FAQs

Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, you'll find answers to common questions about our club, registration process, season dates, and more. If you’re new to Bicton Netball Club or need clarification on anything, this is a great place to start. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

  • When do registrations open and how do I sign up?
    Registrations typically open in late December or early January for the upcoming Winter Season. Existing members have a two-week priority period before registrations open to the public. Keep an eye on our social media pages for official dates!

    What happens if I miss the registration deadline?
    Depending on the availability of players in your age group, you may be placed on a waitlist until enough players are confirmed to form an additional team or a cancellation occurs.

    If I am registered, am I confirmed to make a team?
    Yes, if you are registered or confirmed from a waitlist, you are guaranteed placement on a team. We only accept enough registrations to form full teams and do not exceed numbers that would leave players without a team.

    How old must a player be to register for Bicton Netball Club?
    A player must typically turn seven in the year they begin playing netball, regardless of their school year.

    Can I join my friends team?
    As part of the registration form for our Set&Go players, we ask if they have a friend they would like to play with. While we cannot guarantee all requests, we do take them into consideration when forming teams for our 8&U and 9&U age groups, and where applicable, 10&U, if players have similar skills and abilities.

    Will I be able to play with my school friends?
    As Bicton is part of the Fremantle Netball Association (FNA), players are placed in teams based on their year of birth, as required. While this may mean you won’t always be in the same team as your school friends, we do consider friend requests for younger age groups where possible. Players cannot request to play outside their age group unless there are extenuating circumstances with supporting documentation.

    My child has never played netball before, can they still join?
    Yes! Bicton Netball Club welcomes players of all backgrounds, skill levels, and abilities. If you register with the club, we will ensure your child is placed in a team.

    My son wants to play netball, can he join a team?
    Yes! Bicton Netball Club accepts registrations for boys aged 7 to 12. After age 12, boys must transition to a mixed netball competition, which is subject to availability through FNA based on interest.

  • How much are the registration fees for the season, and what do they cover?
    Registration fees cover player registration, court hire, insurance, affiliation with Netball WA and Fremantle Netball Association, and basic equipment. Check the season information page on the website for relevant fees to the upcoming season.

    Do you offer refunds if a player withdraws from the season?
    Refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the withdrawal date and reason. If a player needs to withdraw, contact the club as soon as possible. You can also view the full refund policy on our website under the ‘Governance’ section.

    Are there other costs besides the registration fee?
    Additional costs may include playing uniforms, fundraising contributions, or optional training programs. The club will communicate any extra costs clearly to families.

    Can I use a KidSport voucher to help with my fees at the club?
    Yes, the club accepts KidSport vouchers. Please provide your voucher code at the time of registration so the discount can be applied.

    When are fees due?
    Fees are due at the time of registration. The club will provide clear deadlines and reminders on registration opening dates.

    What payment methods do you accept?
    Payments are made direct through PlayHQ at time of registration. Specific instructions are provided during registration.

    Does the fee cover grading/trials?
    Yes, the registration fee includes participation in trials or grading sessions, so there is no extra cost for these assessments.

    I am having trouble paying my fees, what can I do?
    If you are experiencing financial difficulty, contact the club to discuss a payment plan or support options. We aim to ensure all players can participate regardless of financial circumstances.

    Can fees be paid in installments?
    Where possible, the club may offer payment plans or installment options. Families should contact the club early to discuss a suitable arrangement.

    Are uniforms included in the registration fee?
    No. Uniforms are charged separately. The club will confirm costs during registration and order uniforms accordingly.

  • What are trials and grading?
    Trials and grading are processes used to assess players’ skills, experience, and suitability for different teams or divisions. They help ensure that players are placed in teams that match their ability and provide a fun, competitive environment.

    Who participates in grading?
    All players from U9s to Opens participate in grading sessions, whether they are new members or existing players. This ensures each player can be fairly assessed for team placement.

    How is grading conducted?
    Players take part in skill assessments, drills, and practice games under the supervision of coaches and club officials. Observations focus on teamwork, game understanding, and technical ability.

    Can anyone request a specific team or coach?
    While the club tries to consider player and parent preferences, team placement is first based on skill, experience, and overall team balance to ensure fair and competitive divisions.

    What happens after grading?
    After grading, players are allocated to teams. The club will communicate team lists, training schedules, and game details before the season starts.

    What if I am unhappy with my team placement?
    If you have concerns about team placement, contact the club to discuss. Placements are reviewed carefully, but changes are made only if necessary and in the best interest of all players.

    Do players need to attend every trial session?
    Players are encouraged to attend all sessions to give coaches a complete view of their skills. If a session is missed due to illness or other reasons, notify the club in advance.

  • When and where does training take place?
    Bicton Netball Club trains on Wednesdays at Fremantle Netball Courts (Gibson Park, Fremantle). Each team is allocated a 1-hour time slot set by their coach. Training runs weekly during the season (with breaks over school holidays).

