Winter Competition 2026

REGISTRATION OVERVIEW

Who can play?

St Ives Netball Club offers netball for:

• NetSetGo (ages 5–8)
• Juniors (ages 9–17)
• Seniors (ages 18+)

Age groups are based on the participants age by 31 December 2026, regardless of their age at registration or on grading day.

Late Registrations

Late registrations can only be accepted if space is available and accepted by the grading committee for graded teams. After Club Teams have been submitted to the Association, approval from KNA will be required.
If a suitable team is not available, the Club and KNA will assist players in finding an alternative option.

NETSETGO

Woolworths NetSetGo – Ages 5 to 10

NetSetGo is is a 3 part program introducing kids to Netball in a modified format. There are three programs, based purely on age:

• Net: Skills – for players aged 5 – 6 (turning these ages between 1 January and 31 December 2026).  These skills sessions are run alongside competition games played on Saturday’s at Lofberg Courts, West Pymble.
• Set: Skills and Competition – for players aged 6 – 8 (turning these ages between 1 January and 31 December 2026).  This competition is played Saturday’s at Lofberg Courts, West Pymble.
• Go: Competition – for players aged 9 and 10 (turning this age between 1 January and 31 December 2026).  This competition is played Saturday’s at Canoon Courts, South Turramurra.

Contact Elle at netta@stivesnetball.com.au if you would like to register for age 5-8, or Devi at registrar@stivesnetball.com.au for age 9-10.

NetSetGo ages 5-8

NetSetGo players turning 5-8 by December 2026 are not graded. This age group focuses on developing skills, confidence and enjoyment in a fun, supportive environment.

NetSetGo ages 9-10

Please note that Teams aged 9 and 10 are graded Teams and form part of the Junior Competition. Please refer to the detailed information in the Junior section to learn more about grading and team formation.
Late registrations are subject to there being space in a suitable team, and will require approval from the grading sub committee and KNA.

Come & Play Day

KNA are hosting a Come & Play Day for younger and new players:

📅 14 February 2026
🏐 No experience needed
😊 A great way to try netball

Registrations for NetSetGo remain open until 4 March 2026.

Ages 9-17 are considered “Juniors”, and these are graded teams in the Winter Competition. This competition is played at Canoon Courts, South Turramurra.

To allow for grading, registration closes on 11 February 2026 and a series of grading weekends are held. After the final grading session Teams will be finalised and announced.

As these are graded Teams, late registrations are subject to there being space in a suitable team, and will require approval from KNA where Club Teams have already been entered into the Competition.

For all registration enquiries, please contact Devi at registrar@stivesnetball.com.au.

GRADING (AGES 9–17)

Is grading compulsory?

Yes. Grading is required for all players who turn 9–17 in 2026 and wish to play in graded competitions with St Ives Netball Club.

Grading helps us for teams and place players at an appropriate level within the competition.

Why do we grade?

Grading helps the Club to:

• group players with others of similar ability
• create balanced teams across all positions
• support player development and enjoyment
• meet Ku-ring-gai Netball Association (KNA) competition requirements

Who runs grading?

Grading is coordinated by the Club’s Grading Sub-Committee, which includes experienced graders and senior independent graders.

To ensure fairness:

• graders do not assess age groups where their own child plays
• any conflicts of interest are declared
• grading decisions are made independently

How does grading work?

Grading uses a combination of information to build an accurate picture of each player, including:

• coach reports from the current season
• senior grader observations across the year
• performance on grading day

Players trial primarily in the positions nominated during registration, and may also be asked to trial in other positions where appropriate.

What happens on grading day?

On grading day, players will:

• sign in and receive an identification number
• warm up before trials begin
• take part in short, structured grading games
• rotate through multiple positions
• be observed by more than one grader

Parents and supporters are asked to allow players to focus by refraining from coaching or commenting from the sidelines.

How are players assessed?

Graders look at a range of skills, including:

• understanding of the game and decision-making
• movement, footwork and agility
• ball handling, passing and catching
• attacking and defensive skills
• fitness, work rate and attitude on court

What if my child can’t attend grading day?

Players who are unable to attend grading should notify the Club as early as possible, and at least two weeks before grading day.

In these cases, placement is based on available information such as:

• coach reports
• senior grader notes
• previous performance

While the Club will make every effort to place players fairly, not attending grading may limit placement accuracy.

SENIORS (AGES 18+)

This competition is played at Canoon Courts, South Turramurra.

How does senior registration work?

Senior players may register individually or as a pre-formed team. Both competitive and social grades are available, subject to availability.

Senior registrations close 4 March 2026.

For all registration enquiries, please contact Devi at registrar@stivesnetball.com.au.

TEAM FORMATION

How are teams formed?

Teams are formed by:

• selecting players with complementary skills across each position
• ensuring a balance of shooters, mid-courters and defenders
• arranging teams from strongest to developing within each age group

Team placement is based on ability and team balance.

Friendship or carpool requests are not used when forming teams for graded age groups.

Inter & Cadet divisions

• Age or school year does not determine team placement
• Where possible, the Club aims to include at least two players from the same school year or age group in each team to support player comfort
• Social teams may be entered in the Cadets age group only and will be placed in Grade 3 or below, subject to registration requirements

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPEALS

When will teams be announced?

Teams are announced as soon as possible after the final grading session, in line with the season calendar.

Can I appeal a placement?

Appeals can be submitted if needed:

• within 48 hours of team lists being published
• in writing to secretary@stivesnetball.com.au

All appeals are reviewed by the Grading Committee, and decisions are final.