Netball Scotland recently underwent a consultation period with what was formerly known as the Youth & Schools Commission.  Following on from this consultation, this has now been rebranded as the Youth Competitions Group (YCG).  Our group consists of representatives from Club and District netball bodies, umpires, volunteers, Local Authority staff, National Governing Body staff, teachers and netball enthusiasts.

The newly formed YCG has a remit for the following;

·      Be responsible for reviewing the season at its mid-point and upon completion

·      Set the format of Youth Competitions for the coming season

·      Set the school calendar for the coming season, working in consultation with the National Competitions Group (NCG), and taking into consideration other factors (school holidays, exams, other netball activity etc.)

·      Review all competition regulations at each season’s conclusion

·      Work with the NCG on areas of joint responsibility

·      Assist the Gillian Stewart (Membership and Competitions Development Officer) with the administration (draws etc.) of the Youth Competitions

·      Take decisions on disputes between teams in line with the regulations

·      Assist with the planning, organisation and delivery of all Scottish Youth Competitions

The 2011-12 season's Youth Competitions Group consists of the following individuals:

Welcome to all District players, Umpires, Coaches and all you hardworking volunteers who help to make the season run as smoothly as possible.  This is a very exciting time in Scottish netball with two major events on the Scottish horizon.  Glasgow will not only host the much anticipated Commonwealth Games in 2014, but the city will also be the host to up to 24 netballing nations during the summer of 2013, as the World Youth Championships head to Scotland.  These events will not only provide some excellent playing and volunteering opportunities to those involved in netball in our country, but will also provide a platform for some of the most exciting netballing stars in the world to wow our youth. 

The Youth Competitions Group is thrilled to be up and running, and working with Netball Scotland to make the required changes to the current District set up in order to ensure that our players and volunteers are able to take advantage of these fabulous opportunities when they come knocking on our door in the seasons to come.

I look forward to being involved in this season not only as a coach (Dumfries & Galloway District) but also in the background as a spectator watching our sport continue to grow in Scotland.  Best of luck to you all for this coming year.

Janine Spice

(Chair of the Youth Competitions Group)