Playing Netball

Below are copies of the rules of netball that will used during this season. The 9s will use the Modified Netball Rules. The 10s and 13s will use the International Rules of Netball.

Modified Netball Rules

International Netball Rules

Codes of Behaviour

Players, parents, spectators and coaches are to observe their respective Australian Junior 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 Eastwood Ryde Netball Association Executive Committee for an explanation and possible disciplinary action.

Players' Code of Behaviour

• Play for the "fun of it" and not just to please parents and coaches.
• Play by the rules
• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain or coach approach the official during a break or after the game.
• 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.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team's performance will benefit, so will you.
• Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays whether they be by your team or the other team.
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage or another player.
• Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.

Parents' Code of Behaviour

• If children are interested, encourage them to play sport. However, if a child is not willing to play, do not force him or her.
• Focus upon the child's efforts and performance rather than the overall outcomes of the event. This assists the child in undue disappointment.
• Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Encourage children to always play according to the rules.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing the game.
• Remember children are involved in organised sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Remember that children learn best form example. Applaud good plays by both teams.
• If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official's judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for your child's enjoyment.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children and deserve your support.

Spectators' Code of Behaviour

• Children play sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
• Applaud good performance and efforts by your team AND the opponents.
• Congratulate both teams upon their performance regardless of the game's outcome.
• Respect the officials' decision. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to question the decision and teach the children to do likewise.
• Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition. Positive comments are motivational.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
• Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Encourage players to play according to the rules and the official's decisions.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials.

Coaches' Code of Behaviour

• Be responsible in your demands on young players' time, energy and enthusiasm.
• Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.
• Whenever possible, group players according to age, height, skills and physical maturity.
• Avoid over-playing the talented players. The 'just average' players need and deserve equal time.
• Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a competition.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
• The scheduling and length of practise times and competition should take into consideration the maturity level of the children.
• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
• Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence play.
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and principles of growth and development of children.