Junior Netball Review. Key Findings and Summary

Transcription

1 Junior Netball Review Key Findings and Summary

2 Contents Junior Netball Igniting a lifelong love of the game 3 Key Findings & Summary 4 The Junior Netball Pilot 5 Research 6 Summary of the New Player Pathway 7 Meeting the Needs of Children through Modified Netball 8 Overview of the New Junior Netball Model 9 Year 1 & 2 and Year 3 & 4 Junior Netball Delivery Key Questions 12-13

3 3 Junior Netball Igniting a Lifelong Love of the Game Junior Netball represents 45% of Netball New Zealand s registered Netball players. It is run by a dedicated army of volunteers who are driven by a love of Netball and a desire to offer a great experience to our children, in one of the nation s favourite games. The current Junior Netball Development Model was first introduced in 2000 and supported the KiwiSport principles of modified sport for young players. The model ensured that Junior Netball was appropriately modified so the first introduction to the game created positive Netball experiences for players (aged 5 to 12 years old) and ignited a lifelong love of the game. Given the importance in this area, a Junior Netball Review was launched in mid-2012 to assess the current delivery of Netball at the junior level, including the Fun and Future Ferns programmes, and to determine whether this was the best possible pathway for Junior Netballers. 75% OF PARENTS STATED THAT THEY DEFINITELY WANTED THEIR CHILD TO PLAY NETBALL NEXT YEAR Junior Netball National Survey The Review of Junior Netball included the following: A nationwide survey of administrators, coaches, umpires and parents (1,350 respondents). Establishment of a review group that included development staff from across the country, Junior Netball specialists and fundamental movement skills experts. Collation and consideration of relevant academic research relating to Junior sport delivery across the world and Junior Netball research in New Zealand. Proposed changes to Junior Netball were piloted by 14 Centres, involving over 1,600 players and approximately 160 junior co-ordinators, coaches and helpers. Feedback was collated from a wide range of people involved in the pilot from administrators to grandparents.

4 4 Key Findings The Junior Netball Review highlighted a number of key findings: Netball is the most popular team sport for girls aged 5-18 and the top rated sport/activity that 5-18 year olds want to try or do more often (Sport NZ s Young People s survey). The delivery of Junior Netball varied considerably across the country including the starting age, modifications and the rules. Coaches, umpires, parents and administrators all told us that Netball could be improved by enhancing support and training of coaches and umpires to increase confidence and competence. There was strong support for clear guidelines for Junior Netball to ensure consistency in delivery and programmes. Academic research from around the world supports: Fun as the key driver for children s participation in sport. Small-sided games develop technical ability, skill acquisition and provide more opportunities for children to experience success. Small-sided games allow children to be engaged in the game for longer periods of time. Adult versions of the game are not appropriate for children and modifications need to be made to replicate their stage of development.

5 The Junior Netball Pilot Some of the comments that came from focus group feedback or online evaluations: I have grizzled for 4-5 years about how Junior Netball didn t help the kids but not this year. The length of the court, size of the balls and hoops was so much better. Coaches are on the court with the players all the time to help the players and ensure the game flows. Pitched at right age and stage, modified posts allow for more success. More goals, more passes by everyone. I thought it was going to be a disaster because it was not proper netball, however that was proved wrong as there is a lot more action in the games and I think the skill sessions are a good addition. I like the resources supplied with activities to coach the children. It was amazing how everyone was really involved in the game. 5

6 6 Research There is considerable research highlighting the benefits of modified sports for a wide variety of sports although there isn t any data that relates specifically to Netball. During the 2013 Netball season, AUT University undertook a research project comparing the 7-a-side game with the proposed 5 v 5 modified Netball. This was preliminary research where a small number of games were recorded and then coded. Findings Players exposed to the 5 v 5 modified game: 1. Were more engaged with game play; that is to say they have less frequent stoppages. Duration of play 5 v 5 94 seconds 7 v 7 50 seconds 2. Experienced more frequent contact with the ball which resulted in more opportunities and more learning. Ball Contact Frequency 5 v 5 6 seconds 7 v 7 9 seconds 3. Were exposed to more frequent shooting opportunities. Shot Attempt Frequency 5 v 5 76 seconds 7 v seconds Successful Shot Frequency 5 v seconds 7 v seconds 50% MORE TOUCHES ON THE BALL A SUCCESSFUL SHOT EVERY 3.1 MINUTES COMPARED WITH 8.9 MINUTES General Summary Of Findings The modified rules confirmed 5 v 5 is an excellent game for developing attacking play, greater continuous flow of the game, more frequency of ball contact and greater opportunities for shooting.

