Parents

We encourage all parents to be supportive and engaging with their futureFERN and you don’t need to know about Netball to be a supportive and engaged parent.

Codes of Behaviour

If children are interested, encourage and support them to play.
Encourage children to play to the rules and respect umpires’ decisions.
Applaud good play by players on both teams.
Teach children that effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
Lead by example.
Children learn by taking risks and making mistakes, so encourage and support this.
Remember children are involved in netball for their enjoyment.
Recognise and value the importance of coaches and other volunteers who give their time and resources to provide Netball.

Coaching

Anyone can coach an futureFERNS team! We encourage all parents and guardians to get involved with this family fun programme.

Thinking about Coaching?

All you need to do is find a Team and follow these easy steps on how to be a GREAT coach!

Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of players.
Respect the talent, development stage and goals of each player.
Treat all equally and cater for individual difference based on gender, ethnic origin, religion or ability.
Ensure players enjoy and develop their skills and play by using positive specific and constructive feedback.
Commit to increasing knowledge of sound coaching principles and development stages of young children.
Allow opportunities for players to develop decision making skills.
Be reasonable in demands on player’s time, energy and enthusiasm.
Follow the advice of medics when determining if an injured player is ready to resume playing or not.
Display a professional manner with regard to language, preparation, planning & presentation.
Encourage effort and skill; this will increase self-esteem and self-confidence.
Remember children’s main reason for playing is to have fun!
Be a role model and ensure players display same qualities.
Encourage players to show respect for opponents, team mates, umpires, officials and spectators.

Umpires

Umpires are a vital component of the game of Netball ensuring the rules are applied fairly and consistently. Quality umpiring can create a positive experience for both teams on court.

Year 1 & 2 and Year 3 & 4

The Year 1 & 2 Star Helper and Year 3 & 4 coach assist the players with learning the rules on court during the game. This person provides gentle instructions to keep the game moving and limit stoppages.

Year 5 & 6 and Year 7 & 8

The first time that umpires are required in futureFERNS is at Year 5.

Umpires at this level should:

Be consistent, polite and helpful to all players.
Use simple language.
Ensure court and surrounds are safe for play.
Apply modified rules to match the skill level and needs of participants.
Promote FUN and enjoyment.
Ensure the spirit of the game is not lost by the strict application of rules.
Manage dangerous play and inappropriate behavior.
Attend relevant training programmes.

How to become a umpire

Netball Centres are always on the lookout for umpires and futureFERNS is a great place to start learning about umpiring.

Give your Netball Centre a call and they will let you know when the next Intro to umpiring workshop is or direct you to some online training.

NNZ provides an umpiring training and accreditation that allows umpires to learn the core techniques and build confidence.

Schools

Schools can also be a satellite provider of futureFERNS. This is when the School delivers the programme with assistance from their local Netball Centre.

To ensure Netball is accessible to everyone, satellites remove barriers such as travel allowing clubs, schools and communities to apply to deliver futureFERNS with the help of your local Netball Centre. All players will need to register with your local Netball Centre.

Setting up a futureFERNS Team is easy!

Find some kids (4 or more) in the same age group (ie. Y1&2, Y3&4)
Find an adult or secondary school’s student who would like to help or coach
Contact your local Netball Centre to register your Team
Get your coach to attend a coaching workshop (ask your Netball Centre for more information)
Play and have fun!!

* If you’re and individual player or you do not have enough players to form a Team, don’t worry! You can sign up as an individual and your local Netball Centre can help you find a Team.

Schools can also be a satellite provider of futureFERNS. This is when the School delivers the programme with assistance from their local Netball Centre.

All players will need to register with your local Netball Centre.

Centres

Looking for information on how to run futureFERNS at your Centre?

To ensure the proper delivery of junior Netball (futureFERNS) is consistent across New Zealand, NNZ requires all Centres who want to deliver futureFERNS to become endorsed providers.

Contact your zone for all the resources and support needed to set up and run futureFERNS.

To ensure the proper delivery of junior Netball (futureFERNS) is consistent across New Zealand, NNZ requires all providers to be endorsed.

Endorsed Providers (Netball Centres) can apply to be become an endorsed provider and they can also apply to have a number of satellites (Centre endorsed venue / provider).

Endorsed providers are required by NNZ to deliver the programme in its entirety. This includes ensuring that all those involved in the programme are appropriately trained; game day resources are accurately followed and the appropriate modified equipment is used.

There is no cost for Centres to be endorsed to deliver the futureFERNS programme. The Zone will endorse your Centre each year.

Contact your zone for all the resources and support needed to set up and run futureFERNS.

Become a Satellite (Centre endorsed venue / provider)