Thunderbolts Grading Policy

Thunderbolts Netball Club has been established since 1990 and has grown to be one of the largest Club in the Redlands. We are committed to the development of players, coaches and umpires and we encourage play that fits with the spirit of the game- being fair and competitive, whilst having fun in a safe environment. As such grading will be guided by the following principles:

Grading Principals

Grading is the process of establishing the number and composition of the Thunderbolts Netball Club teams to compete in the Redlands Netball Association competition.

Players will be placed in a team which will enhance their enjoyment of the game,
Players will be placed in a team / grade which is appropriate to their skill level,
Players will be placed in a team which will enable them to attain desired skills,
Teams will be selected to allow for a good balance in terms of players preferred playing positions.

Specific grading processes available to Thunderbolts Netball Club

Previous Season’s Coaches Evaluation. This is a strictly confidential short written report by the Coach to the Coaching Co-Ordinator at the end of the season covering such topics as skill, fitness, attendance, team work and attitude. This information is confidential

Practical Grading day. Thunderbolts will advertise to all members the dates and times of practical grading days. These occur at the beginning of the season after general registration. Thunderbolts will employ independent assessors as well as experienced players and coaches to assess each player in their nominated positions. At times, they will assess players in non- nominated positions, depending on prospective team formation and to allow other players to be graded in their preferred positions.

Grading Committee – The Thunderbolts Netball Club grading committee will consist of the current Club President, Secretary, Registrar and Coaching Co-Ordinator who fulfils the role of Grading Co-Ordinator. The Grading Co-Ordinator will oversee this committee and the grading process. The Grading Committee will make the final decision on each graded team.

Paper Grading. This is when the Grading Committee assesses teams or individual players based upon previous coaches evaluations, observations and graded playing experience from the practical grading day.

Grading and Team Configuration

Teams are put together based upon the grading of individuals skills, requested positions, development needs and fitness levels. Be aware the Grading Committee considers the best mix of players including the number of defenders, mid court players, shooters and attack players to ensure the competitive composition of the team.

Whilst the Grading Assessors grade players in their nominated positions, it is for the Season Team Coach to determine the positions played by individual team players throughout the season considering the development of individual player’s abilities, player’s skills and importantly the needs of the team to play competitively.

Size of Teams

In all other cases Thunderbolts Netball Club will strive (depending on the number of player registrations for a particular grade) to have teams no greater than 9 players.

Practical grading

Who needs to attend practical grading day?

U8, U9 and U10 Age Teams – Thunderbolts Netball Club does not practically grade age 8, age 9 and age 10 teams. Requests for specific team placement of age 8, age 9 and age 10 players should be made to the Thunderbolts Netball Club in writing at the time of the registration of the players. Requests for specific team placement will only be agreed to where it does not compromise an even distribution of players across the teams.

Players in the under 11's age group through to Cadets divisions are to attend practical grading days. The grading timetable will be made available closer to the dates scheduled.

All sessions are compulsory. If a player is unable to attend they must notify the club at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before the scheduled dates.

Thunderbolts Netball Club will accept the registration of a complete team which must also have an appointed coach. The team is required to attend the practical grading session to assist the Grading Committee in establishing if the Thunderbolts Netball club grading principals are being met for all teams. If the grading principals are not being met this may result in changes to the registered team. The Grading Committee will also ensure that the team is placed in the grade which is most appropriate to their skill level.

Any player who chooses not to attend their nominated practical grading day will be placed in a team at the Grading Committees discretion. They will only be considered for a Division 1 team where there is a genuine vacancy in that team. This also applies to players who register with the Club after grading has occurred.

Any player who hasn’t paid their registration fee will not be allowed to take the court for grading due to insurance requirements.

Players registering late cannot be assured of a team and may be put on a waiting list.

Where does practical grading happen?

Grading trials will be held at the Redlands Netball Association courts- Pinklands Sporting Complex at Thornlands

What do I need to wear/bring with me?