    What happens if training is cancelled due to bad weather?
    Coaches or the club will notify families if training cannot go ahead due to weather or court issues. Please keep an eye out for updates on your team chat or through your coach.

    Do players have to attend every training session?
    Yes. Regular training is essential for skill development, teamwork, and preparation for games. We expect players to attend and participate unless they are unwell or unable to for a valid reason.

    Can training be on a different day if Wednesday doesn’t suit?
    No. Our club’s court bookings are only for Wednesdays at Fremantle Netball Courts, and we cannot accommodate changes to other days.

    Do parents need to stay at training?
    Parents are not required to stay but are welcome to watch. Coaches will ensure players are supervised during training and released safely to a parent or carer at the end.

    Who runs the training sessions?
    Training sessions are run by the team’s allocated coach and, where applicable, their assistant coach. If the coach is unavailable, they may arrange a fill-in coach or seek support from another club coach to ensure the session still goes ahead.

  • What time should my child arrive for their game?
    Players should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled game. This allows time for warm-up, team discussions, and getting ready in a calm, focused manner.

    What should my child wear on game day?
    Players must wear their full team uniform, including dress/skirt or shorts and their playing top. Proper netball shoes are required, and no jewellery should be worn for safety reasons.

    What happens if my child is sick or can’t attend a game?
    Please notify your coach as soon as possible if your child cannot attend. This helps with team planning and ensures fair play for all teams.

    Where can parents or spectators stand during the game?
    Parents and spectators should stand on the sidelines, ideally out of the way of the coach and umpires, so they can support the team effectively. No one should stand on the baseline of any court.

    Can parents or spectators coach or give instructions during the game?
    No, only the official coach or assistant coach may direct players during the game. Spectators are encouraged to cheer positively from the sidelines.

    What should I bring to a game?
    Players should bring their water bottle, a snack for after the game, and any required gear like extra hair ties etc. Spectators may want a chair, sun protection, and positive energy!

    How are wet weather or cancelled games handled?
    The club & association will notify teams if a game is cancelled due to weather. Check emails, club messages, or the association’s social pages for updates. If a game is postponed, the association will advise on rescheduling.

    How can I support my child on game day?
    Support your child by arriving on time, cheering positively, and respecting the officials, coaches, and other players. Encouragement and good sportsmanship make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

  • What are the expectations for players?
    Players are expected to show respect for coaches, umpires, teammates, and opponents, play fairly, attend training and games regularly, and demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

    What are the expectations for parents and spectators?
    Parents and spectators should support positively from the sidelines, avoid coaching during games, and respect umpires, coaches, and players. Negative behaviour can affect the enjoyment and safety of everyone.

    What are the expectations for coaches and umpires?
    Coaches and umpires are expected to lead by example, enforce rules fairly, and foster a safe and inclusive environment for all players.

    How are complaints handled?
    Complaints should be directed to the club. The club follows a clear, respectful process to address concerns while ensuring confidentiality and fairness.

  • Can I wear jewellery when playing netball?
    No. Netball has a strict no-jewellery policy for safety reasons. This means no rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, anklets, or other jewellery is permitted on court.

    This rule is in place to protect both the player wearing the jewellery and others on the court.

    Can I cover piercings with tape instead of removing them?
    No. Taping over earrings, studs, or other piercings is not allowed. All jewellery must be fully removed before taking the court.

    What if my child has newly pierced ears and cannot take them out yet?
    Unfortunately, players with new piercings must still remove them to play. If they cannot be removed, the player will not be permitted to take the court until the jewellery can be taken out.

    Are medical or religious jewellery items allowed?
    Yes, but they must be covered and secured safely. For example, a medical alert bracelet can be worn if it is taped securely to the wrist so it cannot cause injury. Please advise the coach and umpire before the game if this applies.

    What about fitness trackers or smart watches?
    Watches, fitness trackers, or any wrist devices are considered jewellery and must be removed before the game.

  • How can I get involved with the club?
    The club welcomes volunteers for coaching, umpiring, team management, and committee roles. Your support helps the club run smoothly and provides a positive experience for all players.

    What committee roles are available?
    Committee roles include President, Secretary, Treasurer, Fundraising Coordinator, and other support positions. Each role contributes to the management and growth of the club.

    How can I help with fundraising?
    There are regular fundraising activities, such as cake stalls, raffle events, and sponsorship initiatives, and volunteers are always needed to assist.

    Can parents coach or umpire?
    Yes! Parents are encouraged to coach teams or become accredited umpires, supporting both the club and the development of players.

  • How does the club communicate schedules and cancellations?
    The club shares updates via email, team messaging apps, and the club website. Always check these channels for the latest information on training, games, and events.

