MNC Practices & Procedures – March 2023.

1. TEAMS:

1.1.   All Teams must furnish a Player Registration list via Superforms, prior to the commencement of the season’s competition play. Names must be provided in the same format as they will be written on the score card. This must include full contact details for the Coach AND Captain (as a minimum).

1.2.   No more than 12 players to be registered per team at any time.1.3

The due date for registration fees will be set by the Motueka Netball Centre Board at the beginning of each season. Any team fees outstanding after the due date will have one (1) competition point deducted from the top team of the club/school/team involved, for each week that the fees remain unpaid.

1.4.   If a registered player leaves a team and the team wishes to de-register that player, a letter of resignation for that player must be given to the Netball Administrator

1.5.    Any team which does not have 12 registered players on the first day of competition, and wishes to add a player, may do so by paying the day registration fee and completing the day registration form with player details. If there are already 12 registered players on a team list, then one must be deregistered to fit the new player in.

1.6.   If any team plays an unregistered player, irrelevant of the result of the game, the team shall lose three (3) competition points.

1.7.   Any change to the named team coach, club personnel or delegate, and/or contact details must be notified in writing to the Netball Administrator immediately.

1.8.   When registering more than one team from a club, each team must have a seeding outlined via Superform for grading purposes. Reseeding rules apply after the completion of each round.

1.9.   Players from lower seeded teams may be used as replacements for the higher seeded teams. If any player plays in the higher seeded team 3 times he/she is deemed to be registered in that team. This also applies if you play for multiple teams in a higher grade. If any player plays 3 times in a higher grade, they are deemed to be moved up to that grade and will be placed in the team they have most played for.

1.10.  Each team must record the full names in exact wording as entered via Superform (e.g. Barbara Smith) of the players taking part in the game on the scorecard. Up to 12 names can be listed prior to the commencement of the game. Cards/Game Day App will be used by Motueka Netball Centre. Non completion of Team List will result in the loss of one (1) competition point, irrelevant of game result. Substitute names must be on the Team List before they enter the court.

1.11.   Teams are to play games as set down in the draw, except in special circumstances when the Netball Administrator may give permission to play on an alternative date set by the Motueka Netball Centre Operating committee. If either team is not available on the appointed day, they must default.

1.12.   No club/team affiliated with the Motueka Netball Centre shall play any match other than those arranged by the Motueka Netball Centre without the permission of the Motueka Netball Centre Board. Teams will not be granted permission to play outside fixtures on days when competition games are being conducted by the Motueka Netball Centre.

1.13.   Any teams registered with the Motueka Netball Centre, wishing to play overseas must apply to the board for permission, at least 13 weeks prior to their proposed departure date. This allows for compliance with the Netball New Zealand standing orders on overseas travel.

2. PLAYERS:

2.1.   No player shall take part in any game under the jurisdiction of the Motueka Netball Centre unless he/she is duly registered by a club/team/school.

2.2.   The day registration fee is set at $5.00. No day registration fees are required for Future Fern players

2.3.   The day registration fee must be paid for each game a player is day registered for, before that player takes the court. 

2.4.   A Motueka Netball Centre team may day register players who play in an equivalent grade or below in another Centre within the Netball Mainland Zone. 

2.5.   Seeding rules apply to a day registered player – 3 games within one grade means the player cannot play down.

2.6.   No player whose name appears upon the membership list of one club/school/team shall represent another club/school/team within the Motueka Netball Centre.

2.7.   No day registration is permitted for promotion/relegation, ¼ final, semi or final games.

2.8.   A player may register with more than one Netball Centre in any one calendar year provided that such Netball Centres are in the same Zone. Such players have dual registration. All dual registered players must be stated on the registration form at the beginning of the season.

2.9.   A team may dual register up to 3 players with more than one netball centre within the Nelson Region. 

2.10.   A player may not at any time play in a lower grade than that for which they are registered, or in a team within the same grade that is graded lower than that for which they are registered unless a re-grading has been approved by the Motueka Netball Centre Operating Committee. 

2.11.   If a player has been deregistered from a club, they can only be added to another club in the same grade, unless a re-grading has been approved by the Motueka Netball Centre Operating Committee

2.12.   Boys up to and including Year 11 can play netball at school and centre level with no restriction on playing positions or numbers on court.

