Balance is Better Philosophy
Balance is better is all about a balanced approach to sport.
An approach that provides young people with quality sport opportunities and experiences to help them be happier, healthier, and supported to optimise their potential in sport and in life.
We need to work together for better balance between:
- Winning and pressure to perform – with more opportunities for development and enjoyment of the sport
- Adult expectations – with meeting the motivations of all young people (having fun with their friends)
- Single sport focus – with other sport and life commitments
We will achieve a BALANCED approach to sport by focusing efforts on:
-The People – who make sport happen (Coaches, Umpires, Administrators)
Workshops, PD, educational opportunities, support through the season, supply resources
-The Programs – that provide opportunity, development, and competition
(4v4, 5v5, 6v6, 7v7, fast5, Mixed netball, Men’s netball, No Limits netball, walking netball, grass netball, beach netball) (awareness of player load) Player development programs (Yr 7-13)
-The Environments – where young people train, practice, play, and compete
Good Sports/ BIB (1/2 game rule, talent identification occur later, playing different positions, competitions on weeknights, uniform policies, inclusive environments)
So that we have BETTER:
-Coaching of our young people
-Design and delivery of competitions
-Support of young people, regardless of ability or motivation, so they can realise their aspirations in sport and life
Good Sports
Good Sports is all about creating positive sporting experiences for children and young people. It does this by supporting and educating parents, caregivers, coaches, teachers and sport leaders, who all contribute to children’s sport.
Why is it important?
Both practitioners and researchers agree that many issues in youth sport stem from adult involvement. These issues include poor side-line behaviour, overuse injury, burnout and disaffection with sport – and they can hinder success on and off the Netball court.
It’s important to look after not only our players, but umpires and officials too. Every participants experience, will shape their future and their confidence in Netball, and also other commitments too.
You can find more information and templates regarding Good Sports here
50% Game time recommendation
Minimum 50% game time recommendation for Secondary School Netball
Background
Netball New Zealand has developed this recommendation as part of Youth Development, supported by findings from the Voice of Participant and Sport New Zealand Rangatahi Voice surveys. This player-centered approach aims to be implemented in 2026.
Why?
The 50% game time recommendation fosters a balanced and inclusive netball environment by ensuring all players receive meaningful playing time. This approach helps: Develop skills and sustain player motivation. Address declining teenage participation through the Balance is Better philosophy. Support a cultural shift to provide quality sport opportunities for rangatahi (ages 12-18).
Applicability
The recommendation applies to ALL secondary school netball, Senior A and Premier League players, UNISS, LNISS, SISS. Key Requirements Players must play at least 50% of the total game time in any competition.
More information on 50% game time recommendation:
All of the above information has been sourced from the Netball New Zealand website for your convenience. We aim to enable each centre to promote all aspects of Balance is Better. If you are needing support in any of these areas, please reach out to
