Playing Format Year 1&2

Overview

Game format: 4 v 4

Game Day format: 20–minute skill session followed by a game of two 8–minute halves

Goal height: 2.1–metre goals

Ball size: Modified ball – 20cm textured–surface ball

Umpire/game leaders: Use of the Junior Co-ordinator or Star Helper allowed on court to assist and support players

Use of whistle: No whistle

Rules of play

Time with ball: Ball can be held for up to 5 seconds for pass or shot

Footwork: Players are encouraged to stop after receiving the ball but there is no footwork rule

Defending player: No marking the player with the ball, i.e. allow them space to pass

Substitutions: Rolling substitutions – players should have equal time on court

Court size: One third of a court

Positions: No set positions – coloured bibs or existing bibs turned inside out will work well

Rotations: No rotations required

Court set–up: No goal circles, 2 x goalposts

Movement on court: No restrictions or court markings

Start of play: Play starts with a throw-in behind the goal line and continues from the goal line when a goal is scored by the opposing team. Paper, Scissors, Rock between two opposing team members determines which team takes the first pass of each half.

Woolworths futureFERNS Year 1 & 2 provides young children with the opportunity to develop the fundamental movement skills through play in activities and modified Netball. The development and success in any sport requires a solid core of foundation skills. Woolworths futureFERNS programme for Year 1 & 2 children is focused on igniting a lifelong love of the game.

Woolworths futureFERNS Year 1 & 2 players are introduced to Netball in a fun and safe environment. Since fundamental movement skill development at this stage is still seen as paramount, each Game Day will commence with a skill session followed by a modified game of Netball — 4 v 4 across one third of the Netball court. This game introduces the concept of catch, pivot, pass and shoot, to further develop the basic sport-specific skills of Netball. It is designed to meet the stage–appropriate needs of these young players. It is fun, with participation and number of touches on the ball maximised.

Players can join as individuals with the emphasis being on participation, development and having fun.

As a Junior Co-ordinator, you play a critical role in supporting the development and learning by leading the skill development of players and supporting the Star Helpers. There are also opportunities to get parents involved in the programme. It is important to ensure that the players have fun and that the environment is positive and safe. This resource has been developed to assist the implementation of the Woolworths futureFERNS programme for Year 1 & 2 children.

A sequential programme has been created and the activities included help to improve the appropriate fundamental skills for the various stages of development.

Woolworths futureFERNS Year Groups

Competition set-up

• Team or individual entry (made into teams)No Competition ranking or results tables

Why have the rules, game and equipment been modified?

Sport for young people ought to be modified to suit their age, size and ability as children are not mini adults. Netball has been modified since the 1900’s and as we learn more from reviews, research and other sports, further adaptions have been made to ensure the game meets the needs of the players and grows as the players grow.

Woolworths futureFERNS aims to provide the players a fun and safe environment, maximise opportunities to participate. The programme encourages the development their skills and provides a progressive introduction to Netball, developing a lifelong love of the game.