COACHES

As part of our commitment to providing a learning environment for coaches and umpires as well as players we organise training sessions.

We ask that one coach and one umpire per team takes advantage of these opportunities. It is only by up-skilling coaches and umpires that we can be sure we are making it easier for ourselves and that we pass on the best information to our players.​​​​​​​

Our 2025 Programme for Coaches:

Venue: Pinehurst Gymnasium (view map here), Pinehurst School, 75 Bush Road, Albany 

Cost: $10.00 per person per session (includes handouts) - payable on the night or we can invoice schools

Bring: Please wear clothing and shoes suitable for participation

Each session covers different aspects of coaching and is run by coaching legend Michele Wallace from Netball North Harbour. Resources and handouts will be provided for coaches attending. 

This is an opportunity to refresh and get some skills and tips for the 2025 season. 

To make any enquiries, please email: coaches@kidzplaynetball.co.nz (Please include your team name)

Please Note: These sessions are for COACHES ONLY, not players.  

Community Coach Starter Resource

Introduction to Team Managing

• Players’ positions MUST BE rotated each week. Positions must not be changed at half time.  Substitutions for half games are made at half time. These players go into the positions of those they are replacing. If a player is injured they may be replaced by another player, in the same position.
• For safety reasons, players are NOT allowed on court wearing earrings of any kind (including keepers), watches or any other jewellery.  Taping of ears or bangles is NOT allowed. If players refuse to take their earrings out they will not be allowed on the court. No exceptions will be made.
• Medical Alert bracelets are allowed but need to be taped. (Please note: Kidzplay Netball does not supply the tape for this.)
• Players’ fingernails must be short.
• Ensure your team is on court, ready to start play, when the bell rings.  If a team cannot field 5 registered players within 5 minutes of the commencement of the game the team will lose by default. Please note: A Kidzplay Netball Umpire Mentor must be present to declare/confirm the win as allowances may be made under extenuating circumstances.
• Please ensure that if you have boys in your team they are spread through the court. Only one boy is permitted in the goal circle at any given time.
• No coaches or parents are allowed on the court during games; ensure you stay on the sideline.  The playing area is for the players.
• Please do not move/run up and down the sideline.
• Ensure that coaching is undertaken on practice days, not during the game on Saturday.
• Allow the players the space to learn to play netball without continual instructions.
• Do not try to play the game for the players.
• Encourage your team (but not be so loud as to be disruptive to the other team and/or the umpires), and give only positive support to all.
• ​​​​​​​Please ensure that your team’s supporters cheer from the sideline, NOT the goal line (base line).
• Encourage fair play.
• Be patient with all players as it does come together in a surprisingly quick time.
• Encourage, encourage, encourage!
• Ensure your team and supporters respect all umpires, all players and all coaches.
• Please set an example of positive behaviour to your players, your assistants and your supporters. The coaches and managers are the team leaders and how they react will transfer to the players and supporters.
• Please encourage your team to show sportsmanship both on and off the court regardless whether they win or lose. 
• Do not coach the team while umpiring. If the coach is umpiring it is necessary to wear an “umpire’s hat” and not the “coaches hat”.
• Please do not hesitate to ask one of our Umpire Mentors for assistance if you have any issues at all during your games.
• We hope enjoy your games and remember Kidzplay Netball is about learning and having fun!

International Rule Book

In December 2023 World Netball (WN) launched the Rules of Netball 2024 Edition, along with free educational rules resources. The new rules came into play on 1 January 2024.

The rules changes focus specifically on player safety and game management along with clarification and streamlining of existing rules such as contact and advantage. The layout of the Rules has also been updated to simplify and encourage use by all of the Netball Family, not just umpires.

You can download the Rules of Netball App for free via Apple or Google Play Stores. 

SOME BASIC RULES OF THE GAME 

Umpires

Two umpires have control of the game and make the on-court decisions about the run of play.

Starting play

Play is started with a pass from the centre circle – this is called the centre pass. There is a centre pass at the beginning of each quarter and half, and after each goal is scored. The teams take turns making the centre pass. The person making the centre pass must stand in the centre circle. The opposing centre can stand anywhere in the centre third but all other players must stay in the goal thirds until the umpire blows the whistle to start play. The centre pass has to be received in the centre third.

Footwork (Stepping)

Once a player has landed with the ball, the first landed foot is called the grounded foot and must either stay on the ground or in the air until the ball is passed on. Re-grounding that same foot a second time while still in possession of the ball is a step which will result in a free pass to the opposition. Similarly, a hop, slide or drag of the grounded foot is not permitted.

Over A Third

The ball must be caught or touched in each third of the court by any player who is standing in the correct third and/or any player who lands in the correct third after catching the ball in the air.

Held Ball

Once the ball has been caught, the player must pass it or shoot for goal within three seconds.

Throw in

When the ball goes out of court, the umpire takes note of which team touched it last. The throw in is then taken by a player from the opposing team close to where the ball went out of court. Standing close to the line from the outside of court, the player has three seconds to get the ball back in play.

Offside

Each player is allowed in only a certain area of the court. If a player steps into an area or any part of their body touches the ground in an area their playing position is not allowed to go, will be ruled offside.

Short Pass

There must be room on the court for an opposing player to be able to intercept the ball with a hand as it moves from the hands of the thrower to the hands of the receiver (this distance is not measured on the ground).

Obstruction

When a player is defending another player or trying to intercept the ball they must be at least 0.9 metres away from the grounded foot of the player who has the ball.

Contact

A player is not allowed to physically contact an opponent if it disrupts or stops that person from playing. Pushing the ball out of an opponent’s hands is also not permitted.

Sanctions

For contact, obstruction or moving the goalpost penalties, the offending player must stand beside or away from the thrower and where the umpire has indicated. A goal shooter or goal attack taking the penalty pass or shot in the goal circle can either pass the ball or shoot for goal.

Out of Court

The ball is out of court when:

• It touches the ground outside the court.
• It touches any person or object in contact with the ground outside the court. [Note: a player may have their foot on a line and it is not out of court]. 

A meeting will be held for the Coach and/or Manager of each team where we will outline our program and requirements. This will be an opportunity for you to meet our mentors and ask your questions. A FREE netball will be available for each team that attends the meeting (please note: balls will only be given to the coach of each team that attends the meeting and will not be given to netball co-ordinators or other school representatives).

Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 Team Representatives (Coaches & Managers):

When: Monday 5 May 2025
Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Where: Pinehurst School Arena – Building next to Gym (right off the entrance driveway – view map here)

Year 4, Year 5, Year 6 Team Representatives (Coaches & Managers):

When: Tuesday 6 May 2025
Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Where: Pinehurst School Arena – Building next to Gym (right off the entrance driveway – view map here)

Please note:

• Registration is not required
• Please allow time to park and collect your information pack