Netball Australia has released new National Junior Netball Guidelines, which focus on providing a safe, fun and inclusive environment for all people.
The guidelines provide a framework for Member Organisations, affiliated associations and clubs, schools, community sport service organisations and other groups responsible for the development, organisation and delivery of junior netballers aged five to 18 years.
Click here to view the National Junior Netball Guidelines
The guidelines champion netball as a sport where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and able to thrive, regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression and highlight the inclusion of First Nations, multicultural and all abilities players.
They underpin the sport’s commitment to making it more accessible not only for players, but also coaches, umpires, other officials and administrators.
Key updates to the guidelines include:
• Ensuring netball organisations are equipped with modern, evidence-informed approaches to support skill progression, enjoyment and long-term engagement in sport.
• Providing practical guidance to support netball organisations to foster inclusive, welcoming and culturally safe environments for all participants.
• Streamlining the talent pathway to improve clarity and accessibility, making it easier for all involved in netball to understand progression opportunities within an evolving sporting landscape.
Netball Australia's Executive General Manager - Netball Megan Simpson said the updated guidelines were an important step forward for the sport.
"These guidelines support Netball Australia's commitment to making our sport more inclusive," Simpson said.
"We want more people playing and interacting with netball, and these updated guidelines will foster safe, inclusive and welcoming environments at the junior level.
"These guidelines support community netball - through schools, associations and clubs - to break down barriers for junior participation.
"We engaged and collaborated with a number of stakeholders to develop these guidelines and ensure they make netball inclusive.
"We strongly encourage all junior netball programs to adopt them."
Netball Australia worked closely with its Member Organisations and the Australian Sports Commission to review and update the existing guidelines.
Netball Australia's General Manager First Nations and proud Kamilaroi woman Ali Tucker-Munro and ACHPER Victoria also supported the development of the new guidelines.
"Supporting and including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in netball is essential to creating respectful, culturally safe environments that honour First Nations histories, culture and contributions," Tucker-Munro said.
"Netball belongs to everyone, and through these updated guidelines we are committed to seeing more First Nations peoples involved in our sport."
Pride in Sport Australia provided key guidance to support the inclusion and diversity section and ensure it reflects modern approaches to support community organisations in championing all young people, including those of diverse gender identity or sexuality.
Netball Australia last year launched Made in Netball, a 10-year strategic plan to grow its netball family to two million by 2035.
These updated guidelines support the sport's long-term commitment to make the sport more inclusive.
