Welcome to the Welsh Netball Association Website

Setting up Your Own Netball Club

How to Start - a New Netball Club

1. Why start a Netball club ?
Being a member of a netball club can play a key part in the development of the physical, social and personal skills of a person. By starting a club you will be creating the opportunity for people of all ages to develop in and through netball. It can also be a great opportunity for adults to start playing again or putting something back into netball after their own playing days are over. Whether coaching, playing, umpiring or running a club, the rewards are great when you witness the young players' enthusiasm and enjoyment for the sport.

2. Who can help ?
If you decide to start a new club you will probably want some help in the initial stages. The following people will be able to help in varying capacities, so do contact them:

  • The Netball development Officer for your area may help you with ideas for publicity, courses and contacts.
    Contact Welsh Netball Development Officer for your area.
  • Another local netball club or league may well be able to provide umpires and coaches.
    Contact your Area Secretary.
  • The Local Authority Sports Development Officer will be able to provide information on possible funding and other local issues.
    Contact your Sports Development Officer.

    3. What will you need ?
    For a club of around 10 - 15 members you will need:

  • A netball court suitable and safe for training on.
  • At least 1 ball per two players (Size 4 for under 11's and size 5 for all other players).
  • A minimum of 2 sets of netball bibs.
  • Whistles for the umpires.
  • A ball pump to inflate the netballs.

  • A set of netball posts.

4. When is the best time to start ?
There is no right or wrong time to start the club. The traditional start of the netball season is September. However as most of the adults involved in netball will be busy playing, it may be an idea to start your club a little later in the year. Also, as the weather is slightly better during the second part of the season, it may be easier to start the club then so that you can use outdoor facilities. Alternatively you could always start your club during the summer vacation when the pressures on experienced players are much less. The best way is to do a quiet check in your local area as to when the players want to play netball and when the facilities are available.

5. How much will it cost ?
This really depends on the cost of facilities in your vicinity and whether or not you want to pay your coaches etc. You will need to work out your costs for the season.

6. What next ?
Work your way through the new club starter pack and then off you go. If you have any questions then call your Netball Development Officer.
GOOD LUCK for the start of your new club !


Young People in Netball

Sport plays a key part in the development of physical, social and personal skills amongst players. All young people should be able to take part in sport and leisure activities in an environment free from discrimination - by sex, ethnic origin, religion or disability and without risk of abuse, violence or exploitation. In all sports and physical activities coaches, umpires, teachers and leaders have an important role to play both in developing sporting skills and creating a safe and secure sporting environment. Check the Child Protection Procedure and Code of Conduct produced by Welsh Netball Association enclosed in this pack.

CORE VALUES IN NETBALL
For the safety and security of young people, coaches, umpires, leaders and parents should be strongly motivated, well trained and guided by following sound principles ;

  • demonstrate integrity and respect for young people,
  • promote fair play and the positive aspects of netball and physical activity,
  • display high standards of behavior
  • understand the emotional, physical and personal needs of young people,
  • conduct netball in a safe and encouraging manner,
  • give all young people opportunities to participate, appropriate to their experience and level of maturity.

    GENERAL SAFETY ISSUES

    Coaches, umpires, leaders and other officials should:

  • Have knowledge and experience relevant to netball.
  • Make sure all participants are aware of the necessary rules, organisation and safety requirements regarding the
    environment in which they are working.
  • Ensure that there is a telephone near at hand and be familiar with relevant emergency numbers
  • Ensure that there is a First Aid Kit
  • Know who is a First Aider whether it is someone in the club or a leisure centre attendant.
  • Keep a log of all injuries and accidents.
  • Keep a accurate record of young players attending the club sessions.

    Where can I get more information ?

    For adults working with young people :

  • Contact the Welsh National Coaching Centre on 02920 300572 for information on National Coaching Foundation short courses and publications on working with and coaching children and child protection for sports coaches.
  • For more information and contact numbers read the Welsh Netball Association Child Protection Procedures and Code of Conduct

    What Personnel do I need?

    Coaches

    Coaches are probably the most single most important asset to a club. In many sports, coaches work voluntarily and put in many hours to help players to develop in their sport. It is therefore important that clubs value and nurture their coaches to keep them motivated and committed and also to ensure that they are as up to date as possible with current coaching practice. The latter is important to ensure that your players are able to develop to their potential and also to ensure a safe and healthy sporting environment. Encouraging your coaches to attend training courses or conferences is not saying there is anything wrong with them but good coaches are always seeking to improve their skills and knowledge and gain ideas and good practice from others. GOOD COACHES ARE GOLD DUST - LOOK AFTER THEM

    Umpires

    Umpires are vital in your Club, if you wish to join a league then you will be expected to have a qualified umpire. It is important that you promote a positive feeling towards the umpires and the club should encourage players to learn more about the rules and umpiring. This can be done by going on relevant Welsh Netball Association umpiring courses.

    Remember you cannot play a netball match without an umpire.

    Volunteers - Recruting, Training and Retaining Volunteers

    Almost all clubs say that one of their biggest problems is finding people to help, whether coaching, serving on the committee, collecting the money or managing teams and providing transport.
    Although parents often play a valuable role in junior clubs, this resource is often under used. Few clubs specifically go out to recruit parents to help with administrative, management and coaching roles within the club. A simple way of using volunteers is the use of rotas, training programmes through the Running Sport Programme etc can do much to maximise the benefits of small amounts of time people have available.

    Officers of the Club

    It is important that the Club has a set of officers who make the decision for the Club and its players. You should think about having some of the following officers :-

    Chairman
    Vice Chairman
    Secretary
    Treasurer
    Team Manager
    Coach
    Social / Fundraising Secretary
    Club Captain
    Junior Club Co-ordinator (if part of adult club)

    Part of the role of the officers is to write a Club Constitution which details relevant information about the Club.

    Useful Numbers and Addresses

    Jo Heuze
    The Welsh National Coaching Centre
    The Sports Council for Wales
    Sophia Gardens
    Cardiff
    CF1 9SW
    Tel : 02920 300572
    Fax : 02920 300600

    Netball Development Officers - click here

    EQUIPMENT TO START A CLUB

    The list below would be the ideal set amount of equipment for starting a new club. The prices listed below are an average price. Most of this equipment can be purchased through the Welsh Netball association. The list is by no means compulsory for all clubs; it is just for guidance.

    Equipment Cost
    5 x size 4 Netballs
    (if you have u11's in the club)
    £ 10 - £ 12
    5 x size 5 Netballs
    £ 10 - £ 12
    1 Match Ball
    £ 25
    1 Ball Sack or net
    £ 12.50
    2 set of Bibs
    £ 30 - £ 42
    First Aid Kit
    From £ 10
    Cones - set of 50
    From £ 12.50
    Whistle
    From £ 1.50
    Ball Inflator
    From £ 3
    Dragon Netball Rules Book for u11's
    £ 2
    Official Rules Book
    £ 4

    Please see the Welsh Netball Sales for a full list of equipment, clothing, coaching manuals, videos and posters.