Players need to be at the courts at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their session. This is to allow time to sign in, have a number written on their legs so the graders can easily identify them on court and to warm up.

Don’t forget plenty of water and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for strenuous physical activity (no short denim shorts please).

Representative players are asked not to wear their rep gear to grading.

How does practical grading work?

Players list two positions they’d like to trial for on their registration form. On practical grading day’s a number of 10 minute games are played to allow everyone to have their two turns. It is a very busy day for our grading assessors so we ask players to stay in the vicinity of the netball courts (in the shade), gather promptly when asked and listen carefully for their name to be called.

If the club is able, it will appoint up to 3 independent assessors as well as experienced players and coaches to assess each player in their nominated positions

Players will be assessed for their requested position/s but may also be asked to play in other positions. Sometimes our grading assessors see potential in a player in another position and sometimes a gap needs to be filled due to absence or the demand for certain positions. While every effort is made to give players time in their two requested positions sometimes this is impossible because of the number of girls wanting to trial in the same position. Players will always be given an opportunity to trial in the nearest position if we are unable to meet the original request (that is, if lots of players want to trial in GA some may have a turn in GS).

Girls may only spend a small amount of time in their preferred positions as some players are quite easy to grade i.e. the graders can quickly identify their skills in that position. This does not mean they haven’t been given an equal opportunity to be placed in an appropriate team.

During the practical grading sessions the following will be taken into account:

Footwork
Speed and agility
Ball handling skills
Attacking skills
Defending skills
Fitness
Versatility
Perception and Cognition Skills
Sportsmanship and attitude

Alll players wishing to play up an age are to grade in their correct age group and also the grade they wish to play up in. Requests to play up will be considered but need to be given to the Grading Co-Ordinator and/or Club Secretary in writing prior to grading. In considering the request the Grading Co-Ordinator will take the following into account:

1. The needs and abilities of the individual player,

2. Numbers available to make up age teams and

3. The competitive nature of the teams affected.

How do I find out which team I’m in?

Teams will be announced 1- 2 weeks after grading. Please do not contact the Club or Grading Co-Ordinator prior to this to see what team you are in.

Grading Disputes

Thunderbolts Netball Club recognises that players and parents/guardians of players disagree at times with the grading decisions made. If a family member consider that their child has been unfairly treated in the grading process they must submit their concern in writing to the Club Secretary and/or Grading Co-Ordinator. Members of the grading Committee will reconvene to consider the complaint and will advise the family of their decision.

If the player or parent/guardian of the player is still of the view that the grading process is not fair then the matter will be referred to the Executive Committee to be dealt with at its next meeting and to be resolved as it sees fit.

Thunderbolts Netball Club is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all volunteers including our Grading Convener, Committee Members, Grading Assessors and Coaches. Any form of abuse or harassment of volunteers as a result of disputed grading decisions will not be tolerated.

Rule Clarifications for the New Season

The following link is a video that demonstrates the clarifications to the rules and come into effect in 2018. test

2018 Rule Clarification Video

RNA Codes of Conduct

Redlands Netball Association Inc.

CODES OF BEHAVIOUR

GENERAL CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

As a person required to comply with this Policy, you must meet the following requirements with regard to your conduct during any activity held or sanctioned by Redlands Netball Association and persons identified in the Member Protection Policy

1. Treat all persons with respect and courtesy and have proper regard for their dignity, rights and obligations.
2. Be ethical, fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others.
3. Operate within the rules and spirit of the sport including national and state guidelines, constitution and policies which govern Redlands Netball.
4. Do not use your involvement with netball to promote your own beliefs, behaviours or practices where these are inconsistent with those of Redlands Netball.
5. Demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility especially when dealing with persons less than 18 years of age, as your words and actions are an example.
6. Always place the safety and welfare of children above other considerations.
7. Avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with persons less than 18 years of age, wherever possible.
8. Comply with all relevant Australian laws (Federal and State), particularly antidiscrimination and child protection laws
9. Refrain from any behaviour that may bring Redlands Netball and persons identified in the Member Protection Policy into disrepute.
10. Provide a safe environment for the conduct of the activity.
11. Show concern and caution towards others who may be sick or injured.
12. Be a positive role model.
13. Be responsible and accountable for your conduct.
14. Abide by the relevant Redlands Netball role-specific codes of behaviour and understand the repercussions if you breach, or are aware of any breaches of this Code of Behaviour.

