How grading works
The framework we use to place players in the right team — fair, transparent, and built around the player's development.
What grading is
Grading is the structured evaluation of each player's skills, physical abilities, netball knowledge and game mentality. Its purpose is to place every player into a team and division (A / B / C) where they are evenly matched with their peers and supported in their continued development.
Independent selectors score players against a fixed rubric during rotating-position trials. Scores are pooled with previous coaches' reports and historical trial data, and the grading committee finalises team rosters based on the aggregate picture rather than any individual assessment.
What is scored
Seaforth Netball uses the Manly Warringah Netball Association (MWNA) competency framework. Graders score every player across six competencies on a 1–5 scale:
- Footwork
- Ball handling
- Attacking play
- Defensive skills
- Game sense
- Attitude
Rating scale
1Developing · 2Emerging · 3Consistent · 4Strong · 5 Exceptional
Each player's coach submits a season-long competency report ahead of grading. The coach's report extends the six grading-day competencies with two additional measures — passing / decision-making and positional suitability — providing the committee with context that a short trial may not fully reveal.
The three pillars
Skill
Footwork, ball handling, attack & defence, game sense.
Attitude
Coachability, effort, sportsmanship.
Standout attributes
Tall, fast, accurate shot — the squad-building hints.
What happens on grading day
- 1
Check in
Sign in at the check-in desk and pick up a sticker code for the day (e.g. C055). Graders only ever see the code — not your name — so scoring stays bias-free.
- 2
Mini-games
You're allocated to a court with players around your level. Short games rotating opponents and positions so a wide group of graders sees you in different match-ups.
- 3
Independent scoring
Graders score on phones against a shared rubric (footwork, ball handling, attacking play, defensive skills, game sense, attitude). Your coach's pre-grading report appears as context — the committee uses any big disagreements as a prompt to look closer.
- 4
Final placement
Scores from every grader are pooled with last season's data and your coach's report. The grading committee reviews the full picture before teams are confirmed — you get an email when your team is set.
Pathways
Junior (A / B / C grades)
Top of grade plays up the next season where space allows.
Cadet & Senior
Open age — graded by club + association standards.
Modified divisions
Years 1–3 — emphasis on fun, foundational skills, and rotation.
Who runs grading
Netball Australia sets the broad coaching and skills development frameworks the sport uses across the country. Grading itself is decentralised — it's organised and run by your local club.
At Seaforth Netball Clubthat means a selectors' panel of experienced coaches/umpires, supported by the club's grading committee. Everyone scores against the same rubric and the final placements are reviewed against last season's data before teams are confirmed.
Continuous improvement
Seaforth Netball is committed to evolving the grading process each season. The current programme incorporates multi-grader independent scoring, season-long coach reports, per-position analysis, and direct comparison against the previous season's placements.
This data-driven approach reduces subjective variance and supports consistent, transparent, and developmentally appropriate placements. The grading committee reviews the methodology annually and refines the rubric, scoring weights, and review process based on outcomes from the previous season.