Invercargill Netball Centre

About Woolworths futureFERNS

Woolworths futureFERNS is Netball New Zealand’s official junior Netball programme for Year 1 - 6 children.

To ignite a lifelong involvement in Netball, a sequential programme has been developed that is at the right level for the players at each stage. The emphasis is on fun activities conducted in a safe environment. Small sided games are the preferred training method and are proven to be the most appropriate way to enhance skill and tactical development.

Woolworth futureFERNS is focused on enabling individuals to experience personal achievements and the benefits for the players and parents are:

Players

FUN
Development of sound fundamental Netball skills
Participation in a safe learning environment
Playing with their friends and meeting others
Active physical involvement
Lifelong love of Netball

Parents

Reassurance that their child is participating in a NNZ endorsed programme
Enhancement of the child’s social and fundamental skills
Ability to share skills and knowledge with the Netball community
Opportunity to learn more about Netball
Opportunity to spend time with and play with their children
Prospect to make new friends
Value for money

How to Play

INC futureFERNS Year 2, 3 & 4 play 6 v 6 which is a fast game providing lots of touches on the ball. The 6 v 6 game is played on a full size court with three positions on each team. Players rotate to prevent early specialisation in positions. The emphasis is on all players getting plenty of touches of the ball and the opportunity to develop a broad skill set.

INC futureFERNS Year 5&6 play 7v7 which is an adapted game where players can start to learn the positions for 7aside. The 7 v 7 game is played on a full size court with all 7Aside positions on each team. Players rotate to prevent early specialisation in positions. The emphasis is on all players getting plenty of touches of the ball and the opportunity to develop a broad skill set.

Game Day Format

Games

Each team will play one game consisting of 4x8-minute quarters, with 1.30-minute intervals and a 2minute half time.
Each week a ‘Rule of the Week’ will be introduced as a focus for players, this will enable players to be able to build more understanding of the Game & Rules:
- Coaches are encouraged to focus on the ‘Rule of the Week’ for the week prior to game day.
- Umpires will be encouraged to focus on this rule for the game that week, ensuring to check players for understanding and explanation if needed.
Two umpires are to officiate the game (1 Umpire from each team). Umpires are encouraged to attend one of the workshops at the start of the season for 6v6 rules. Session times are listed above.
Teams will change goal ends at half time.
Junior Coaches will be available to assist coaches & umpires during games.
Score will be taken for grading purposes only and will NOT be posted online.

Rules of Game

Equipment

Court: Full Court
Goal Posts: 2.6 metres
Ball: A size 4 Netball provided by each team
Bibs: 2xA, 2xC, 2xD provided by each team

Umpire

Two Umpires (One from each team)
Each team MUST provide their own umpire. Umpires are recommended to attend workshop for 6v6 game rules. Session times are listed above.

Team, Players on Court, & Substitutions

The game is a 6v6 format.
Teams typically have 8-10 players.
Both boys and girls can play without restrictions.
Rolling substitutions are allowed anytime during the game. Players are encouraged to meet at the side-line and high five one another.
There is no limit to the number of substitutions which can be made.
Players must rotate position at least once in each game (i.e., each person plays 2 different positions each game)

Start of Play

The Centre from each team will use Paper, Scissors, Rock to determine who will start with the ball at the beginning of every quarter.
The Centre in possession of the ball stands with at least one foot wholly within the centre circle. One of the opposing team’s Centre’s will be defending this player.
The other Centre stands on the side-line of the Centre Third with the opposing teams other Centre. Once the centre pass has been received, these players can enter play.
After a goal is scored, play restarts with a centre pass by the non-scoring team.
After each scored goal, Centre players will swap from side-line to on court before start of play. This allows each Centre player to complete a centre pass.

Playing the Ball

Players must pass or shoot within 5 seconds.

Footwork

Apply the footwork rule. Players may not reground the first grounded foot.

Scoring a Goal

A goal may only be scored by A’s in the goal circle area.

Throw-in

Players take turns. For example, if it is a defence throw in, in the goal third, one defender throws in. When another throw in occurs, the other defender takes the next throw in. Allowing both defence players to experience a throw in.

Defence

Players must defend at least one metre from the player with the ball.
Players can defend or mark ball thrower but must allow vision and space for the player to pass the ball (1m from player with ball).
Players can defend other players awaiting passes. Intercepting the ball is encouraged.

Contact

A player may not push, trip, knock, bump, or hold an opponent, either deliberately or accidentally. Contact should be called by the Umpire.