JUNIOR PLAYER CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

In addition to Redlands Netball General Code of Behaviour, you must meet the following requirements with regard to your conduct during any activity held by or under the auspices of Redlands Netball and persons identified in the Member Protection Policy in your role as a Junior Player.

1. Participate because you enjoy it, not just to please parents and coaches.

2. Play by the rules, Know the rules.

3. Participate fairly and safely.

4. Abide by decisions, without argument or bad temper. Captains have the right to approach an umpire during an interval or after the game for clarification of any rule. Approach the umpire in a courteous and polite way.

5. Co-operate with your coach, and other players. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent and throwing/ damaging equipment is not acceptable or permitted. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Ensure that at all times your behaviour is fair. Be a patient and enthusiastic supporter of fellow players.

6. Applaud all good play, by your own team and opponents.

7. Be a responsible team member. Always be on time. Encourage and assist all players. Attend all training sessions. Ensure you always bring the appropriate uniform and equipment to training and/ or matches.

8. Do not engage in practices that affect sporting performance (alcohol, tobacco and drug use). Respect and acknowledge the contribution of those who create the opportunity for you to play. Volunteers (scorers, coaches, timekeepers, administrators and umpires).

SENIOR PLAYER CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

PARENT/ GUARDIAN CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

In addition to Redlands Netball General Code of Behaviour, you must meet the following requirements with regard to your conduct during any activity held by or under the auspices of Redlands Netball and persons identified in the Member Protection Policy in your role as a Parent/Guardian.

1. If your child is interested, encourage them to participate in the appropriate netball activity. However, if your child is not willing to participate, do not force him or her. Remember, children are involved in organised activity for their enjoyment, not yours.
2. Focus upon your child's efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists your child in setting realistic goals related to his/ her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
3. Teach your child that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
4. Encourage your child to play always according to the rules.
5. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.
6. Remember that children learn best from example. Applaud good play by all players.
7. If you disagree with an umpire or coach raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question their judgment and honesty in public.
8. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse.
9. Recognise and respect the value and importance of volunteer administrators, coaches and umpires. They give up their time and resources to provide recreational activities for players and deserve your support.
10. Be a model of good sports behaviour for children to copy.
11. Be courteous in communication with administrators, coaches, players and umpires. Teach children to do likewise.
12. Support the use of age appropriate development activities and modified rules.

SPECTATOR CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

In addition to Redlands Netball General Code of Behaviour, you must meet the following requirements with regard to your conduct during any activity held by or under the auspices of Redlands Netball and persons identified in the Member Protection Policy in your role as a Spectator.

1. Most players (in particular children) participate in netball activities for fun. They are not participating for entertainment of spectators only.
2. Applaud good performance and efforts by all players. When watching a game congratulate both teams on their performance regardless of the game's outcome.
3. Respect the umpires' and coaches’ decisions. If there is a disagreement, follow the appropriate procedure in order to question the decision and teach children to do likewise.
4. Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during a competition. Positive comments are motivational.
5. Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by administrators, coaches, players, umpires or parents/ guardians.
6. Show respect for your team's coach, the umpire and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
7. Encourage players to play according to the rules and the official decisions, and develop your own knowledge of the rules.
8. Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by refraining from using foul language, harassing administrators, coaches, players or umpires.
9. Support the use of age appropriate development activities and modified rules.

