Balmoral School Netball Programme
All Balmoral School teams play netball through Auckland Netball at Windmill Park, 48 Windmill Road, Mt Eden.
Auckland Netball runs the largest school netball competition in the country. They play using the FutureFerns programme. This Year 1-8 competition, developed by Netball New Zealand, has an emphasis on fun activities conducted in a safe environment, whilst building key netball skills. The FutureFerns programme has 4 development stages: Years 1&2, Years 3&4, Years 5&6 and Years 7&8. These 4 stages of the modified game transform and become more challenging as the players get older and continue to develop their netball skills. For more information visit https://www.futureferns.co.nz/futureferns/home
The school philosophy is that anyone who wants to play netball and is committed to being in a team is encouraged to play. Therefore team sizes will vary year to year to make sure no student misses out.
When does my child need to sign up?
Netball notices go out to teachers around Week 2 of Term 1 each year.
Please note that signed permission from parents is required before your child is able to be allocated to a team or trial for a team.
Who coaches and manages the teams?
To enable ākonga to play netball for Balmoral School, we rely on parent volunteers to coach and manage teams. A coach and manager must be named for each team before it can be registered, so please think about putting yourself forward to volunteer for one of these roles if possible. More information can be found by clicking here.
It is up to the individual team and parent volunteers how they choose to run the team but, generally, the manager takes responsibility for administrative matters, sharing game times and logistics, while the coach is more hands-on with running practices and warm-ups. It’s definitely a case of “many hands make light work” and we encourage other parents to pitch in with scoring, helping with subs etc on game day.
When are the trials?
There are no trials for Y3-4 and teams are allocated.
Trials for Y5-Y8 are Weeks 3-6 of Term 1 each year. Notices regarding trials are sent out by teachers and your child will need to take note of when the exact times for these are for their year group. Please see the Balmoral School Netball Trials Policy & Procedures for how these trials are run Trial Procedures.
The school needs to register teams with Auckland Netball in April, so all teams will be confirmed before this time.
When does the playing season start?
Netball games start Week 2 of Term 2. Often teams will start practicing before this time and it is up to the individual coaches to organise this.
When does the playing season end?
The season goes across 2 terms and finishes around Week 6, Term 3 (although exact timing may vary each year). Please ensure your child can commit to the full season and that it does not clash with other commitments in Term 3. There is a 3 week break between Term 2 & 3 as other schools in the competition have a 3 week holiday at this time.
How much does playing netball cost?
The cost per child is based on the number of students that sign up. The fee is set each year and takes into account Auckland Netball game fees and gear for team bags (such as balls and bibs). The fee is higher for Y5-8 as the teams pay for Auckland Netball to provide umpires for each game.
The fee will be added on the Edge Portal for payment by parents/caregivers.
What is the uniform?
The Balmoral Netball uniform is either:
Balmoral Red Netball Dress or
Balmoral Red Netball Top & Blue Sports Shorts
Uniforms are available to be purchased through the office and notices will go out about the timing of orders. We require a parent to come and fit the uniform using samples and, once the correct size is found, you can pay and order the uniform.
Navy long-sleeved thermals and navy/black bike shorts are permitted to be worn under the uniform. No t-shirts or leggings are to be worn under the uniform.
Second hand uniforms are often available - check out the Balmoral Uniform Exchange Facebook page (Balmoral Uniform Exchange | Facebook) or ask around other parents who have been involved with netball.
Years 3 & 4
No trials are held and teams are assigned once registrations are completed.
Each team will need a parent volunteer Coach and Manager to be able to be entered into the competition.
Expectation: 1 practice per week, 1 game.
Game Times:
Thursdays 4.00pm | 4.55pm | 5.50pm | 6.45pm
14 minute skill session followed by a game.
5 v 5 (recommend 7 players per team).
Rolling subs.
Played across 2/3 of a netball court.
Play with a size 4 ball.
Goal post 2.6m high.
No scores records.
No whistle, support play.
Girls and boys mixed teams. Boys on the court should not exceed half of the team at any one time.
Coach umpires on court and supports play.
Years 5 & 6
Teams are selected through trials (conducted by Balmoral kaiako).
Trials are held between Week 3 - 6, Term 1.
Each team will need a parent volunteer Coach and Manager to be able to be entered into the competition.
Expectation: 1 practice per week, 1 game.
Game times:
Wednesdays 4.00pm | 4.45pm | 5.30pm | 6.15pm
15 minute time on court for warm up followed by a game.
6 v 6 (recommend 8 players per team).
Rolling subs.
Played on a full size netball court.
Play with a size 4 ball.
Goalposts at 2.6m high.
Games will be 32 minute duration – 4 x 8 minute quarters.
Positions include 2 attacks, 2 defence and 2 centres.
No results tables.
Girls and boys mixed teams. Boys on the court should not exceed half of the team at any one time.
Umpire controlled with modified rules.
Whistle.
Scored but no result table.
Thanks
If you have any further questions, please contact sport@balmoral.school.nz
Meredith Hughes
Sports League Coordinator
Balmoral School |Te kura o te Roto a Rangi
Years 7 & 8
Teams are selected through trials (conducted by Balmoral kaiako).
Trials are held between Week 3 - 6, Term 1.
Each team will need a parent volunteer Coach and Manager to be able to be entered into the competition.
Expectation: 1 - 2 practices per week, 1 game.
Game times:
Mondays 4.00pm | 5.00pm | 6.00pm |
7.00pm (if required)
15 minute time on court for warm up followed by a game.
7 v 7 (recommend 9-10 players per team).
Substitutions during an interval or when play has stopped for injury/illness or blood.
Minimum of half a game per game per player.
Provide opportunities for players to play a variety of positions.
Played on a full size netball court.
Play with a size 5 ball.
Goalposts at 3.05m high.
Games will be 40 minutes duration – 4 x 10 minute quarters.
GK, GD, WD, C, WA, GA, GS
Scores taken for competition points table.
Year 7 & 8 boys, a maximum of 3 boys are allowed on the court at any time, with only one in each area of play i.e. GS or GA | WA, C, or WD | GD or GK.
Whistle.
The sign up for the 2024 netball season has closed for Year 7 and 8.