Grading: the process 

North Perth Dynamites teams play in the Perth Netball Association (PNA) competition.  PNA requires clubs to grade all players from year 5 and up to assist placement of teams into divisions that match opponent team ability as best they can.  

At North Perth Dynamites Netball Club, we run a series of grading sessions for high school teams to help us place players into teams that are well-balanced (in terms of positions) and have players who are of similar ability. 

One of our key considerations for a team to have a competitive season is ensuring that every team has shooters who can shoot with high percentage of accuracy.   
 
PNA provide an opportunity after the first few rounds of the season (usually round three) to shift teams in a division too high or low for their combined ability. 
 
For this reason, consideration of friendship groups when placing players into teams becomes harder and harder to manage as players get older and their skills develop.  
 

North Perth Dynamites Selection Criteria

Dynamites’ selection criteria aligns with PNA’s selection criteria:

  1. Strong ball handling skills (e.g., Catches with two hands, Delivery of a flat shoulder pass, Correct choice of pass)
  2. Agility and footwork (e.g., Landing on the outside foot, Quick and agile footwork)
  3. Balanced feet and hips facing down court when delivering a pass.
  4. Drives, Change of direction and change of pace (e.g. Strong 45 degree or straight drives, Strong push of on the outside foot to change direction, Change of pace – sprint to jog, easily interchanging)
  5. Defensive effort (e.g., Tight 1 v 1 defence and sticking tight on their opponent, Strong hands over the ball, Block and dictating)
  6. Knowledge of their positions on court (e.g., Knowing their role on the court, shooting accuracy, volume and rebounds, Strong feeding from the circle edge and repeated efforts for Centre court, Defenders blocking and denying their opponents entry into the circles and rebounds)
  7. Ability to work with a variety of players while maintaining individual skill level.
  8. Positive and supportive attitude and willingness to play multiple positions.
  9. Quick transition from attack to defence role on court
  10. Use of space and corridors on court

Grading Year 5 and Year 6 (including New Players) 

Grading for primary school teams (year 5 and year 6) will be a paper grading, rather than a physical trial session, with input from previous coaches and team managers. 

New players to years 5 and 6 will be placed into teams based on discussions with parents/guardians.

Friendship groups for years 5 and 6 are not a priority (but are considered). 

Pre-Grading Trials September/October (Year 7 through to Year 12)  

Each year Dynamites have an intake of new players, in particular year 7 players who at the time of pre-grading trials are in year 6. We also have a high percentage of returning players.

Forming teams that will play well together takes some planning, so we like to see new and returning players for what we call pre-grading trials sessions held September/October prior to final grading sessions for the Winter season which commence February/March .

Player registration to participate in pre-grading trials is essential for team planning to ensure priority placement into a team of similar ability.  

For this reason, returning players are expected to attend at least one pre-grading trial.  

For new players to the club attending all pre-grading trials is recommended.  

Securing Team Placement – October/November/December 

Following the pre-grading trials, players will be invited to register with the club to secure priority player placement into teams.  

This includes paying a non-refundable deposit of $100+PlayHQ Fee, which will be deducted from your season registration fees. 

Player Registration – January/February

Players will be invited to complete their registration in January/February, prior to the commencement of final grading sessions.

Final Grading Sessions (ALL Players Year 7 to Year 12) – February/March 

All players from Year 7 and above, including those who attended pre-grading trials, are required to attend the three final grading sessions commencing February and continuing through March. 

Only players who have completed their registration can attend final grading sessions.

Registered players are expected to attend all scheduled final grading sessions.