COACH CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

In addition to Redlands Netball General Code of Behaviour, you must meet the following requirements with regard to your conduct during any activity held by or under the auspices of Netball Queensland and persons identified in the Member Protection Policy in your role as a Coach.

1. Operate within the rules and spirit of netball, promoting fair play over winning at any cost.
2. Encourage and support opportunities for people to learn appropriate behaviour and skills.
3. Support opportunities for participation in all aspects of the sport.
4. Treat each person as an individual.
5. Display control and courtesy to all involved with the sport
6. Respect the rights and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
7. Respect the decisions of umpires, officials, coaches and administrators in the conduct of the sport.
8. Wherever practical, avoid unaccompanied and unobserved one-on-one activity (when in a supervisory capacity or where a power imbalance will exist) with people less than the age of 18 years.
9. Adopt appropriate and responsible behaviour in all interactions.
10. Adopt responsible behaviour in relation to alcohol and other drugs.
11. Act with integrity and objectivity, and accept responsibility for your decisions and actions.
12. Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a safe environment.
13. Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a harassment free environment.
14. Do not tolerate harmful or abusive behaviour.
15. Place the safety and welfare of the athletes above all else.
16. Help each person (athlete, umpire etc) reach their potential - respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each person and compliment and encourage with positive and supportive feedback.
17. Any physical contact with a person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the person’s skill development.
18. Be honest and do not allow your qualifications to be misrepresented.

UMPIRE CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

BENCH OFFICIALS CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

In addition to Redlands Netball General Code of Behaviour, you must meet the following requirements with regard to your conduct during any activity held by or under the auspices of Redlands Netball and persons identified in the Member Protection Policy in your role as a Technical Official.

1. Officiate in accordance with the Official Rules of the Game and Event/Competition Guidelines.
2. Treat all players, coaches, umpires and other match officials with respect.
3. Act with integrity and objectivity, and accept responsibility for your decisions and actions.
4. Be consistent and impartial when making decisions.
5. Maintain a high standard of personal behaviour at all times.
6. Be a positive role model through behaviour and personal appearance projecting a favourable image of netball and officiating at all times.
7. Be courteous, respectful and open to discussion and interaction.
8. Maintain or improve your current performance level and seek continual improvement.

ADMINISTRATOR CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

In addition to Redlands Netball General Code of Behaviour, you must meet the following requirements with regard to your conduct during any activity held by or under the auspices of Redlands Netball and persons identified in the Member Protection Policy in your role as an Administrator.

1. Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others.
2. Be professional in, and accept responsibility for your actions. Your language, presentation, manners and punctuality should reflect high standards.
3. Resolve conflicts fairly and promptly through established procedures.
4. Maintain strict impartiality.
5. Be aware of your legal responsibilities.
6. Develop a positive sport environment by allowing for the special needs of the players (especially children), by emphasising enjoyment and by providing appropriate development and competitive experiences.
7. Involve players in the planning, leadership, evaluation and decision-making relating to the activity.
8. Ensure activities, equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the ability level of participating players. Activities, rules, equipment, lengths of games and training schedules should take into consideration the age, ability and maturity level of participating players.
9. Ensure that everyone (administrators, coaches, players, umpires, parents, spectators, sponsors and physicians) emphasise fair play in netball activities and games.
10. Where appropriate, distribute a Code of Behaviour sheet to coaches, players, umpires, parents, spectators.

Our Executive Team

Our Thunderbolts Executive are all volunteers who enjoy the netball game and community. Our executive all work full time, with other (many) responsibilities in our lives.

Any help you can provide is appreciated.

Sponsorship

Thunderbolts Netball Club has a number of tiered packages which allow businesses to support our club from grass roots to elite levels and become part of our family. Our packages have been developed to provide an excellent return on investment and offer our sponsors brand exposure through a variety of mediums including, media, print and signage.

All sponsorship funding is directly invested into the sport and is used to manage and improve netball in our club and within the Redlands.

