About Woolworths futureFERNS

Woolworths futureFERNS is Netball New Zealand’s official junior Netball programme for Year 1 - 8 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

Want to get involved?

Click here to  find out more about getting involved.​​​​​​​

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.

RULE OF THE WEEK - 2025

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. This is to prepare player for term 3 competition. Year 2 – 4 no turnover ball to other team for any of the rules.

Thu 15^th May Rule of the week Held ball – futureFERNS is 5 sec, start to count down from 5,( if still holding it is a turnover ball to other team Year 5&6 only)

22 May Contact - A player must not push, trip, knock, bump, or hold an opponent either accidentally or deliberately. If contact occurs, umpire stops the play and awards a penalty pass to the player contacted. Player who contacted must stand out of the play until the pass has been made.

29 May Offside - Each player is only allowed in a certain area of the court. If a player steps into an area or any part of their body touches the ground in an area their playing position is not allowed to go, this will be ruled offside

Over a third - When a player is passing the netball, they cannot throw it over a complete third of the court without it being touched or caught by a player. When a Centre pass is taken, the ball must be touched in the middle third. If it isn’t this is OVER A THIRD. When the ball is being thrown in front the backline, it must be received in the third, it cannot be thrown into the middle third.

5 May   Throw in – ball rolls, thrown, falls over the sideline is deemed out and the opposite team throws the ball in from where ball went out. Thrower must have feet behind the sideline( no touching line).

12 May Footwork - A player can receive the ball: with both feet grounded or jump to catch the ball and land on two feet simultaneously. You may then take a step in any direction with one (not both) and pivot on the spot with the other foot. If player takes a step the ball is handed to other team for free pass

19 May Footwork  (new added date)

26 May Sanctions - 1 – free pass – Minor Infringement (rules broken) the pass is taken where the rule was broken

Example of free pass: Footwork, held ball, offside

2 – Penalty Pass – Major infringement, the player must stand beside and away.

Example of Penalty pass: Contact, Obstruction