2.13.   Boys who are Year 12 and over may continue to play at the discretion of the Motueka Netball Centre Board, however, NNZ recommends a maximum of  3 boys playing on court in any position at one time at school, centre and representative level.

2.14.    Transgender Senior Players. Exemptions are granted on the basis that:

2.14.1.   The applicant can provide a medical certificate verifying legal female status (Proof of Gender reassignment surgery) or

2.14.2.   The applicant can provide Medical documentation that hormone therapy has brought blood-measured testosterone levels within the range of the participants' affirmed gender.

3. REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS AND PLAYERS:

3.1.   Registered players from the Motueka Netball Centre are eligible for their appropriate age group representative team. Boys to the age of Year 11 may be accepted into Representative Teams based on acceptance by the hosts of the tournament. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Motueka Netball Operations Committee.

3.2.   Misconduct causing exclusion of a player from their Club/Team/School will result in exclusion from the Representative Team. 

3.3.   A player registered in more than one Netball Centre must nominate which Netball Centre is her Primary Netball Centre via Superform prior to the first competition game of the season. The Primary Netball Centre shall take precedence if the player is selected as a representative player in both Centres. 

3.4.   Representative players are to refrain from smoking whilst wearing the uniform of the Motueka Netball Centre.

3.5.   Age Groups: All ages for championships/tournaments shall be as at 1st January the year of the event concerned.

3.6.   The Junior Representative players will fall into an under 14 and under 15 year old category.

3.7.   All fundraising or sponsorship monies raised for Representative or Motueka Netball Centre players must be channelled through the Motueka Netball Centre.

3.8.   When representative teams are playing away, no competition games shall be played by teams affected by the loss of players, unless they choose to do so. In exceptional circumstances, Motueka Netball Centre Board discretion will be used.

3.9.   Certificates shall be presented to all Representative players.

3.10.   Coaches/Selectors shall select players to trial for the teams to represent the Motueka Netball Centre in all representative matches, after ascertaining their availability. They shall appoint the captains of all teams selected by them, and these teams must be approved by the Motueka Netball Centre Board before they are announced

3.11.   No Coaches/Selectors shall be permitted to play in senior representative teams unless they have Motueka Netball Centre Board approval

3.12.   A Manager/s shall be appointed once approved by the Motueka Netball Centre Operating Committee, to accompany the team/s attending tournaments. His/her duties shall include those laid down in the instructions from Netball NZ Inc and Motueka Netball Centre Inc.

3.13.   If, upon return from Tournament, the Manager/s have cause to name player/s for misconduct the player/s concerned may be suspended from future representative selection.

3.14.   If the representative uniform is not returned, or is damaged, an invoice will be issued to the Player for the uniform replacement

4. COMPETITION: 

Motueka Netball Centre Board facilitates the running of the netball competition with the assistance of the Motueka Netball Centre Operating Committee

The Motueka Netball Centre Operating Committee has the following authority:

4.1.   To arrange, control and manage all competition matches.

4.2.   To grade teams for competition matches.

4.3.   To keep a register showing the names of all players belonging to affiliated clubs, for reference purposes. The Club Delegate shall have access to the register, should the need arise.

4.4.   To keep tables showing the results of all matches played under its control, and the position of all teams taking part in the competition.

4.5.   To organise promotion and relegation matches between grades if it is deemed to be in the best interests of good competition.

4.6.   To adopt the points system of 3 points for a win, 2 points for a draw and 1 point for the final score being within 5 goals.

4.7.    When teams are tied, rankings for finals and promotion/relegation games, a points differential system will be used, divided by the number of games played.

4.8.   The FINALS COMPETITION Top Team Challenge will be played on finals day between the two top teams of each grade, based on points gained during the championship round/s.

4.9.   All trophies shall be returned to the trophy co-ordinator by the 30th of June in each season.

4.10.   In the situation where a game/s is rescheduled, the game/s shall be played at the discretion of the Motueka Netball Centre Operating Committee in consultation with the teams and officials involved.

