Reinforcing Safe, Inclusive and Positive Netball Experiences

One of the most rewarding aspects of community netball is witnessing the incredible spirit that comes to life each week across Centres, competitions, and tournaments. From juniors taking the court for the first time to experienced athletes, coaches, umpires, volunteers, whānau, and supporters, our netball communities continue to demonstrate what makes our game so special.

We regularly see examples of teamwork, camaraderie, kindness, sportsmanship, and celebration. Teammates encouraging one another after mistakes, opponents sharing congratulations after a hard-fought match, volunteers giving countless hours to ensure competitions run smoothly, and supporters creating positive environments where everyone can enjoy the game.

These moments are the heart of community netball.

At Netball WBOP Zone, we firmly believe that netball should be safe, welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone. Every participant deserves to feel respected and supported, regardless of their age, ability, ethnicity, gender, background, role, or level of participation.

The overwhelming majority of experiences across our Centres every day are positive. Thousands of volunteers, administrators, coaches, managers, umpires, and supporters work tirelessly to foster great netball experiences week after week. Their commitment creates environments where participants can develop skills, build friendships, grow confidence, and simply enjoy being part of our netball whānau.

We thank every one of them.

At the same time, we know that from time to time a small number of incidents occur that do not reflect the values of our game. While these behaviours are rare in comparison to the many positive experiences taking place every week, they are not acceptable.

Behaviour that undermines the wellbeing, dignity or safety of others - including violence, harassment, bullying, discrimination, abuse, intimidation and threatening behaviour - have no place in our game. These compromise the safety and wellbeing of participants as well as place additional pressure on Centre staff and volunteers who are already working hard to deliver quality competitions and programmes. It is important that we all play our part in creating environments where respect, inclusion, and positive behaviour are the norm.

As a netball community, we all share responsibility for the culture we create. Whether you are a player, coach, umpire, parent, caregiver, supporter, volunteer, or administrator, your actions contribute to ensuring netball remains a place where people feel safe and connected.

We encourage Centres, schools, and clubs to continue embracing and promoting the principles of Good Sports and Positive Vibes Only. These initiatives provide practical ways to encourage positive sideline behaviour, strengthen club, school, and Centre culture, and ensure that enjoyment, learning, and development remain at the forefront of community sport.

If you would like information, resources, or support to bring Good Sports or Positive Vibes Only initiatives to life at your Centre, or to add to your existing Centre policies and procedures, please get in touch with the Netball WBOP Zone team. We are also here as a sounding-board or connector if needed.

To support existing Centre policies and processes, the following resources may also be helpful when incidents do occur:

Together, we can continue to strengthen the positive culture that already exists across our game. Let's celebrate the countless examples of kindness, teamwork, and community spirit that make netball so special, while remaining committed to addressing behaviours that fall short of our values.

Community netball is at its very best when everyone feels safe, respected, included, and welcome. Let's keep the positive vibes going. ❤️ 💙 💛🖤🏐


Article by: Leigh Ashton, WBOP Zone Interim General Manager
Article added: Wednesday 15 July 2026

 

 

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