7 7 Summary of the New Player Pathway A progressive player centred programme. 4 v 4 5 v 5 7 v 7 7 v 7 with rotation Year 1 & 2 Year 3 & 4 Year 5 & 6* Year 7 & 8* The new Player Pathway grows with the players. The emphasis is on participation and enjoyment catering for young people of all abilities. Increased enjoyment means our youngsters are more likely to stay involved in Netball for longer. The new player pathway will provide a journey for a young player that builds and progresses their learning and development as they head towards the adult version of the game. Timeline for the Junior Netball Review and Roll Out Ultimately, Netball New Zealand and all those involved in the game want to see more young people playing Netball. This new Player Pathway puts the development and retention of players at the heart of the process. The new Junior Netball programme will be phased in between Phase 1 will focus on Year 1 & 2 and Year 3 & 4. Phase 2 will focus on Year s 5 8. Our aim is to have all Netball Centres engaged with the changes to Junior Netball and phasing in the new programmes as per the timeline for roll out below. The new changes will replace all existing programmes and current competitions. Timeline *subject to Phase 2 of the Junior Netball Review Junior Netball Review Year 1 & 2, Year 3 & 4 Junior Netball Pilot Phase 1 Roll out of Year 1 & 2 programme begins. Phase 2 - Review of the Y5 8 programme Phase 1 continues - roll out of Year 1-2 and Year 3-4 programmes Phase 2 roll out of Year 5-8 programmes

8 8 Meeting the Needs of Children through Modified Netball The main theme throughout Junior Netball is to meet the needs of children, taking into consideration their physical, social and cognitive abilities. It s designed to meet the needs of children without losing the essence of the game, which is important for children. The game grows with the players and supports the development of their skills. Allows players to play Netball sooner, from 5 years old. If they have fun, they will be involved for longer. The new 4 v 4 and 5 v 5 games allow players to pass, catch and shoot from the first session Young players get to touch the ball more often. The more times players catch the ball, the more opportunities they have to practise basic skills, making players more skilful. Netball is a very complex game with numerous tactical situations therefore by modifying the game it allows players to make more, lesscomplicated decisions during the game. This will enhance their decision making skills. Small sided games are the preferred training method of our top Netballers and are the most appropriate way to enhance skill development. Other sports have seen the benefits and have modified their junior games e.g. football, hockey, tennis, AFL, water polo and rugby. It s important children are able to take part whatever their ability. Junior Netball aims to set realistic expectations. It focuses on the development of children rather than the result of the game. OUR CHALLENGE AS ADULTS IS SIMPLE TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE WITH NETBALL.

9 9 Overview of the new Junior Netball Model PLAYER COACH COMPETITION UMPIRE JUNIOR NETBALL PARTICIPATE LEARN EXPLORE YEAR 7 & 8 YEAR 5 & 6 YEAR 3 & 4 YEAR 1 & 2 My Team and Me Year 5 & 6 Workshop Year 3 & 4 Workshop and/or Junior Co-ordinator Star Helpers and/or Junior Co-ordinator Standard 7 v 7 Modified 7 v 7 Skills sessions and modified game 5 v 5 Skills session and modified game 4 v 4 Umpire Beginner umpire Year 3 & 4 Coach Star Helper / Junior Co-ordinator Other modules and workshops will be offered for Coaches wishing to attain the Foundation Coach Award.

