Update Published: 4th June 2021

Travel restrictions for organised sport remain in place supporting the Scottish Government’s phased approach to the easing of lockdown restrictions.

In line with publication of the Scottish Government’s Framework, Netball Scotland will, on the 17^th May  2021 remain in  Phase C of our #SafetyNet Return to Netball Roadmap

An overview of Permitted Activity Guidance per age group can be found here!

Information on the Modified Game can be found here!

The updated Return to Netball Guidance can be found on our updated Return to Netball Hub here.

Netball Training and Fitness Activities are permitted for the following age groups:

• Members aged 11 Years and Under, Indoors and Outdoors
• Members aged 12-17 Years, Indoors and  Outdoors
• Members aged 18+ Years, Indoors (Levels 0, 1 & 2 only) and Outdoors (Levels 0, 1, 2 & 3)
• Members aged 18+ Outdoors & Indoors – Level 0 – All Netball activities permitted

Modified Game Play is permitted for the following age groups from the 17th of May 2021 :

Our Fun 5z Modified Game can take place for:

• Members aged 11 Years and Under Indoors and Outdoors

  Our Modified Game Play can now take place for:

• Members aged 12-17 Years Indoors and Outdoors
• Members aged 18+ Outdoors (Levels 1 & 2 only)
• Members aged 18+ Outdoors & Indoors – Level 0 – All Netball activities permitted

Competitions and Friendlies are permitted from 17th May 2021:

• Netball Scotland organised competitions and local club/association competitions (including friendlies) are permitted for all age groups, Outdoor only in Level 0, Level 1 and Level 2.
• All competitions (including friendlies) remain suspended in Level 3 and Level 4.
• Members aged 18+ Outdoors & Indoors – Level 0 – All Netball activities permitted
• Competitions remain subject to Scottish Government Travel Guidance.

Netball Scotland’s Permitted Activity is aligned to the Scottish Government’s own phased exit protection level restrictions, and in line with consultation from sportscotland.

Important Information:

Members should implement the Modified Game rules in conjunction with Netball Scotland’s Return to Netball Guidance and the Scottish Governments Strategic Framework.

It is the club’s responsibility to ensure they are holding activities relevant to their current Permitted Activity Level as set out in Netball Scotland’s Permitted Activity Guidance.

Travel Overview:

Participants should, where possible, avoid any unnecessary travel out of an area and keep journeys within area to an absolute minimum. Full details of the Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on Travel and Transport can be accessed here 

Under 11’s and 12-17 Travel

• Participants aged 17 years or under can travel to and from Level 0, 1, 2 and 3 areas to take part in organised sport, training, and fitness activity.
• Children and young people living in a Level 3 area should follow Local Protection Level Guidance in regards to taking part in informal exercise such as walking, running or cycling.

18+ Travel

• Participants aged 18 years or over can travel to and from Level 0, 1 and 2 areas to take part in organised sport, physical activity and training. They should not travel to a Level 3 area.
• Adults living in a Level 3 area should follow Local Protection Level Guidance in regards to taking part in informal exercise such as walking, running or cycling.

Why Travel Restrictions?

Netball Scotland have provided guidance in line with the Scottish Government’s advice for travelling safely within Scotland.

As a nation we must do all we can to stop the spread of the virus. We want to be able to protect our sport and the netball family as much as possible in this ever-changing landscape which is why we must set out this guidance in line with the Scottish Governments Guidance

We thank the Netball Family for standing with us!

Final Comments from the team at Netball Scotland:

We are delighted that these changes mean that we can now officially progress with our #ReturnToSport campaign which aims to increase opportunities for all members over the summer months as we begin to return to the sport we all know and love! You can find out more information about all of our exciting Sirens Summer plans HERE.

#NetballReady clubs have already been embracing our #NetsGoOutdoors campaign, a new and exciting direction for our sport and one we hope to see as a permanent option for the future of netball.

The governing bodies for netball in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have come together to launch a joint initiative aimed at protecting the sport’s longevity and getting women and girls across the UK active again.

