Netball Wellington Centre

Young Women Profile - September 2021 Sport NZ
A resource to assist organisations in understanding the needs of young women, and support quality experiences in active recreation and sport. It is well-known that teenage girls and young women face diverse barriers to participation in sport and active recreation. This is corroborated by national research that highlights a strong decline in physical activity for this demographic. This report provides key insights into the perceptions of young women aged 12-17 – their behaviour, experiences, needs and desires – to help those working with young women navigate these complexities and support young women on their physical activity journey. It is designed to be a starting point for those looking to better engage with and provide for young women as we recognise that not all environments and communities are the same, and young women are a diverse group with different and evolving needs.

Netballer Sharni Layton on why reaching her goals left her feeling empty
Achievement is its own reward but there's a price to pay for it. A few years ago netballer Sharni Layton was at the top of her game – literally. The accolades and awards were coming in thick and fast, and she was garnering a reputation as one of the best players in the country. But the former Australian Diamonds captain reveals that beneath the surface, she was battling mental health issues and a perfectionism complex fuelled by the sport she loved so much. Click the link above to read full article

Inclusion & Diversity in Sport
Since 2016 Play by the Rules has been a part of the annual Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Forum - a one day 'TEDx' style event that seeks to raise the awareness, understanding and thinking around diversity and inclusion in sport. Expert speakers are invited to share their insights in short presentations throughout the day. See all 50+ videos from the annual Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Forums from 2016 onwards. Each video presentation is around 12 - 15 mins - and cover a wide range of topics focusing on getting inclusion and diversity in sport right. You can filter by topic category and by date. Click the link above to access all videos

Balanced Development:
Playing other sports made me a better cricketer and person - White Fern Captain Sophie Devine
White Ferns cricket captain Sophie Devine has never understood early specialisation in sport. It’s one of the reasons why the Wellingtonian is a Balance is Better Champion, to spread the word about the positive spin-offs from playing multiple sports at a young age. “It’s a real peeve of mine seeing kids being told to pick a sport when they’re nine years old, and that links into other areas such as athlete burnout and drop-out rates at a time when they should simply be participating and having fun.” Click the link above to read full article

Eating disorders in sport
Body image issues leading to eating disorders in female athletes
Playing sports is a great way to boost your self-esteem, stay healthy and learn the value of teamwork. However, not all sport stressors are positive. The immense pressure to win and maintain your body shape can lead to a toxic lifestyle.

Eating right - not wrong - for long term well-being
Eating disorders are common in athletes; how do they change over time and do the risks diminish when athletes retire from competition? Articles includes warning signals of disordered eating in athletes.
Click the links above to read full articles

Build a better connection with your athletes: What I wish my coach knew
Article republished with permission from iCoachKids. Have you ever been frustrated, disappointed, or puzzled by your athletes’ behaviour? Of course, happens all the time, right? We all experience those moments when we witness one of our athlete’s making a poor decision, showing lack of focus, or just plain acting out of character. Click the link above to read full article

Seeing capability before disability: A guide for employers in sport to attract and retain women with disability
Inclusion in the workplace is vital, yet women who have a disability are significantly underrepresented, particularly in the sport sector. To open employment pathways and provide access to women with disability who want to work in the sport and recreation industry, the Victorian Government and Disability Sport and Recreation were keen to understand what strategies would assist organisations employ more women who have a disability. Together with the expertise of the Institute of Health and Sport at Victoria University, insights were gained from women with disability who currently worked in the sector, for example, in program development, administration, or who were in voluntary leadership roles in sport such as the club secretary or in coaching. Click the link above to read full article

Post practice coach reflection - players review coach & provide work-ons before coach reviews themself
Do you have a formal coach self-review & peer support set up?Coaches should never feel alone or stagnant in their own growth. Here is a video example of a Performance Development System (PDS) needs-centred coaching environment and the power of involving your players in self-reflection after coaching. Everyone understands each others work ons, without fear of providing feedback to the coach. Click the link above to access the video