Summary

Coaches play a vital role in the sport of Netball through their interaction with their athletes, support staff, parents and supporters. Coaches have the potential to influence not only the development of sport-specific skills and sporting performance, but also the participant’s development as a person and their approach to other aspects of their life. While at times it can be challenging, coaching can also be an immensely satisfying role.

A sport like netball can provide a very powerful and positive influence on young people. Not only can it provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement, it can also develop valuable qualities such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. The extent to which these positive effects occur depends on the commitment of the coach in their role. Coaches of junior players are first and foremost teachers and role models.

Responsible to

The Coach is directly responsible to the Hi-Lites Club committee through the Hi-Lites Coaching Co-ordinator, and also to their respective team and its players they are coaching.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Dictate expectations of game plans and training plans and mentor and guide players to adhere to these.
  • Plan and run training sessions
  • Teach players the rules of the game and how to interpret these in game play
  • Teach players the skills of the game and work to continually improve and learn new skills as the players motor skills develop with age.
  • Provide a safe environment for their players which leads to and builds on skill development, tactical awareness, teamwork and enjoyment of the game
  • Determine positions on game day
  • Ensure all players turning up on match day are to receive at least half a game (unless they decline or are injured).
  • Understand what is acceptable and appropriate behaviour
  • Increasingly coaches are required to face issues and potentially provide appropriate guidance on such things as sportsmanship, cheating, bullying, respect for officials, abuse of power, discrimination, harassment and assessing when a participant should return to sport after an injury.

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Good interpersonal and communications skills.
  • Be approachable, encouraging, respectful, inclusive
  • Knowledge of the WNA By-Laws.