10 10 Junior Netball Delivery Phase 1 Year 1-4

11 Year 1 & 2 and Year 3 & 4 Junior Netball Delivery Game format Court Size Court set up Goal height Ball size Positions Game day format Umpire Use of whistle Rules: Time with ball Footwork Defending the ball Substitutions Player rotations Movement on court Start of play YEAR 1 & 2 (5-6 YEAR OLDS) roll out from 2014 onwards 4 v 4 Play across one-third of a Netball court No goal circles, two x posts or hula hoops 2.1metre hoop or hula hoop held by parent helper 20cm textured surface ball No positions 20 minute skill session and a game of two 10 minute halves Use of Junior Co-ordinator or Star Helpers to support and assist players on court No whistle Ball held for up to five seconds Players encouraged to stop but no footwork rule No marking the player with the ball i.e. allow them space to pass Rolling substitutions No rotations required No restrictions Play starts with a throw-in behind the goal line and continues from goal line when goal scored by the opposing team. Paper, scissors, rock between two opposing team members determines which team takes the first pass of each half. YEAR 3 & 4 (7-8 YEAR OLDS) roll out from 2015 onwards* 5 v 5 Two-thirds of the Netball court two-thirds court, simple marked goal circle (flat markers or chalk drawn lines) two x portable goal or one x fixed and one x portable goal 2.6metre Size 4 Two attacking players, two defensive players and one centre position (can use existing GS, GA, C, GD and GK bibs) 15 minute skill session, game consists from four 8- minute quarters No umpire. Game controlled by the Coaches on court who support and assist the players No whistle Ball held for up to five seconds Players encouraged to stop and land balanced Enforce 1metre distance to allow player space to pass/shoot Rolling substitutions Rotation throughout game to ensure equal opportunities for all Court split in half Centre can go everywhere but goal circles, attack and defence can cover half the area including the goal circle. Play starts from the centre of court (half way) and recommences from half way by the opposing team after a goal is scored. (Paper, scissors, rock between opposing Centres determines the team to take the Centre pass at the start of each quarter). *centres can offer this earlier than

12 12 Key Questions Why change Junior Netball? It makes the game a better experience for all. The change provides all players more opportunities for skill development, more success and more involvement in the activities and games. The games are gradually changed to match the stages of growth and development, therefore the game grows with the players. How will the players learn to play 7 v7? Progressing from 4 v 4 and 5 v 5 games before the 7 v 7 game is a sound educational method and process. Netball is a complex game. The modified games provide more exposure to less complicated decision making situations early will assist their tactical development. The essence of the game hasn t changed and the players have more opportunities to develop the FUNdamental skills which will provide a strong foundation for their Netball future. How do we fit these modified games on our courts? The Year 1 & 2 s 4 v 4 programme can be delivered in either one third of the netball court or any flat surface which is approximately 10metres x 15metres. The modified game for the Year 3 & 4 s utilises two-thirds of the full Netball court. The third that isn t in use could either be used by the next round to complete their warm up and skill development component of their session before game time or it could be used by the Year 1 & 2 s to play their game across the third. Due to more teams being involved, Centres could run another round rather than set up another court for the Year 3 & 4 s. What do we do about Goal Circles? No goal circles are drawn for the Year 1 & 2 s. As the Year 3 & 4 programme uses only two-thirds of the Netball court, a goal circle can be marked on the second transverse line by using a string line and chalk or by placing down fabric non-slip dots. NNZ has investigated the possibility of fabric non slip arcs that could be joined together to form a goal circle. Contact Sport Distributors for more information or to place your order. With smaller teams, does that mean we need more coaches? Yes but these people don t have to be experts. Parents and secondary school students (where applicable) will be the driving force of this programme working under the guidance of the Junior Co-ordinator. Being in this environment will allow parents to learn about coaching in a hands-on environment and will be a continuation of their involvement in the game.

13 Key Questions Do we need portable goal posts? Portable goal posts are viewed by some as the key reason not to change. But what are some of the reasons behind having lower goal posts for 5 10 year olds? Providing the young players with more success. Providing the players with a goal height that looks achievable. Allowing players to use correct technique when taking an attempt at goal. Develop a more accurate shooting technique from a younger age. It is important to remember that children are not mini adults and we want to provide the players with more fun and more attempts more often. The use of Hula Hoops for the Year 1 & 2 programme provides the players with plenty of opportunity for success because the hoop is wider and the holders can ensure greater success. If there are more games, will we need more umpires? During the modified games we have removed the need for umpires and made allowance for the Co-ordinator/Coach/ Star Helper to be on court right behind the player with the ball to keep the game moving, limiting stoppages and assisting and supporting the players. This will result in increased participation for players giving them all the opportunity to pass, catch and shoot. Do we have to introduce all the different stages of the new Junior Netball programme in 2014? It is important to do what is best for your Netball Centre and your players. Introducing the Year 1 & 2 programme in either 2014 or 2015 and then introducing the Year 3 & 4 programme over the season might be the best solution for your Centre. Your Community Netball Manager is happy to discuss the various options. WHAT IS THE COURT LAYOUT LIKE? Court Layout - Year 1 & 2 Court Layout - Year 3 & 4 O X X X A D O O X C O A D 13