Netball Scotland is launching a new Elite Coach Mentoring and Development Programme aimed at coaches who have the potential and ambition to coach at Super League or International level.

The programme will run for 18 months from March 2022 to August 2023 and will consist of individual and collective learning opportunities at regular meetings, workshops, and practical interventions to support their individual and collective needs, unique to the experiences faced in elite netball. The programme at candidates will be reviewed on a 6 monthly basis to ensure they are progressing.

The programme will contain a combination of the following:
• 1:1 coach mentoring – virtual and in-person
• Technical & tactical mentoring and development
• Cross-sport learning
• Coach conversations – forums involving coaches from a variety of sports

Karen Atkinson, Netball Scotland Performance Director says;

‘This course is part of our commitment at Netball Scotland to ensure more coaches have the ability and confidence to coach at the elite level. We want to develop our potential coaches and give them the tools to succeed, both on and off the court. It will provide our coaches with the development they need, including a broader support network and an understanding of what is required to coach at the highest level’.

For informal enquiries please contact Netball Scotland Performance Director, Karen Atkinson at karen.atkinson@netballscotland.com or Head of Netball, Rebecca Hope at rebecca.hope@netballscotland.com

Applications to be received no later than 5pm on Friday 4th March.

Please send a coaching CV along with a cover letter detailing why you would like to be involved in this programme to rebecca.hope@netballscotland.com

Today Netball Scotland are pleased to announce the confirmed and indicative dates for Phase 4 of our Return to Netball Routemap!

Phase 4A for 11 years and Under Netball Activity  – From Monday, October 19th 2020

As a nation we continue to face an everchanging environment due to the prevalence of COVID-19. For that reason, from an indicative date of the 19th of October, we will be encouraging all members 11 years and under to adopt the Fun Fives model when participating in netball. This already includes aspects that the modified version of the game will undertake including the 4ft mark rule, as well as only allowing 5-a-side to promote the use of space.  

Furthermore, updates to increase the inclusivity of this resource pack have been made. You can find our Men and Boys statement here.  

To support this version of the game, affiliated members and schools can download the Fun Fives resource pack FREE from the ‘Documents’ section of our membership portal.  

Facilitators and Coaches delivering the Fun Fives model must uphold all government guidelines to protect the health and wellbeing of those participating.  Therefore, the swapping/sharing of bibs is not permitted.  However, it would be acceptable for children to use the bib in reverse and can then switch positions accordingly.  

This guidance is specifically for 11 years and Under and participation in this form of the game is permitted for indoor and outdoor.  

Extra-curricular school clubs should follow Education Scotland’s published COVID-19 Return to Educational Establishments Physical Education Guidelines August 2020.  

Netball Scotland encourages all members to continue to follow the #FACTS and minimise contact where possible.  

If you have any questions, please direct these to your local Regional Development Manager.  

 You can find Phase 4A guidance, including our Infographic Overview document and Plan and Prepare Checklist on the #NetballReady Hub.

Phase 4B Launch of the Modified Game Outdoors for Children and Young People (12-17) and Adults (18+) – From an Indicative Date of November 2nd 2020.

In addition to the above, we are excited to be able to provide members with an indicative date for Phase 4b for the launch of a return to Netball outdoors under the Modified Game Plan.   

Subject to Scottish Government Guidance, Netball Scotland has identified an indicative date of the 2nd of November 2020 for the launch of our Modified Game Plan for those aged 12-17 and 18+. From this indicative date organised outdoor small sided games and match play, with a maximum of 30 people taking part in one session, following Netball Scotland’s Modified Game Plan will be permitted for affiliated clubs with a #NetballReady endorsement.   

Please note, as this anticipated launch date and the subsequent progression to Phase 4b of Netball Scotland’s Return to Netball Routemap is subject to Scottish Government Guidance this date is subject to change. Netball Scotland will inform clubs and members when progression to Phase 4b is activated and the Modified Game is permitted. 

Until then, we encourage clubs to make sure your club is #NetballReady to allow you utilise the Modified Game Plan. We would also urge clubs to consider introducing a period of netball training and fitness activity to prepare participants for the modified game e.g. Level Up.  

