What is recognised and authorised activity?

Recognised and Authorised Activity Guidance

Introduction

As guardians of the game, England Netball is committed to guiding, safeguarding, and developing the game of netball across England. To ensure the sport is enjoyed safely, this guidance outlines:

1. The types of netball activities covered by England Netball’s centrally arranged programme of insurance.

2. The groups and organisations authorised to deliver these activities.

3. The minimum operating standards that must be met for recognition and authorisation. 

Why this is important

England Netball members and registered netball groups are protected by England Netball’s centrally arranged programme of insurance while playing, training, attending courses, or participating in activities that are recognised and authorised by England Netball - as long as they meet the required minimum standards.

This ensures netball is played safely, fairly, and with the right safeguards in place for everyone involved. By meeting these standards, all members can enjoy the game with confidence, knowing they are supported by a safe environment and comprehensive insurance protection. 

Recognised Activity

England Netball recognises the following versions of the game when delivered in an authorised setting and meeting the minimum standards:

1. 7-a-side Netball – Played in accordance with England Netball and/or World Netball rules.

2. Fast5 / Fast Net – Five- or seven-a-side versions played in accordance with England Netball and/or World Netball rules and regulations.

3. Mixed Netball – Run in line with England Netball’s Mixed Netball rules and regulations*.

4. Walking Netball – Played in accordance with England Netball’s adapted Walking Netball rules.

5. Bee Netball – Recommended for children aged 11 and under, played in accordance with England Netball’s adapted Bee Netball rules.

6. ParaNetball – Versions of the game endorsed by England Netball in recognition of participants’ disabilities.

7. Indoor Netball (Nets) – Played in accordance with England Netball and/or World Indoor Netball Association (WINA) rules and regulations.

 *All-female-at-birth vs. all-male-at-birth activity is only recognised at a performance level and when delivered by England Netball, England Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (EMMNA), a registered Netball Super League (NSL) club or a team participating in England Netball’s Premier League in a training environment or friendly match.

Additionally, recognised activity includes England Netball-branded participation programmes delivered by approved persons/groups, such as:

• Back to Netball

• Bee Netball

• Walking Netball

• Netball Now

• Blended Netball

 All recognised activity must adhere to England Netball’s Gender Eligibility & Participation Policy, clearly identifying participant eligibility.

Authorised Activity

Authorised activity refers to recognised versions of the game (as listed above) that take place in training sessions or in formal and informal competitions specifically approved by England Netball.

An activity is authorised when recognised versions of the game, in accordance with England Netball and World Netball rules, are delivered by appropriately qualified persons and organised by any of the following:

1. England Netball

2. A registered County Netball Association or Regional Management Board

3. A registered club or league

4. An active Netball Super League club (participating in the Netball Super League and/or NXT Gen Netball League)

5. England Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (EMMNA)

6. British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS)

England Netball participation programmes (such as Back to Netball, Bee Netball, Netball Now, and Walking Netball) are authorised when delivered by an approved person or group, with approval granted via a Partnership Agreement with England Netball.

Minimum Standards for Recognised and Authorised Activity

To ensure safe and high-quality delivery, recognised and authorised activity must meet the following minimum standards:

• Compliance with England Netball’s policies and procedures, including:

  • Membership Regulations

  • Codes of Conduct

  • Diversity and Belonging Policy

  • Safeguarding Policies

  • Gender Eligibility & Participation Policy

• Delivered by appropriately qualified personnel.

• Conducted in a safe environment, with adequate supervision, an onsite first aider, and risk management measures in place.

• All players must be England Netball members, unless:

  • The activity is delivered by a registered netball club, and the player is sampling the club for the first time, for up to one calendar month. In this case, the non-member is not covered by England Netball’s insurance, but the club will be, provided signed and dated attendance records are maintained.

  • The activity is an England Netball participation programme.

• Netball facilitators, including coaches, officials, and committee volunteers must be England Netball members (note: an organising committee is not required for the delivery of an England Netball participation programme). The only exception to this is:

  • Businesses delivering an England Netball participation programme under a Partnership Agreement. These businesses are responsible for their own liability cover, as England Netball’s insurance is designed to protect volunteers rather than independent commercial operators. As long as the activity is recognised and authorised and meets minimum operating standards, members will be protected by the Personal Accident Policy and for member-to-member liability during their participation, subject to the terms, conditions, provisions, and exceptions of the policy or policies.

Minimum Operating Standards table