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:

Strong ball handling skills (e.g., Catches with two hands, Delivery of a flat shoulder pass, Correct choice of pass)
Agility and footwork (e.g., Landing on the outside foot, Quick and agile footwork)
Balanced feet and hips facing down court when delivering a pass.
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)
Defensive effort (e.g., Tight 1 v 1 defence and sticking tight on their opponent, Strong hands over the ball, Block and dictating)
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)
Ability to work with a variety of players while maintaining individual skill level.
Positive and supportive attitude and willingness to play multiple positions.
Quick transition from attack to defence role on court
Use of space and corridors on court

Grading Year 5 and Year 6 (including New Players)

From Year 5 onwards, the PNA competition is structured into divisions to help ensure teams play against others of a similar standard.

As a club, our role is to group players into teams based on their current playing level, so we can nominate each team into the division that will provide the right level of challenge. This helps create enjoyable, competitive games where players can continue developing their skills.

Unlike older age groups, Year 5 and 6 players do not participate in formal grading trials. Instead, teams are formed using coach feedback and input from senior club coaches with consideration also given to players’ preferred positions/positions of strength.

New players will be placed into teams using information provided during registration and, where required, may be invited to attend a scratch match to assist with team placement.

While we understand that many players enjoy playing with their school or friendship groups, team formation is primarily guided by creating teams that are best suited to the competition.

Pre-Grading 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 required to attend the pre-grading trial.

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

Player Registration – January/February

Players will be invited to complete their registration from December, prior to the commencement of final grading sessions.

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

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.