To facilitate all of the above Netball Scotland have launched a #NetsGoOutdoors Campaign, read more about this campaign here! 

#TogetherWeAreNetball

Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity & Sport aims to improve equality and reduce discrimination for anyone with a mental health problem.  As an organisation, Netball Scotland values equality and inclusion and is committed to providing a pathway for people in Scotland to engage in our sport in whichever way they desire.

As a member led organisation, the mental health and wellbeing of the Netball Family is a priority area of the business. Which is why today, on World Mental Health Day, we are thrilled to announce that we have added our signature to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity & Sport.

Head of Development, Geraldine McGuire said: “Netball Scotland recognises the positive impact that physical activity and sport can have on the mental health and wellbeing of the Netball Family. So, today, on World Mental Health Day, we are proud to announce we have added our signature to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity & Sport demonstrating our commitment to creating positive and lasting change. Through our partnership work with SAMH and Breathing Space, we will support our clubs and communities to facilitate conversations on what can often be considered a complex and sensitive subject, by providing training to increase knowledge and understanding and by providing access to a range of resources to ensure wellbeing is not a barrier to engaging, participating and achieving in netball.”

Created by The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) Scotland’s largest mental health charity, the purpose of the Charter is to use the collective power of physical activity and sport to create positive lasting change in mental health and wellbeing.

Robert Nesbitt, Head of Physical Activity and Sport at SAMH said: “We know that participating in physical activity can improve confidence, self-esteem, and mood; but there are often barriers to taking part and it can be difficult to get started. So it’s fantastic to see Netball Scotland signing up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport. We’re delighted to welcome them to this community of organisations who have pledged to focus on mental health, and we are looking forward to working together.”

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator added: “We are pleased to be working closely with Netball Scotland to highlight the support that Breathing Space can offer for anyone struggling with their mental health. Our advisors are available in the evenings and at the weekends to provide listening and advice on 0800 83 85 87. Talking about how you feel, and taking part in exercise, are two important ways to make a positive impact on your mental wellbeing.”

They’re back! Our Club Development Series of Online Workshops are back for another series exclusively for Netball Scotland affiliated Clubs and committee members. We have created this second series to equip, support and prepare you for getting #BackOnCourt under our new normal.

This time round we have a series of 5 webinars planned to make sure you’re all ready to get #BackOnCourt when the time comes:

1. Get your club ready Off Court, for getting #BackOnCourt
2. Navigating PVG’s, Secondary Contracts and a Q&A on Wellbeing and Protection
3. Putting Policy into Practice
4. Adapting Netball for Online
5. Going for the Goal!

You can find out more information on each workshop webinar below, along with the link to book, we can’t wait to see you all there!

Get your club ready Off Court, for getting #BackOnCourt | Tuesday 30^th June | BOOK HERE

The get your club ready off court online webinar is intended for club committee members who are looking to get their club #BackOnCourt

This webinar will discuss and provide useful information on the following areas

• Introduction of the New Club Framework
• Recruit, Retain and Reward Volunteers
• Club Committee/ Club Organisation Structure

Navigating PVG’s, Secondary Contracts and a Q&A | Tuesday 7^th of July | BOOK HERE

The Navigating PVG’s online webinar is intended for club WPOs who are looking for more information on Wellbeing and Protection and will be led by Netball Scotland’s Wellbeing and Protection Officer, Lindsey Booth.

This webinar will discuss and provide useful information on the following areas:

• What is a PVG, who’s responsible for PVGs, who needs it and how do they get one?
• The Wellbeing and Protection Officer Role and Responsibilities, ID checker training and resources, how to keep track
• What is a Secondary contract, does my club need one, how do we put one in place?
• Useful guidance
• Wellbeing Networking Events

Putting Policy into Practice | Tuesday 14^th July | BOOK HERE

The Putting Policy into Practice online webinar is intended for Club Committee Members looking to understand how to adopt NS Policy.

