Pre Season
Trials Process
General Information
Trialling is required for all players turning 10 years and older and take place at the DPNA Courts.
Trialling is based primarily on the ability and potential ability demonstrated by players at the time of the trials period and reports from the previous year’s coach.
The goal of trials is to place all registered players in the most appropriate teams based on their skill level, playing experience and attitude.
Positions in teams will be filled so that each team has a minimum of 2 shooters and 2 defenders. All teams will have a greater number of centre court players as these are the most popular positions.
Attendance
Players must attend all grading sessions.
Unavailable for one session -
Email valleysncregistrar@gmail.com with the name of the player and reason for unavailability.
The Club advises that the player make every effort to attend the other grading session.
Unavailable for all sessions -
Email valleysncregistrar@gmail.com with the name of the player and reason for unavailability.
Returning players – Coach’s feedback will be used to place the player appropriately.
New players – Placed at the discretion of the Selection Team
2025 Trial Dates
Trial Sessions
Club trials occur over a number of weeks with at least 2 sessions per age group.
This provides players with adequate opportunity to demonstrate their playing ability and for the Selection Team to assess consistency and, in some cases, growth of the player.
The aim is to see all players on court at least twice in their 2 selected positions per session (dependant on numbers in each playing area).
During grading, the Selection Team may need to put players in a different position that either the selectors believe is a better position for the player or due to need.
There is no guarantee of equal court time at each session for all players. The Selection Team will assess the need for more or less court time as required.
What to Wear & Bring to Trials
Players need to be suitably attired for trials -
Suitable netball shoes
Sleeveless or short sleeved shirts preferred to allow player number to be clearly seen
No rep attire1
All jewellery, including earrings, to be removed (Only recent piercings may be taped2)
Fingernails cut short or taped2
Pre-existing injuries taped prior to sign in2
Players need to come prepared for hot & humid conditions and bring an adequate supply of cold drinks to ensure sufficient hydration. The DPNA canteen will NOT be open and the only water available will be tap water.
1To ensure fairness for all players, players must not wear any representative attire/player development program (PDP) clothing that indicates that they have made a representative team in any sport or attended specialist training such as a player development program (PDP).
2Players need to provide own tape. Valleys will not be providing tape for use or for purchase.
Coach’s Feedback
We understand that some players find trialling difficult and therefore the Coach’s Feedback from the previous Winter season (if available) also plays an important part of the grading process.
Coach’s Feedback is based on a player’s commitment throughout the year (through attendance at training and commitment in a game), a player’s skill level and attitude during the season.
Team Placement Following Trials
If a player registers to play with Valleys Netball Club after our trials process has occurred, the player will be invited to attend a training session with their age group and paced in a team suitable for their skill level.
The Club will only accept registrations after grading if there is room for additional players in the applicable age group.
Playing up an Age Group
DPNA policies limit the number of players in total that a Club can “register up” across all age groups.
In addition, there are specific requirements for moving up depending on the player's age and the number of players and teams registered with Valleys Netball Club in the 'higher' age group.
More information is available on our FAQ page.
Please advise the Valleys Registrar at time of registration if you would like your child to be considered for a higher age group.
Playing with Friends
Valleys encourages friendship groups provided all parents are happy with the decision.
Where friendship groups are placed together, it will usually be in a team suitable for the lowest ability/skill level of all of the friends.
If you are seeking this for your child, this needs to be made known at the time of registration.
More information is available on our FAQ page.
Player Movement at Club Discretion
The Club reserves the right to move players into another team in an appropriate age group within the first three weeks of competition.
This will occur if it becomes obvious that a player’s ability is not appropriate for the team that they have been originally graded into.
A player may also be moved to another team if they fail to attend training or demonstrate a lack of commitment to their team .
Selection Concerns
We understand that Trials can be a stressful time for some players and that some players will be disappointed by the outcome of the trials process.
Valleys Netball Club strives to be fair and unbiased in its assessment of their players. Players and parents are also urged to be fair and objective in their expectations.
If you wish to discuss any concerns about the trials process, please contact Valleys Netball Club by email at valleysnetball@gmail.com.
Your concerns will be discussed with the Selection Team and a response provided within 7 days of receipt of the email.