of sport and of netball by maintaining the highest standards of personal conduct and projecting a favourable image of netball and of coaching at all times.
- Respect other coaches and always act in a manner characterised by courtesy and good faith.
- Acknowledge the oppositions coach before the game and shake hands / thank them after the game
- Accept and respect the role of officials in ensuring that competitions are conducted fairly and according to established rules.
- Know and abide by netball rules, regulations and standards, and encourage players to do likewise. Accept both the letter and the spirit of the rules and keep a copy so that you can refer to them if and when needed.
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR – PARENT/GUARDIAN/SPECTATOR
- If your child is interested, encourage them to participate in the appropriate netball activity. However, if your child is not willing to participate, do not force him or her. Remember, children are involved in organised activity for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Focus upon your child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists your child in setting realistic goals related to his/her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
- Teach your child that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Encourage your child to always play according to the rules.
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
- Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good play by all players.
- If you disagree with an umpire or coach raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questions their judgement and honesty in public.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse.
- Recognise and respect the value and importance of volunteer administrators, coaches and umpires. They give up their time and resources to provided recreational activities for players and deserve your support.
- Be a model of good sports behaviour for children to copy.
- Be courteous in communication with administrators, coaches, players and umpires. Teach children to do likewise.
- Support the use of age appropriate development activities.
- Most players participate in netball activities for fun. They are not participating for entertainment of spectators only.
- When watching a game congratulate both teams upon their performance regardless of the games outcome.
- Respect the umpires’ and coaches decisions. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to questions the decision and teach children to do likewise.
- Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during a competition.
- Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by administrators, coaches, players, umpires or parents/guardians.
- Show respect for your team’s coach, the umpire and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
- Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, and not harassing administrators, coaches, players or umpires.
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR – UMPIRE
- Treat all players with respect at all times.
- Accept responsibility for all actions taken. Exercise reasonable care to prevent injury by ensuring players play within the rules. Reasonable care consists of advising the players of illegal body movements, showing due diligence in detecting infringements and penalising rule breakers.
- Place the safety and welfare of the players above all else. Although it is the responsibility of umpires to ensure that the playing conditions are safe, in the end it is the associations decision.
- Umpires must be impartial and maintain integrity in their relationship with other umpires, players and coaches.
- Avoid situations which may lead to a conflict of interest.
- Be courteous, respectful and open to discussion and interaction.
- Value the individual in sport. Ensure the players have the opportunity for discussion with you after the match.
- Seek continual self improvement through performance appraisal and regular updating of competencies. Maintain or improve your current badge level and seek continual improvement.
- Encourage inclusivity and access to all areas of officiating. Aim for excellence based upon realistic goals and due consideration for growth and development.
- Be a positive role model in behaviour and personal appearance by maintaining the highest standards of person conduct and project a favourable image of netball and umpiring at all times.
- Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards players. This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse.
- Refrain from any form of harassment towards players. Treat all players fairly within the context of their sporting activities, regardless of gender, race, place or origin, athletic potential, colour, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, socio-economic status and other conditions.
- Show concern and caution towards ill and injured players. You should enforce the blood rule and apply procedures regarding ill or injured players according to the rule book. Common sense must be applied in all cases.
CODE OF CONDUCT – ADMINISTRATORS
- Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others.
- Be professional in, and accept responsibility for your actions. Your language, presentation, manners and punctuality should reflect high standards.
- Resolve conflicts fairly and promptly through established procedures.
- Maintain strict impartiality.
- Be aware of your legal responsibilities.
- Develop a positive sport environment by allowing for the special needs of the players by emphasising enjoyment and by providing appropriate development and competitive experiences.
- Involve players in the planning, leadership, evaluation and decision making relating to the activity.
- Ensure activities, equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the ability level of participating players. Activities, rules, equipment, lengths of games and training schedules should take into consideration the age, ability and maturity level of participating players.
- Ensure that everyone emphasises fair play in netball activities and games.
- Where appropriate distribute a Code of Behaviour sheet to coaches, players, umpires, parents and spectators.