Earlier this year all netball activity came to an abrupt halt due to COVID-19, putting the brakes on the incredible momentum the sport had been enjoying, from huge increases in participation at a grassroots level, record attendance figures at international and Vitality Netball Superleague games and more press attention than ever before following the successful Vitality Netball World Cup.

More worryingly, the pandemic meant women and girls’ activity levels suffered, with thousands of people unable to get on a netball court during lockdown and only 25% of women meeting weekly activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week according to a survey conducted by Savanta ComRes on behalf of Sport England.

Unsurprisingly, lockdown also placed significant financial strain on England Netball, Netball Northern Ireland, Netball Scotland and Welsh Netball, which are all not-for-profit organisations, meaning every penny earned via ticketing revenue and membership goes straight back into the sport. Through membership, each organisation has helped thousands of women and girls get active, trained umpires and coaches, supported rising stars on their journey to competing nationally and much more.

In a bid to tackle these significant challenges, the home nations have today launched a campaign called #TogetherWeAreNetball, thought up by Welsh Netball, to encourage members to renew their membership for the 2020/21 season, therefore protecting the sport financially, and to drive participation upon netball’s return.

Across the UK, some forms of netball have started to return in certain areas faster than others. However, it’s clear that there is still a lot for each netball organisation to do before netball in its fullest form can return.

Sarah Jones, Welsh Netball CEO, said: “The netball governing bodies across the UK have been working tirelessly since March to keep the Netball Family safe, informed and engaged. We have worked collaboratively to ensure that our members are able to return to court safely, in line with our return to netball roadmaps and respective Government guidelines. We have consulted our members, obtained the latest medical and scientific advice and placed an emphasis on regular, clear communication throughout this crisis.

This unprecedented challenge has also presented us with a wealth of new digital opportunities, and the Netball Family has united like never before. Plus, thanks to the International Netball Federation and Netball Europe via their COVID-19 relief fund, they have enabled us to bring this collaborative vision to life. Their support and that of our community is vital to protect the future of our game and ensure that we survive and emerge stronger than ever, because #TogetherWeAreNetball.”

This is the first time that the four nations have ever collaborated on a campaign of this kind.

Fran Connolly, the CEO of England Netball, added: “To have all four nations coming together in support of this initiative is monumental. It shows what netball is all about and how much this sport matters to us all. None of us could have anticipated the impact COVID-19 would have and the pressures it would put our sport under but we are doing all we can to protect it.

By collaborating on this initiative we can tap into each other’s resources, speak to a bigger audience and demonstrate how this sport can connect us all, even during difficult times. At England Netball, we not so long ago launched an individual campaign called #RiseAgain based on membership and  this initiative with the home nations is a great extension of that, bringing not only England based netballers together but the whole of the UK. I hope our members will get behind us in supporting #TogetherWeAreNetball because the future of netball is in their hands.”

A new report from Women in Sport found that women are worried about being able to re-establish their previous levels of physical activity prior to lockdown, with 39% concerned that losing their fitness would have a long-term impact, and a quarter of women feeling it would be really hard to get back into the habit of exercise again. Plus, they stated that weight gain and low fitness could lead to decreased self-confidence, body-image perceptions and self-esteem which may act as barriers for women participating in sport and exercise.

CEO of Netball Scotland, Claire Nelson, commented: “We netballing nations know first-hand the power that our sport has, and we take our responsibility as role models and leaders in the health and wellbeing agenda very seriously. With more women and girls reporting lower body confidence and self-esteem levels than ever before, physical activity rates in adolescent girls at an all-time low and over a quarter of women saying that they feel it will be really difficult to get back into the habit of exercise again, it is absolutely critical that netball is able to continue to engage, support, inspire and empower the millions of women and girls across the UK who participate in or watch our sport and need us now more than ever.”