This webinar will discuss and provide useful information on the following areas:

• Social Media & Communication Policy and some helpful tips for using Social Media
• Governing Document – Constitution
• Club policies and the law. NS Adoptable Policies and where to find them
  1. RESPECT
  2. Wellbeing and Protection
  3. Equality and Inclusion
  4. GDPR – Privacy Notice

Adapting Netball for Online | Tuesday 21^st July | BOOK HERE

The Adapting Netball for Online webinar is intended for Club Committee Members who are looking for more information on moving netball online, from training to online meetings and AGM advice.

This webinar will discuss and provide useful information on the following areas:

• Guidance on Training Online
• Consent, health and Safety Disclaimers
• Platforms: how to stay safe
• Online Meetings and AGMs
• Wellbeing and Protection Guidance
• Adaptable Policies and useful guidance

Going for the Goal! | Tuesday 28^th July | BOOK HERE

The Going for the Goal! online webinar is intended for Club Committee Members who are looking to plan for their club’s future

This webinar will discuss and provide useful information on the following areas:

Adaptable Policies and useful guidance

• Health, Safety and Risk Assessment
• Managing Volunteers and Voluteer Policy

Vision and Planning

• Club Vision Statement
• What does the future look like for our club? Development Plan
• Financial Planning/Forecasting
• Funding Applications to support your club development plan and financial forecasting
• People Development before growth

*Please note these webinars are intended for actively affiliated Netball Scotland member clubs and actively affiliated volunteers and committee members only.

Recently, #TeamNS asked member clubs if they would be interested in a series of Club Development Online Workshops. With the result a resounding YES! we are pleased to introduce the Club Development Series of Online Workshops.

Intended for actively affiliated club volunteers and committee members we have a series of 4 webinars planned to make sure you’re all ready to get #BackOnCourt when the time comes:

1. Get your club ready Off Court, for getting #BackOnCourt
2. Navigating PVG’s, Secondary Contracts and a Q&A on Wellbeing and Protection
3. Putting Policy into Practice
4. Going for the Goal!

You can find out more information on each workshop webinar below, along with the link to book, we can’t wait to see you all there!

Get your club ready Off Court, for getting #BackOnCourt | Tuesday 28^th April | BOOK HERE

The get your club ready off court online webinar is intended for club committee members who are looking to get their club #BackOnCourt

This webinar will discuss and provide useful information on the following areas

• Introduction of the New Club Framework
• Recruit, Retain and Reward Volunteers
• Club Committee/ Club Organisation Structure

Navigating PVG’s, Secondary Contracts and a Q&A | Tuesday 5^th of May | BOOK HERE

The Navigating PVG’s online webinar is intended for club WPOs who are looking for more information on Wellbeing and Protection and will be led by Netball Scotland’s Wellbeing and Protection Officer, Lindsey Booth.

This webinar will discuss and provide useful information on the following areas:

• What is a PVG, who’s responsible for PVGs, who needs it and how do they get one?
• The Wellbeing and Protection Officer Role and Responsibilities, ID checker training and resources, how to keep track
• What is a Secondary contract, does my club need one, how do we put one in place?
• Useful guidance
• Wellbeing Networking Events

Putting Policy into Practice | Tuesday 19^th May | BOOK HERE

The Putting Policy into Practice online webinar is intended for Club Committee Members looking to understand how to adopt NS Policy.

This webinar will discuss and provide useful information on the following areas:

• Social Media Policy and some helpful tips for using Social Media
• Governing Document – Constitution
• Club policies and the law. NS Adoptable Policies and where to find them
  1. RESPECT
  2. Wellbeing and Protection
  3. Equality and Inclusion
  4. GDPR – Privacy Notice

Going for the Goal! | Tuesday 26^th May | BOOK HERE

The Going for the Goal! online webinar is intended for Club Committee Members who are looking to plan for their club’s future

This webinar will discuss and provide useful information on the following areas:

Adaptable Policies and useful guidance

• Health, Safety and Risk Assessment
• Managing Volunteers and Voluteer Policy

Vision and Planning

• Club Vision Statement
• What does the future look like for our club? Development Plan
• Financial Planning/Forecasting
• Funding Applications to support your club development plan and financial forecasting
• People Development before growth

*Please note these webinars are intended for activly affiliated Netball Scotland member clubs and actively affiliated volunteers and committee members.

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