Grading Policy

At Bicton Netball Club, we grade all players who will be playing in the 10&Under competition and older in the current year. Grading is intended to place all our players in a cohesive team in which they will get adequate playing time in their preferred positions.

The grading process adopted by Bicton Netball Club is an extensive one, which is designed to provide all players with the opportunity to demonstrate their netball skills in an unbiased environment. The Grading Panel is made up of past and current players with extensive knowledge of netball rules, regulations and player development.

The grading process involves:

1. Grading Sessions
Grading sessions will take place over 2-3 weeks in February/March. During these sessions, all players in the same age group will play with each other. New and returning players to Bicton Netball Club have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills to the Grading Panel at these grading sessions. It is essential that all players attend all grading sessions. Participation at the Club’s grading sessions are compulsory. If there are extenuating circumstances, these should be communicated in writing to the Grading Co-ordinator as soon as known.

2. Coaches Reports
The previous coach of each returning player will be asked to report on the skills and attitude of players. Their attendance, commitment to training sessions and willingness to learn will all be considered.

9&U Players
9&Under players may be asked to participate in pre-season skills sessions. These informal sessions will consist of activities and match play concentrating on passing and catching, agility and game sense. The Grading Panel will oversee these activities.

8&Under Players
8&Under players will not be graded and simply placed into teams based on their year of birth. For this age group we do take friendship requests and these will be taken into consideration. These players will play in the modified rules SET competition.

It is Club policy that players are not to be graded by a parent or family member. We always endeavor to keep grading as fair and independent as possible. It is important to note that all players are placed into teams based on year of birth and skill level, not school year, past teams or friendships.

If you have any questions or queries regarding the grading process please feel free to contact the Grading Coordinator through bictonnetball@gmail.com. Team requests, sent in writing to the Grading Coordinator BEFORE grading commences will be considered, however it is not always possible to accommodate these requests. Once team announcements have been made, no team changes will be possible.