Karen Rollo, the CEO of Netball Northern Ireland, said: “The heart and soul of our sport is our people; we play with and for our teammates and friends, we volunteer to allow others to have the opportunities we’ve had, we support our national players because they show us how skilful and fast our game can be and we’ve maybe even come up against them on court in our domestic competitions! Our membership has supported us to get to where we are; the events, the profile, the opportunities – we can’t continue to do all these things without the continued support of our amazing people; our members.

We are working hard to ensure we get our sport back on court safely, that we stay back and that we push on and build of the achievements of before, but first, we need to navigate our way through this challenge, one that no one has experienced before. We need your support now more than ever and with it, we will come back and we will build again. As players we say, ‘here if you need’, we are now saying, we need your membership, it has never mattered more.”

To get involved in this exciting new initiative, simply join the conversation by using #TogetherWeAreNetball on social media and by ensuring you’ve signed up to your 2020/21 membership today.

Find Shareable Reources here!

Following a meeting of the Netball Europe Officiating Group we are able to provide their confirmed updates on the implications of COVID-19 on Qualification Timescales, New Rules Implementation and A/B Written Assessments:

COVID-19 and Implications of Qualification Timescales

Whilst the situation with COVID-19 remains uncertain we are unable to provide any firm update regarding the expiry dates of written assessments and associated deadlines with Pre and Final Practical assessments. The NE Officiating group is currently undertaking a consultation as to what any potential extension will look like and further information will be shared once a decision is made. Please note however, the NE Officiating Group are looking to provide as much support and understanding to candidates and not place unnecessary barriers in the way of their progression.  So any decisions made by NE will seek to ensure that we do not disadvantage umpires.

Netball Scotland, will grant all umpires an additional 12 months, from the date they attended the course, to gain their Umpiring award. If Covid-19 continues to develop, we will review this decision and may grant a longer period if necessary.

New Rules Implementation

There will be no change to the agreed Netball Europe roll out of the new INF Rules of Netball and this will remain 1^st September 2020. All written assessments thereafter will be set using the 2020 version of the International Rules.

Netball Europe A/B Written Assessment Dates and Deadlines

Please find updated sitting dates for the A/B written assessments below:

Bookings are available through our membership portal.

If you have any questions or concerns please email educationadmin@netballscotland.com

Our U17’s returned from the Netball Europe Championships as Bronze Medal winners after a highly competitive weekend of netball. Our #FutureThistles were up against some pretty tough competition, winning 2 out of their 4 matches across the weekend.

Day 1:

The U17’s first match was against England. This proved to be their most difficult game of the competition with England dominating for most of this contest and ending the match 89-22.

Our U17s didn’t have much time to rest with their second match against Wales being played that very same evening. This match was far more competitive, with Scotland contesting Wales across much of the first and second quarters, Wales unfortunately began to take control of this match in the second half, taking the game 65-42.

Day 2:

Our #FutureThistles third match of the competition was against a strengthening Northern Ireland outfit, this time our U17’s were well versed and took control of the match from the first quarter, and with some real persistent play secured a 57-41 win.

Day 3:

The final game of the competition brought with it a new competitor, with the U17’s battling a team from Switzerland. This new challenge didn’t phase our young guns who led the swiss for all 4 quarters, concluding their final match of the competition with another win. Final Score 74-28.

Overall this was an incredible achievement for our young team, as all 12 athletes took to court over the weekend. It was especially exciting for the 8 new caps who took to court over the tournament! A huge congratulations to the following athletes on earning their first U17’s cap for Scotland:

• Cerys Finn
• Poppy Gratton
• Roisa Hughes
• Jazmine Moore
• Victoria Murdoch
• Mya Oliver
• Katie Weller
• Carlie Wilson

And a special mention to our incredible management team:

Lead Coach – Ashley Taylor

Assistant Coach – Frances Doyle

Technical Support Coach – Rachel Cremin

Team Manager – Yvonne Creighton

Physiotherapist – Xabi Ariztegieta Murgiondo

Finally, we want to say a huge thank you to Alec Green and the entire Workman team for sponsoring our girls during their 2019/20 season!

Workman provides professional property management and building consultancy advice to clients, ensuring that the full potential of their properties and portfolios is achieved and investment objectives are met.

