SEASON FAQs

WHY DO SOME AGE GROUPS TRIAL FOR CLUB AND OTHERS NOT?

Once we hit competitive age groups, being Under 11 and up, players especially in our younger age groups, start to specialize in positions.  We need to place an even balance of players in our team composition, particularly in our older age groups, to allow for fair court time, even court balance (such as equal shooters, mid courts, defenders)

Our non-competitive teams are exactly that.  They are mostly placed into friendship groups, teams they have played with before or school groups.  This cohort is predominantly the start of skill acquisition, court craft (positional plays i.e. where can a GK go) and basic coordination skills. 

So how do we “select” non competitive teams?

Many teams nominate as a team from the prior year, and then we have the large amount of friend requests to sift through.  We do our VERY best to try to match up players with friends, but in some circumstances we just cant fit everyone in.  This season alone we had over 250 friend requests to match up.

DPNA GRADING DAY V CLUB SELECTIONS? WHATS DIFFERENT?

The grading day held by DPNA is to assist the association with placing teams into divisions for the season and so the competition is evenly as balanced as possible.   This is for some of our biggest age groups being Under 10s Non Competitive, Under 11 Competitive teams and Cadets.

Club grading is to allow us to select teams to play in the season competition.  We have to take into consideration court balance (i.e. number of players in each part of the court),  skill development and acquisition and number of players available per division to allow for equal opportunity during the season.

When will I find out what team I'm in? 

WE PLAY OTHER SPORTS. CAN WE REQUEST A GAME TIME?

Unfortunately, no, we are at the mercy of the association for the timeslots. Only some of the younger divisions are set times each week.

Potential Game times for this season are set as:

Downey Park Netball Association meet and set the Saturday game times for all club teams. The draw is usually published shortly before the first game.  Please refrain from emailing committee members to request particular game times, we understand that all families have conflicting commitments on a Saturday. Canons do not set the game times.

WHAT ARE THE DATES WE PLAY AND WHERE DO I FIND THE DRAW?

A full fixtures calendar is on the DPNA website, and once the draw is released by DPNA.  DPNA use live scoring this season. We strongly suggest all parents download the Netball Connect for scoring during the season.

DPNA website / socials will announce when the draw has been released 

WHEN DOES TRAINING START?

Club training will commence in early 2026. and we have courts booked for every Monday night for the season.  Times are allocated by the Coaches and their availability.   All dates for the season are currently listed in our Club Calendar.

DO WE TRAIN ON PUBLIC/SCHOOL HOLIDAYS?

We don’t as a club train during school holidays and it is up to the discretion of each coach for Public Holidays, especially on long weekends.

WHAT TIME IS TRAINING LIKELY TO BE?

All Canons teams train on Monday night at Downey Park. These training times depend on coach and court availability. 

I WOULD LIKE TO COACH OR MANAGE BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?

We all started somewhere!!!  We have plenty of resources ( and people ) around to support you.  Manager packs are currently being prepared for our first training session. 

Managers are mostly responsible for collection and keeping the team bag for the season (balls, bibs, nail clippers, first aid kit) and maintaining an attendance register, and game times for our coaches.  These books will be provided for each team. 

Coaches are given access to our Coaching Convenors on a Monday evening and are only too happy to assist on game day for some mentoring or support.  We are in the process of developing a “coaches handbook” and some session plans for the first few weeks of our season.  Would like to know more? Email us at president@canonsrebels.com.au

Registration for Club Officials now open 2026 EOI - Coaches, Managers, Umpires & Other Volunteers

Downey Park also run sessions for our club coaches. Dates are listed on the website.

All Non Competitive Coaches (new or returning) have access to DPNA Pre-Season workshop in 2026 @ DPNA Club house.  Simply pop online and register to attend.  https://www.downeypark.com.au/coachingcourses

We can not run our club without your support, so would love to have you as part of the team this season?

Videography and/or filming of children is NOT permitted on the Downey Park Netball Association premises at any time. This includes video footage taken for personal use.

Photography is permitted; however, permission must be sought from the opposition manager and umpires before any photos are taken.

Please be aware that there are specific instances in law where consent will not be given to photograph members. Such instances relate to child custody matters, wards of state, restraining orders and witness protection. It is also possible that, from time-to-time, other circumstances may also preclude the taking of any image of an individual.