Registered Netball Experiences - Guidance for Members

There are so many netball experiences available now, how do I choose?

Netball has never been more popular. Unsurprisingly, in response to demand, there’s an increasing number of opportunities to play the game and experience the thrill of competition – both inside and outside of England Netball’s governance and its sphere of influence. But this poses a question. As a member of England Netball, how do you know which opportunities are registered to England Netball - inside this sphere of influence - and which ones are not, so that you can make an informed choice about your participation as a player, coach, or official to ensure you remain protected by England Netball’s centrally arranged programme of insurance?

What is registered netball activity?

Netball clubs and leagues that are registered with England Netball are powered by a team of incredible volunteers who work together with England Netball, as the National Governing Body (NGB), to create extraordinary netball experiences for over a hundred thousand women and girls. Led by the NGB’s guidance and equipped with policies and procedures, they work as one to protect and grow the sport.

Why choose to take part in registered netball activity?

By joining a registered netball club and playing in a registered netball league, you become part of a membership that is over a hundred thousand strong - a netball family that spans the length and breadth of England and extends across every level of the game, from grassroots play to the heights of international contest. In some instances, this includes unlocking new levels of competition, such as representing your club at a county, regional, and national level, with the chance for talented players to be selected for the player pathway or for junior members to walk out on the international stage as mascots to their idols. By being part of it, you are making your mark, serving, and protecting the sport that you love, whilst creating friendships that could last a lifetime.

In return, the sport is committed to serving and protecting you; not only do members unlock a range of benefits exclusive to them, but they are also covered by England Netball’s centrally arranged programme of insurance for personal accident, and in defence of personal injury allegations made by other players.

How to recognise registered netball activity

Many registered netball experiences can be found in England Netball’s club and session finder. But if you’re unsure, you can contact England Netball’s customer experience team here.

Considerations to make before taking part in netball activities that haven’t yet registered with England Netball

It’s important to stress that England Netball is not able to extend its programme of insurance to cover members during their participation in unregistered club and league activity - in other words, activity that falls outside of England Netball’s sphere of influence. Therefore, in the case of unregistered activity, we encourage participants to check that safeguarding measures are in place, that the activity is delivered in a safe environment with adequate supervision (including qualified coaches and umpires**), and that there is comprehensive insurance to cover members against injury and liability should they choose to take part as a player, coach, or official.

In the meantime, if you have any safeguarding concerns or wish to seek guidance, advice, or support, please visit Safeguarding | England Netball.

If your netball club, league, or other netball experience would like to register with England Netball, please contact England Netball’s customer experience team here.

*Subject to the terms, conditions, provisions, and exceptions of the policy.

**Personal Members that have completed the officiating pathway and have successfully passed their practical assessment are deemed fully qualified umpires and are covered by England Netball’s programme of insurance to officiate registered netball activity.

Personal Members that are working towards the England Netball Into Officiating Award Qualification are considered “in training” and are covered by England Netball’s centrally arranged programme of insurance during recognised and authorised netball activity, provided they have completed both virtual sessions of the Into Officiating Award within the last two years, and are supported on court by a qualified co-umpire.

In the case where two “in training” umpires are officiating the same match and both have completed both virtual sessions of the Into Officiating Award Course within the last two years – a third qualified individual (such as a qualified umpire, assessor, mentor, or tutor) who is an active Personal Member must be present to support and oversee the two “in training” umpires.