Junior netball is more than just a sport – it’s a community activity that teaches teamwork, resilience, and confidence. For many families (mine included), Saturdays and after-school practices are a big part of the weekly routine. My daughter currently trains every Wednesday after school and plays on Saturday mornings – and like thousands of other kids, she’s learning life lessons through the game while having fun with her friends.
Whether your child is brand new to netball or moving into a more structured season, here’s what you can expect.
Communication and Team Updates:
Most teams use apps like Heja or TeamApp to:
- Share schedules and practice times
- Confirm attendance or absences
- Send reminders before games
This makes it much easier for busy parents to stay organised.
Games and Match Format
Junior games are short and fun – typically four 8-minute quarters with small breaks.
- The first few weeks are often grading rounds to place teams in divisions.
- Games are usually scheduled late morning or midday.
- Rules are applied more strictly as kids progress through grades.
Training and Practices
Weekly practice is just as important as games. In our case, my daughter’s team trains for an hour every Wednesday after school. Practices usually include:
- Skill drills (passing, shooting, movement)
- Rule refreshers from the weekend
- Fun games to build team spirit
This is where friendships form and confidence grows.
Uniforms and Safety
Most teams require:
- A club or school-coloured top
- A skort, skirt, or shorts
- Good court shoes
Safety rules:
- Fingernails must be short
- Jewellery removed (except taped medic alert bracelets)
Positions and Court Layout
Younger teams often play 6-a-side:
- 2 Attackers
- 2 Centres
- 2 Defenders
Players rotate through different roles across the season to learn all aspects of the game.
Rules and Umpiring
As kids move up:
- Umpires enforce rules more consistently
- Coaches focus on development rather than refereeing
- Only captains may speak to umpires during breaks
Parents should cheer, not challenge umpire calls – respect for officials is a big part of junior sport.
Scoring and Volunteering
Each team needs scorers and volunteers. One parent usually records the official paper score, while another logs results digitally. Parents may also help with setup, coaching, or umpiring.
Celebrating Players
Many coaches give out a Player of the Day award to highlight effort, improvement, or sportsmanship. These little traditions help kids feel proud of their progress.
Why Junior Netball Matters
From my perspective as a parent, junior netball has been invaluable for my daughter. It’s not just about goals and wins – it’s about:
- Building friendships that carry into school and beyond
- Developing confidence by trying new positions
- Learning teamwork and how to support others
- Gaining resilience after tough games
Conclusion
Junior netball brings families together every week. Whether your child is dreaming big or simply enjoying weekend sport, the lessons they learn on court will stay with them for life.
