2024 GRADING DAY DATES

VENUE FOR ALL IS HEFFRON COURTS 

Note: Age group is the age turning in 2024; example: 10 years = born in 2014.

 UNABLE TO ATTEND?

If a player is unable to attend the scheduled grading day, the player’s parent/guardian must advise the RRNC Secretary by email : or text on 0438 774 654.

The player may be asked to attend another grading day or be paper graded based on the RRNC grading policy and process, feedback from previous coach/manager, historical performance, player numbers and positions.

If requesting to play in a higher age group, the selectors will first consider this at your own age grading and you may then be asked to attend the higher grading day. The exception to this policy is any junior player that already played up in Intermediates or Seniors in 2021 can attend Intermediates or Senior grading.

7,8 & 9 YEAR OLD PLAYERS (NET SET GO COMPETITION PROGRAM)

You must be turning 7, 8 or 9 in 2023 to play in the 8 and 9 years Net Set Go Competition (7 yr olds play in the 8Yrs teams). These teams are non-competitive and play modified matches as an introduction to netball, so therefore are NOT graded, however playing experience/school year may be considered when grouping players into teams. Teams are formed depending on the number of players that register in each age. Requests to play with friends will be accommodated where possible, depending on overall registrations in that age group. Requests relating to team placement of players need to be made on your registration form and will be considered by the committee. We are an inclusive club, so if necessary we will add players to existing "friend" groups to ensure an even, fair allocation of players.

Players turning 9 in 2023 who have playing experience may request to play in the Junior 10 year competition. Requests need to be made on your registration form when registering. Your request will be considered by the Grading Committee, and you will need to attend the 10 years grading session for assessment. Note that some 9 years may not be ready to play in the older competition for a variety of reasons – confidence, physical development etc - and our selectors will judge if any 9 year old is suitable for the 10 Yrs grade.

PLAYING WITH FRIENDS REQUESTS - JUNIORS

Please note that netball is a graded, competitive sport from the age of 10 with multiple divisions in age groups and representative pathways. We grade players based on ability in order to maximise opportunities for players to develop and improve their skills as well as their enjoyment and love of the game. It works much better for everyone.

We have an equal court time policy at our club so friendship teams with a wide range of abilities are a real challenge to coach and difficult to provide a positive, confidence building experience to all players. Stronger players always enjoy the challenge of harder, faster competition and do not develop to their potential if graded lower to be kept with a friend. Less confident players do not always enjoy playing above their skill or experience level.

10 to 12 Years - change to Grading Policy from 2024

From 2024, for all 10 years to 12 years teams, we are moving back to our earlier Grading Policy of selecting teams based on playing ability and team balance. We have encountered too many issues trying to accommodate “friend group requests” in the 10s and 11s and later on forming teams in 12s when those friend or school group teams didn’t work. Practical grading (ie attendance at trial games where players are observed and assessed as individuals by RRNC Grading Committee selectors) is now compulsory for these ages. This is the fairest way to compare players so the RRNC Grading Committee can form balanced teams based on rankings with players of a similar standard so they can enjoy their netball, and develop to their potential. We encourage our players to accept their team and welcome making new friendships. The support of parents is greatly encouraged for this to occur smoothly.

If you have players within these age groups that do not want to be graded (eg you want to form your own team) we suggest that you inquire at smaller clubs that may be able to accommodate your request. Or it is easy to form your own club with Randwick Netball Association - we can advise you how if interested, for more information please contact Mary O'Connell E]

13 to 15 Years

We will consider “friend requests” from 13 years up for Division 3 and lower teams.You will be advised if required to attend grading. Division 1 & 2 team players must attend compulsory grading. Any player from Division 3 or lower looking to change teams can also attend grading.

Each player must make the request on their registration form - parents cannot make requests on behalf of others. The grading committee will consider practical grading as well as coach reports and past performance to determine whether the players are of similar ability and able to be play in the same team.

PLAYING HIGHER AGE GROUP - JUNIORS

Make sure you note the request on your registration by selecting the age group you want to play in. The selectors will need to assess the player at their correct age grading first and then may ask the player to attend the higher age grading day. The exception to this policy is any junior player that already played up in Intermediates or Seniors in 2023 can attend Intermediates or Senior grading.

INTERMEDIATE & SENIOR PLAYERS

Intermediates is generally for 16 and 18 year old players. Any 13 to 15 years players wanting to play in this level must be approved by the Grading Committee at their correct age group grading (unless they previously played in Intermediates). Teams and divisions are mixed age groups from Intermediates to Seniors

Full teams and individuals may be registered within these groups. Compulsory Practical Grading is held for new players as well as players trialing for the top competitive teams - Inters Div 1 & 2 and Seniors A1, A2, B1. If grading is required for any other players or grades, notification will be sent to the relevant players. Intermediate and Senior players are encouraged to get involved at the club with coaching, umpiring etc so please consider volunteering for a role with the club when registering.

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