Why do we grade? Netball is a graded and competitive sport from the age of 10 years to 15 years. The reason we grade our players from 10 years is to ensure that all players of all varying abilities get to play with, and against, players of similar skill level. It is important to keep in mind that our teams are playing against competitive and well skilled opponents, these teams have all gone through the grading process at their own clubs.
Stronger players always enjoy the challenge of harder, faster competition - they do not develop to their potential if graded to a lower team just to be kept with a friend. Similarly, players who are placed in teams above their ability will also not develop to their potential when being constantly overshadowed by more talented players around them.
In this environment these players may become disheartened and lose self-esteem. All this helps to produce a fairer level of competition, a better fit within a team, more individual confidence and a more constructive learning experience.
Grading Personnel Our grading personnel are experienced coaches/executive committee within our Club who bring their knowledge and impartiality when assessing the skills of our players. From time to time the Club will invite independent graders from other clubs to assist with the grading process if needed.
Where a conflict of interest exists (for example, the grading session involving a child of the grader/s) that member shall stand down from that particular grading session.
Towards the end of the season we ask the coaches for an evaluation of their players. A Coaches report is completed in areas such as skills, attendance at training and games, teamwork and attitude. All such reports remain confidential and are viewed only by the Grading Personnel and the Club's Executives.
During the grading games we might ask the girls what positions they enjoy playing ( if no coaches report is completed) but we will always refer to grading notes and report where the coaches have nominated at least 2 positions they feel are the player's strongest positions - this is not to disadvantage but to provide opportunity.
No coach/parent can request to keep the team the same as the previous season or asking for a particular player to be in the team for any reason or demand to get rid of a player if they don’t want them in the team. No precedents will be entered into. All players must be individually graded again for the new season.
Coaches 'Player Evaluation' report contains the following information. In assessing the skills of a player the Grading Personnel will take into account: 1. Footwork and balance 2. Speed & Agility- flow of movement around the court 3. Ball handling skills 4. Attacking skills 5. Defending skills 6. Perception/Cognition skills 7. Sportsmanship & Attitude 8. Goal shooting/Goal keeping if applicable to players in goal circle
Grading may include a number of activities including various netball training drills but will always include a session of actual on-court play. Players will be formed into teams and trial in at least 2 positions that were nominated by their coach.
Players unable to attend the practical grading session will need to notify the Grading Convenor prior to the grading day. Placement into a team for this player may be based upon paper grading taking into account the Coach's evaluation report from the previous year.
A failure to attend grading may lead to dissatisfaction for the player. All players are strongly encouraged to attend the practical grading to be placed into a team.
If a player is new to the club for that season (with no prior playing history or who has not notified the club of absentee due to a suitable reason i.e.: attending a state nipper’s carnival or a touch football state cup, broken arm etc. ) - If they just do not show up for the NYC club grading – they will be automatically placed in the lowest graded team in that age group.
Aim of Grading Parents and players are encouraged to enjoy the experience of meeting new friends and playing partners where team changes occur. The support of parents is greatly encouraged for this to occur smoothly. We agree that all our players are wonderful netballers and we are proud to have them as representatives of our Club. We understand that each player strives to be better and would like some recognition of that effort and achievement.
Please be proud of the team and give it your all when you are at training and playing a game.
For parents, please be supportive, encouraging and always positive to make sure your child feels happy and excited about playing netball.
Please be aware that we want your child to be successful and that it's not about being in Division A or Division G, it's about being in a team sport, having fun and learning.
NARRABEEN YOUTH CLUB NETBALL / GRADING POLICY UPDATED 2020