4.11.   Numbered match balls will be supplied each Saturday for each court and can only be changed with the umpires’ approval. The same ball is to be used for the entire game.

4.12.   All games will be 4 x 10 minute quarters with 2 minute breaks after the first and third quarters, and 3 minutes at half time.

4.13.   Each team shall supply a suitable scorer and/or a timekeeper who shall stand beside each other while the game is in play. The score recorded on the card is the only result recognised

4.14.   All clubs/teams/schools will be required to provide assistance in the running of regular season competitions as required by the Motueka Netball Centre Operating Committee. Refer to delegates’ responsibilities and job descriptions.

The Motueka Netball Centre Board has the following authority:

4.15.   To arbitrate in all disputes which may arise in respect to any match played under the jurisdiction of the Motueka Netball Centre. The Board decision shall be final.

4.16.   Any official protest, signed by the co-ordinator of the club/team/school concerned, must be in the hands of the Netball Administrator within 48 hours of an incident and will be dealt with by Motueka Netball Centre Board. The protest must be accompanied by a fee of $20-00, which will be refunded if the protest is upheld. This fee will be forfeited to the Motueka Netball Centre if the complaint is deemed frivolous. 

The Netball Administrator, immediately on receipt of a protest shall arrange a meeting of the Motueka Netball Centre Board to hear the protest, shall furnish a copy of the protest to the umpires and the other club/team/school concerned, and will notify them of where and when the matter will be considered. The club/team/school concerned shall send up to 2 representatives to the protest meeting and umpires concerned may either attend or submit their views in letter form. The protesting club/team/school shall have the right to withdraw the protest without reason being given but shall forfeit the protest fee. If as a result of the protest, a game is to be replayed it shall be played at the end of the season, and then only if it affects the championship. Any protest about scores must be lodged immediately after the game concerned. 

4.17.   To present trophies for the winners of each grade/competition. Should the result be a draw, the trophy will be shared.

5. CANCELLATIONS:

5.1.   In the event of extreme weather conditions, the Postponement Committee shall decide whether to cancel games and the convener shall update the MNC website and post on MNC Facebook page as soon as possible. See www.sporty.co.nz/motuekanetball

5.2.  In event of extreme weather conditions, games may be played in the Stadium subject to availability.

5.3.   In the event of Netball competitions held under the jurisdiction of the Motueka Netball Centre being wholly cancelled or postponed for the day set down, any defaults received prior to the cancellation or postponement shall be subsequently deleted.

6. DEFAULTED GAMES:

In some circumstances a club may be unable to furnish a team for a scheduled competition game. The following protocols should be adopted:

6.1.    All attempts should be made by the team’s manager/coach to furnish a team. The team manager/coach must verbally advise the Motueka Netball Centres Netball Administrator & Umpire co-ordinator (preferably by the night before the game is to be played) of the default. 

6.2.    If a team is not on court ready to play within 1 minute of the scheduled start time, they will forfeit the game.

6.3.    If a team defaults, the opposing team is awarded three (3) points as the game is counted as a win for them. 

6.4.    Any team defaulting three (3) consecutive times shall be disqualified from play for the rest of the season.

6.5.   Any team which has defaulted their game is still expected to complete allocated duties and responsibilities within the centre on that day.

6.6.   A team may take the court with 5 registered players.

7. UNIFORMS:

7.1.   The representative colours of the Motueka Netball Centre are Black & White. The colours are for the exclusive use of the representative teams and shall not be used by any other teams/clubs. 

7.2.   Prior to affiliation, any new club/team/school must apply to the Motueka Netball Centre Board for approval of their uniform and colours (including colour combinations & style of uniform). 

7.3.   Motueka Netball Centre Board approval is also required for changes to existing team (previously approved) uniforms.