Thank you for taking the time to view our sponsorship package. Thunderbolts Netball Club is dedicated to marketing their sponsors to ensure optimal benefits for both parties. All packages can be tailored to your specific needs so please feel free to discuss with us your individual needs at any time.

We look forward to forming a great business partnership with you.

Sponsorship Packages

Community Sponsorship

An agreed percentage is discounted to our members every time any member or supporter of our club uses your services. Every transaction attracts a rebate (e.g.10%) to Thunderbolts. There is no minimum spend required for each transaction. This is a simple basic user reward system.

Members and supporters can use our unique Thunderbolts code, or a card can be provided and distributed to all members or those who express interest in obtaining a card from your business.

We will promote events or opportunities for your business on our Facebook page. It’s in our best interest to generate business for you.

Managers' Information (Every team needs one)

Managing a Thunderbolts netball team is a rewarding experience. It's a great way to be involved with the team and help ensure your season runs smoothly. From organising the scoring and fruit roster to entering your team into carnivals, the Manager is an important and valued part of the team!

We hope you enjoy your season as Manager and if you have any questions, please contact our President, Nic Cusack.

Fundraising made easy

Sporting items

Thunderbolts receives 5% from any of your purchases at REBEL Sports - just mention Thunderbolts Netball Club at the time of purchase so we can receive credit to buy more equipment.

How to Score

1. Make sure you have the right score sheet – check the court number and time at the top of the page.

2. Use a black or blue pen (something that will not run if it rains, this is usually provided with the score sheet). No pencils.

3. It is the Team Managers responsibility to ensure all players have signed the score sheet. This also includes if a player is "playing up" from another team. The signature on the scoresheet should be the same as the one on the master sheet held by the Redlands Netball Association (RNA). All players should sign the sheet before taking the court. If a player arrives late they must sign the score sheet before the end of the game. Once play has commenced only the players listed on the score sheet can take the court.

4. Stay with the scorer from the other team, especially if you score half the game each. If you leave the other scorer, you have no recourse at the end of the half or game if there is a discrepancy.

5. The scorer notes the centre passes. Note who has the first centre pass and then note down each one after it has been taken. If at some time during the game the umpires cannot agree as to which team has the next centre, they can defer to the scorer.

6. Indicate a cross (X) on the scoresheet for each unsuccessful attempt at goal in the quarter it occurs. If the shooter is allowed to retake the attempt at goal because of a penalty then the first attempt is not considered unsuccessful and should not be indicated by a cross (X) on the sheet.

7. If an attempt is successful and a goal is scored indicate by a tick (√) in the goals attempted section of the score sheet.

8. Mark off each goal as it occurs with a line through the number. At the end of each quarter, circle the last goal scored. Goals scored should equal ticks (√) in the attempts rows for each quarter.

9. At the end of the game, check and write the final score in the Total box.

Also ensure that you have all the signatures required – captains, umpires and scorers.

Please note that umpires only sign score sheet to confirm they have umpired the game, whilst captains and scorers should not sign score sheet until the final score has been checked and agreed to be correct.

Wet Weather

On rainy days, the Club will be advised by the RNA whether games are to proceed or not.

Hard court games (U11-Cadets) will only be cancelled in EXTREME weather conditions (lightning, extreme rain). The courts are designed for safe wet weather play. Grass court games however may be cancelled more frequently in case of rain or heavy or soggy court conditions.

In order to give every opportunity for games to proceed, the RNA will not decide to cancel games until the very last minute – so unless you receive a message from your Coach that the game is definitely off – you must come down to the courts. The 8am round will not usually be cancelled until after 7.30am – so you must attend the courts regardless, regardless of the weather conditions.

Thunderbolts will post wet weather information on our website and Facebook page within minutes of receiving advice from the RNA. We will NOT contact individual coaches, players or umpires. As soon as we know we will post on the website.

Information is also available at Redlands Netball Association www.redlandsnetball.com.au