Your support enabled our U17 to reach their potential and compete on the international stage for another year!

Want to know more about our U17’s 2019/20 sponsors? Find out more here

In line with our mission of advancing the organisational infrastructure to enable all to enjoy the sport of netball for life, we have been working hard to develop our Wellbeing and Protection Resources.For that reason we are excited to announce our upcoming regional Wellbeing and Protection Roadshow and Networking Sessions!

These sessions are an opportunity for all club Wellbeing & Protection Officers (formally child protection officers) and club committees/head coaches within your area to get together and hear all about the changes and new resources available as well as learning about current safeguarding topics for those who are working with children and young people. This is also a perfect opportunity to and meet other volunteers who do the same vital club role as you!

The road shows will be facilitated by Lindsey Booth the Netball Scotland Wellbeing & Protection Officer, who would like to take this opportunity to meet as many club officers as possible, share information and also listen to the support and guidance the clubs would like to see moving forward. Your local Regional Development Manager will also be in attendance as will volunteer panel members form the new Netball Scotland Wellbeing and Protection Panel that has been set up to support clubs to manage cases and concerns.

The event is free of charge and we are really looking forward to seeing you all there!

18th Feb 2020 | Glasgow, Emirates Arena, 1000 London Road, G40 3HG | 6:00pm-8.30pm – Postponed Until Further Notice

2nd March 2020 | Aberdeen, Sport Aberdeen, Broadfold House, AB23 8EE | 6:00pm-8.30pm. – Book here!

3rd March 2020 | Dundee, exact venue tbc | Postponed Until Further Notice

12th March 2020 | Edinburgh, Caledonia House room 4 and 5 | 6:30pm-8.30pm – Postponed Until Further Notice

26th March 2020 | Virtual Classroom (via online meeting platform) | 5.30pm login for a 6:00pm start, 8.30pm finish – Book here!

Women and Girls in Sport Week is here, and although we love to shout about the fabulous Women and Girls involved in our Sport all year round, it’s time to step it up!

This year we want you to shine a #SPOTLIGHT on your Netball experience during this hugely important national awareness campaign. Women and Girls in Sport week will run across the UK and Ireland between the 28^th of September and the 4^th of October and aims to celebrate the success of female leaders in sport whilst also highlighting the importance of those who work behind the scenes to support and inspire wider female participation in sport.

Each day, throughout this week long online campaign, we want to focus on a different theme, we want to tell stories, share pictures and post videos centred on the incredible women and girls involved in netball across Scotland with the aim of creating as much noise across social media as we can.

So, we’re inviting you to get involved in the conversation right now and share your experiences, photos and videos with us under the hashtag #ChangingTheGame.

Join the conversation using the hashtag #ChangingTheGame & #SheCanSheWill

We’d love it if everyone involved in netball in Scotland joined in on this hugely important conversation. We’re looking for as many stories as possible, because after all you are netball, the more stories/photos/videos we get, the louder we can shout about Netball in Scotland across our digital channels over the week.

#GetInvolved with our daily campaign themes by sharing your own stories!

Each day this week we will focus on a different theme and we want you to #GetInvolved and help us share this message! Share with us your netballing photos and videos to share across our platforms, and why not include a short bio of why you’re #ChangingTheGame

1. Monday: Where, when and how are you #ChangingTheGame, shout about your own netball development.
2. Tuesday: Highlight the fantastic work of volunteers, the hidden heroes of the game.
3. Wednesday: Share your best photos supporting our Sirens/Thistles.
4. Thursday: Discuss the opportunities for young, aspiring athletes.
5. Friday: Round up – Highlights of the Week.

Tag, you’re it!

Don’t forget to tag Netball Scotland and/or Strathclyde Sirens each day of the week when you post so we can share your stories as far and wide as we can! You can find us here:

• Twitter @NetballScotland / @SirensNetball
• Facebook @NetballScotland / @StrathcydeSirens
• Instagram @NetballScotland / @SirensNetball