    How are important announcements shared?
    Major announcements, such as season start dates, grading sessions, or policy updates, are communicated via email and posted on the club’s website or social pages.

    Who can I contact for questions or concerns?
    Players and parents can contact their team coach, team manager, or the club committee for assistance with any questions or concerns.

  • Who are the coaches at the club?
    All our coaches are volunteers who dedicate their time to developing players’ skills and supporting teams. Coaches may include experienced players, parents, or community members who have completed relevant netball coaching qualifications.

    What qualifications do the coaches have?
    Our coaches are encouraged to participate in ongoing professional development. Some may also hold first aid or umpiring accreditation.

    How are coaching roles assigned?
    Coaches are allocated to teams based on experience, availability, and team needs. Where possible, we match coaches with age groups or skill levels they are most comfortable with.

    Can parents coach their child’s team?
    Yes, parent volunteers are always welcome to coach, whether it’s their child’s team or another team within the club.

    What support do coaches receive?
    Coaches have access to mentoring, resources, training apps and support from the club committee as needed. They can also seek advice from other coaches if needed, especially for planning training sessions or game strategies.

    What if a coach is unavailable for training or a game?
    If a coach is unavailable, they may arrange a fill-in coach or seek support from another club coach to ensure training sessions and games run smoothly.

    How can I provide feedback about coaching?
    The club welcomes constructive feedback via email or in person. This helps improve the experience for both players and coaches while maintaining a positive and respectful environment.

  • Who provides umpires for games?
    Games are umpired by qualified umpires and organised by the club. For Set&Go games, parents or volunteers may also be trained and accredited to umpire.

    Do I need experience to umpire?
    No prior experience is required, however, we highly recommend at least foundation level knowledge. The club offers training and support for new umpires, including basic rules, positioning, and game management.

    How are umpiring roles assigned?
    Umpires are scheduled for games by the club or association’s umpire coordinator, often rotating responsibilities among trained volunteers to ensure fairness and coverage for all teams.

    What qualifications do umpires need?
    Umpires are encouraged to complete Netball Australia umpiring courses, which may include junior or senior level accreditation. First-time umpires are supported with mentoring and practical guidance.

    Can parents umpire their child’s game?
    Yes, parents can umpire, provided they have the appropriate training or accreditation. This helps increase participation and supports the smooth running of games.

    How can I get involved as an umpire?
    Contact the club’s umpire coordinator to express interest and have a chat.

    What should umpires bring on game day?
    Umpires should bring whistle, white umpire shirt, comfortable shoes, and a water bottle. Knowledge of the rules and a positive, fair attitude are just as important!

  • What does a team manager do?
    A team manager helps organise and coordinate the team, acting as the main point of contact between coaches, players, parents, and the club. They assist with communication, match day logistics, and general team administration.

    Are team managers volunteers?
    Yes, team managers are volunteers who generously give their time to support the team and club.

    What are the main responsibilities of a team manager?
    Responsibilities typically include:

    • Communicating training and game details to players and parents

    • Organising team lists and player attendance

    • Managing game day equipment, uniforms, players and scorers

    • Supporting the coach during training and games as required

    • Coordinating with the club for communications of events, fundraising, or other administrative tasks

    Do team managers need prior experience?
    No prior experience is required. Enthusiasm, organisation skills, and a willingness to help are the most important qualities. Experienced managers are available to mentor new managers.

    How can I become a team manager?
    Contact the club committee or your coach to express interest. Training and support will be provided to help you succeed in the role.

    Can one parent manage a team or is it shared?
    A team can have one or more managers, depending on the availability and need.

  • Are players insured while participating in netball?
    Yes, all registered players are covered by insurance through the club’s affiliation with Netball WA and Fremantle Netball Association (FNA). This includes coverage for accidents and injuries that occur during training, games, or official club activities.

    What does the insurance cover?
    Insurance typically covers medical expenses and liability related to injuries sustained while playing or training. For full details on coverage, limits, and conditions, please refer to the ‘Insurance’ section on our website.

    Do parents or volunteers need separate insurance?
    Parents and volunteers are generally not covered under player insurance.

    Who do I contact if an injury occurs?
    Notify your coach and team manager immediately, and follow the club’s reporting procedures. For insurance claims or questions, contact the club committee or refer to the FNA website for guidance.

  • What events does the club hold during the season?
    The club organises fundraisers, social gatherings, and end-of-season activities to build community and celebrate the achievements of players and volunteers.

    What is a presentation day?
    Presentation day is held at the end of the season to celebrate player achievements, acknowledge volunteers, and present awards or trophies.

    Can families participate in club social events?
    Yes! Families are encouraged to attend social events, fundraisers, and club gatherings to support players and enjoy the community atmosphere.

    How will I know about upcoming events?
    Event details are shared via club emails, social media, and team managers, so everyone can plan to attend.