PLAYERS
Grading
WHAT IS GRADING?
Grading is a process of assessing a player's basic skill level and playing ability in a chosen position on the court relevant to their age group.
WHO DOES GRADING?
Grading is done by a grading committee and overseen by the coaching coordinator. All graders are accredited coaches who are members of the Picnic Point Pumas netball club. All graders have an understanding of grading procedures and netball skills appropriate to the age they're grading. Apprentice selectors may also be in attendance for education purposes only and as a means to develop the club's future selectors. Apprentice grading sheets will not be used during the discussion process or selection of teams.
WHY IS GRADING DONE?
Pumas grades to group players together who are equal in both their skill level and playing ability. This ensures compatibility with team members, increases fairness with court playing time, discourages discrimination and allows for equal development of skill through coaching. The grading process also highlights a need for skill development pathways for players and coaches. Pumas also grades to be competitive within BCNA.
WHO IS GRADED?
From 2010, all players turning 10 years and over may be graded (with the exception of seniors and any age division where only one team exists). Player's trialling for an older age division will be graded in comparison to that age group.
WHAT IS BEING ASSESSED?
Players are assessed on the correct use and familiarity with basic skills required to play netball. These include proficiency with catching, throwing and landing to increased skills such as anticipation, defence and attacking skills, speed, agility and court positioning.
HOW IS GRADING DONE?
On grading day, players will be given an identification number that is throughout the grading process (no names are ever referred to as a means of preventing any bias from occurring). This number will be used throughout the entire grading and teaming process. At the start of each game, selectors are given a columned sheet that has each player's identification number and playing position. The selectors use this sheet to grade each player using a score of either 1 to 5 or 1 to 3, with 1 being the highest score.