Coaches' Responsibilities

Make the netball experience for all players an enjoyable experience

Work with players, coaches, umpires, and parents to ensure that no situations arises that would be a poor reflection on your team, your players parents, you as their coach, or on the ACE Netball Club. You are in charge of your team. You must represent the ACE Netball Club in all your actions and around the fields. Keep control of players, parents and especially yourself.

Show respect for the umpire, no matter what age he or she might be. They are in charge once they arrive at the field ( Not just during the game ). Show them support and encouragement in all situations.

Coaches' Code of Conduct

Your first concern at all times is the physical safety and well being of all netball players.

1. Know and the rules of the game.
2. Respect umpires and assistant umpires and do not question their decisions, concentrate on coaching, rather than on the accuracy of referee's decisions. If you have a problem with the umpires calls or lack there of, discuss it calmly with them during the breaks at the end of the quarters NOT in the middle of game play.
3. Teach your team to play fairly and within the rules.
4. Set a good example for your players and supporters.
5. Resect all players and parents. Never ridicule or embarrass them.
6. Respect your opponents. Never ridicule or embarrass them.
7. Control your team and sideline. You are responsible for the behaviour of your team and supporters.
8. After the match offer congratulations to your opponents.
9. Follow all association’s rules and promptly report game scores

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Congratulations, Coach!  You've got your first team of young players--and you're not exactly sure what to do with them.  In fact, sometimes you wonder whether they know more about the game than you do.

Relax.  Coaching isn't as hard a task as we sometimes make it out to be.   If you combine common sense with the basic ideas you've picked up from your other sports endeavors, and add a dash or two of concern and empathy for your young chargers, you'll give your young players exactly what they need:  a solid background in the game,  and a love for the sport that will continue long after you've stopped working with them.

Know the Rules
This is your first step.  Your association should provide copies of them.  During the season, try to teach the rules to your players--when the situation arises, not all at once.

And be sure that you as a coach understand that arguing an official's call in NOT considered proper form, or even acceptable.   Teach that to your youngsters early!

Practice Schedules:
You should teach ball skills above all else--tactics will come later--but you can still do it in a "fun" way.  Races, games and contests go a long way toward taking the drudgery out of skill work.

One Ball per Player
Encourage that every player has a ball.  The best players will develop their skills on their own or playing with friends outside of practice.  Some coaches assign homework.  One of the keys to developing good players is to make certain that each child gets plenty of touches.  Exercises in which each player constantly works with the ball are far more effective than those in which a majority of children stand around and watch.  Avoid lines and do things in small groups.

Keep "Speeches" to a Minimum
Many new coaches feel they are doing their job if they have a lot of "chalk talks."  What they're really doing is talking to themselves.  Your emphasis should be on demonstrating briefly ( or having someone demonstrate for you ), then letting the youngsters try it themselves.

Remember, too, that young children's attention spans are measured in seconds.   Don't spend too much time on any one activity: 10 or 15 minutes is about all you can expect at the youngest ages.  That doesn't mean you should try to teach them everything in one practice session; it simply means to vary your drills, exercises or games.

An ideal practice session will begin with warm-ups, will then introduce a skill development that can be practiced in small groups, will move on to larger group work, and will end with a group game of some type.

Be Positive!
Encourage rather than discourage.  Offer praise rather than criticism.   Highlight the successes of each player, no matter how small; if you must point out negatives, do it quietly, individually, rather than loudly or in front of the entire group.

Be a Role Model
When you must discipline your players--and probably the biggest transgressions you'll get at this age are disruptions of practice--be consistent.  Do not talk ill of the other coaches, players or referees--all of whom your players probably already know.

Keep an Eye on Parents
Make sure that everything they say on the sidelines is positive.  Try to cut down on "coaching" comments from the sidelines--both yours and, certainly, the parents.

Avoid individual Awards
The thrill one youngster gets is outweighed by the disappointment of all the others.   Instead , give treats or ribbons to all if you can.