Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I register?

We are using Sporty Superforms for registration. Check our Registrations tab for info how to do it. New club or school? If you're not on the Club & School list, contact gisbornenetball@outlook.com and we can get you set up and linked to GNC.

​​​​​​​Why do Prems Play 2 games on a Weds and 1 on Saturday?

Without an indoor facility that allows us to play all Premier games in one session, over the years the preferred scenario was to play Prem games during the week to free up players, coaches and umpires for other grades on Saturday. We also have to consider umpire availability for matches on all days.

What can we do about the slippery floor in the YMCA?

This is something we have to work with at the moment as there is not another suitable facility in town that has correct court and umpire runoff space, and able to accommodate for our large groups of supporters. We found towards the end of the season the fans were helpful to use during intervals to reduce moisture/humidity in the air contributing to the issue.

Do games ever get cancelled? 

We generally only cancel primary games depending on the weather. As a winter sport there will be days we will play if it's drizzling/rainy. Unlike rugby and football we don't get our grounds closed due to the weather, so are able to play on. Some teams will default if they don't like the weather, and that's fine, but please ensure you give us as much notice as possible so we can let the opposing team know.

Can we get scores shown in real time on Facebook?

Once scores are entered into the Sporty results page the results tables are automatically updagted. The draws are displayed on the website - at the top of the draw move between the tabs for the Draw Fixtures, Results, and Standings. This link will be the same all season.

Access for Emergncy Vehicles can be disruptive. 

While is can be disruptive to games, it can be necessary for safety reasons. Did you know - We were donated a wheelchair by our lovely Black Cat Coffee Cart crew which can be used to transport an injured player to your vehicle outside the gate (and avoid bringing personal vehicles in the gates to pick up).

Can we get out of town coaches in and have more coach workshops than just for beginners?

We have to consider the issues of cost to bring in other coaches (travel, accommodation, time). 2025 we were lucky to have Leigh Gibbs co-facilitate Player Centered Coaching (PCC) with our Monz, and Sam Winders deliverying the Developing Physical Capacity (DPC) workshop.

How do Umpires get trained and progress? 

We have a group of dedicated Umpire Coaches at GNC that support the growth and development of our umpires. There is reflection on games using the GROW  (Goal, Reality, Options and Way Forward) model. Umpires are encouraged to upskill - we have umpires that sit Zone or NZ theory exams each year (theory is required every 6 years), and umpires are assessed for either Centre, Zone or NZC badge levels. Umpires are screened, and required endorsing every 4 years. We have groups to discuss umpiring and rules also.

It can be hard to hear the loud speaker. 

We thankfully received funding from GrassRoots Trust Central and had our PA and speaker system upgraded during the 2024 season. With the changes to the facility in 2025, upon re-installation, there were speakers placed around the floodlight posts to ensure better sound coverage than before!

What is happening with the Netball Facilities?

We joined the Victoria Sport and Recreation Hub (VSRH) to upgrade the facility of netball, tennis, squash to cater for multiple codes. 2025 has 9 asphalt courts completed. Early 2026 the 3 back courts will get a rebound ace top layer put on, with markings for netball, basketball, tennis and pickleball. Stage 2 of the project includes 3 more rebound ace courts on the grass area at the back of the tennis club. The intention is to then see the 6 rebound ace courts covered. Stage 3 includes upgrades to the squah building incorporating a shared service area for our codes.

The drains look dangerous - what can be done about this concern? 

The drainage was the first thing raised by GNC with the Hub when we were able to get back on site. Some options to remdiate this are currently being looked at - one option discussed is possibly putting grates across them.

There's no seating now! 

Our previous seating stands are still here - they are being painted to be moved back around the courts once finished - rest assured they will be back at the courts soon!

Games were so late, can we get more early games? 

This season was trickier with the limited amount of courts to play on, however our last round was still only 2.30pm - out last round used to be 3.55pm and we have moved games to enable an earlier finish. Most other centres play games with 3pm, 4pm or 5pm games on Saturdays. We so try to share the load of early and late games around, however the limited courts made that harder during the 2025 season.

The futureFERNS Year 5&6 can be hard to change to the 7v7 game and different positions. 

Netball NZ is currently reviewing this game format at the moment. We are waiting to hear if there will be changes implented. We do also run 7v7 Transition workshops post-season, and can have our development team come in-school to run sessions with your Y7 players to help with this also.

Why should we fill out the End of Season Survey? 

Your responses are compiled and feedback used by our staff and board towards planning for the next season. The info is discussed at a Planning Session, used when considering our GNC SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Oppotunities and Threats) analysis and all this info is used towards our Annual Plans and Strategic Plans.