7.4.   All team members shall wear the registered uniform of their Club/Team/School when playing in Motueka Netball Centre Competitions

7.5.   If dressed incorrectly, deportment points will be deducted. 

7.6.   No jewellery of any type, including piercing studs/rings are to be worn by players on court, except for a wedding ring which must be taped. A medic alert bracelet or medical device may be worn but must be securely taped. Items may be worn for religious or cultural reasons eg hijab. We strongly recommend that adornments are removed where possible. If these are unable to be removed eg a kara or taonga, they should be securely taped. No fancy hair clips and hair bands made of hard material, or sunglasses. Prescription glasses/sunglasses are permitted at the players risk

7.7.   No player is permitted to chew gum on the court.

7.8.   For safety - Fingernails must be CUT in accordance with the international rule book

7.9.   Deportment points will be deducted for incorrect playing uniforms, fingernail length, jewellery, punctuality and behaviour. Points will be deducted by the umpires at their discretion.

7.10.   Umpires can award extra deportment points to teams showing excellent behaviour, punctuality and uniform. 

7.11.   Colour combinations shall not be worn by any other club, team or school whilst the original club, team or school is an active member of the Motueka Netball Centre. After withdrawal of a club, team or school from Motueka Netball Centre, any other club, team or school may not wear its registered colours for 2 consecutive seasons unless written approval is given by the forfeiting club.

8. UMPIRES: 

8.1.   Deportment points must be recorded for all games played in the Winter competition.

8.2.   All senior and secondary netball teams MUST provide 2 named umpires each season.

8.3.   Grade 1 will be umpired by qualified umpires approved by the Umpire Co-ordinator

8.4.   Grade 2 and 3 will be umpired by suitable umpires, on a rostered basis specified by the Umpire Co-ordinator

8.5.   Grade 4 and the Primary grade will be umpired by the players from other grades and some young umpires as specified by the Umpire Co-ordinator. In Future Fern games, support umpires are permitted within the perimeter of the court, however whistle control is by the named umpires only.

8.6.   Each team is responsible for replacing their umpire should he/she not be available.  

8.7.    Where a specified team umpire fails to umpire or find a suitable replacement, a fine of $50.00 shall apply. Non-payment within 30 days will incur 50% penalty.

8.8.   In the case of verbal/physical abuse the umpire shall, on the day of the game, file a written report of the events to the Netball Administrator, which will then be referred to the Motueka Netball Centre Operating Committee.

9. HEALTH & SAFETY:

9.1.   All participants in Motueka Netball Centre, whether players, volunteers, employees, supporters, contractors or others, have a responsibility for managing their own health and safety and ensuring that their behaviours do not cause any risk to others.

9.2.   The Motueka Netball Centre Board will exercise due diligence and ensure that all reasonably practicable steps are taken to ensure the health and safety of all participants (as listed above) in Motueka Netball Centre.

9.3.   Any hazards must be notified immediately to the Netball Administrator or a Motueka Netball Centre Board member, who will take all practicable steps to eliminate, minimise or isolate the hazard. Such hazards will be recorded and entered into a register, to be reviewed on a weekly basis.

9.4.   Clubs/teams/schools must have their own systems for keeping their players fit and safe.

9.5.   The netball courts, buildings and immediate surrounds will be smoke, illegal drug, and alcohol free at all times.

9.6.   No dogs, bicycles, skates, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters are allowed within the fenced area. Owners of prams and pushchairs should remove them from between the courts while games are in progress.

9.7.   Children under 8 must be supervised at all times.

9.8.   All clubs/teams/schools are responsible for supplying a first aid kit for each of their teams. Each team should have a nominated Primary Care Person (First Aider).

9.9.   Any injuries that occur at the Motueka Netball Courts must report to the Netball Administrator and details to be entered into the Injury Log Book, located in the Motueka Netball Office.

10. GENERAL:

10.1.   No responsibility will be accepted by the Motueka Netball Centre for any valuables lost at or around the playing courts.

10.2.  Appointed Delegates are expected to attend all Delegates Meetings during the winter competition. Another representative from the club/school/team may attend the meeting if the nominated Delegate is not available. Delegates may represent only 1 Club or team.  Motueka Netball Centre Board members may not be the delegate for their club, but may represent their club on occasions when the Delegate is unavailable.

10.3.  Car Parking - Please respect other Recreation Centre users’ signs. There must be no parking which would restrict entry to the gates.

10.4.   All Senior and Secondary teams will be rostered on to complete Desk Duty during the netball season. Failure to report for that duty will result in one (1) competition point being deducted from that team.