How does St John’s decide which team I will play in? St John’s primary purpose is to build social connectedness and friendships through netball. This means St John’s does not grade its players or select teams based on the skills or abilities of the players. In choosing teams, St John’s looks at - in order of priority - player requests to play with particular friends, ages, playing positions and vacancies within teams or age divisions. Team selection decisions are the responsibility of the Team Selection Sub-Committee. If playing with people of the same ability is the most important matter to you or your child, you can notify the Club of this preference but a grading club will most likely suit your expectations better. Alternatively, you can try out for the Essendon Thunder Representative Teams which are selected on player ability. The Club aims to have a maximum of 9 or 10 players in each team. Occasionally, this will mean players may be requested to consider changing teams.
What is the Team Selection Sub-Committee? The Team Selection Sub-Committee makes decisions regarding the composition of St John’s teams. It also makes recommendations to EDNA regarding which grade St John’s teams should play in. The Sub-Committee is comprised of at least 3 people with appropriate knowledge of either or both of the Junior and Senior teams and players. The Team Selection Sub-Committee reports to the President. Sub-Committee members will not participate in decisions about which team or grade their own child/ren will play in.
Can I request to play in a different team? St John’s will consider all requests and accommodate them where possible and appropriate. However, it is expected that changes to existing team composition from season to season will be minimal, particularly from one winter season to the next. If an existing player wishes to change teams, they should first flag their intention with their existing coach and team manager as a courtesy. The Team Selection Sub-Committee will notify team managers and coaches of proposed changes to teams before finalising those changes where: ● there are significant changes proposed to a particular team; or
it is proposed to move a player into a team where they have not requested that change.
Team managers and coaches will communicate these changes to their relevant team. Who decides which grade a team goes into? The Team Selection Sub-Committee makes recommendations to EDNA as to which grade St John’s teams should play in. In making its recommendations, the Sub-Committee considers a range of factors, including outcomes in prior seasons, the ages of the players in the team (including whether they are at the lower or upper end of the age range), the team composition and the other teams likely to play in the relevant competition. However, it is important to note that EDNA makes the final decision regarding which grade a team plays in and can reject the recommendations of St John’s. More information about how EDNA makes it grading decisions can be found at essendondna.vic.netball.com.au in the Bylaws section.
UNIFORMS
What uniform is required? The St John’s uniform is compulsory for all players. Female players must wear a St John’s netball dress and shorts when they play. Male players must wear a St John’s singlet and black shorts. Penalties may apply for wearing incorrect uniform items. If a player needs to wear a long sleeved top or pants for cultural or medical reasons, they must obtain permission from EDNA before doing so. Hoodies are not compulsory.
What size uniform should I order? We generally recommend you order the size your child wears in clothes or one size larger if you want a bit more wear.
How much are the uniforms? As at the start of the 2019 season, uniform prices are as follows:
New dresses - $60
Secondhand dresses- $30
Shorts - $30
Singlets for boys - $35
Hoodies – with name on back, $50; without a name on the back, $45
What happens if I order the wrong size? If you have questions about sizes, you are welcome to contact the uniform officer at [email protected]. If your child tries on the uniform and it is the wrong size, you can exchange for another size provided s/he has not worn the uniform while playing.
How do I order or return a secondhand dress? At most times, we only have a small selection of secondhand dresses in stock. You will know we have a particular secondhand size in stock if, when you go to order through the uniform shop, the secondhand size drops down and allows you to select it. We do not accept secondhand shorts. If you would like to return a secondhand dress, you will receive a $30 credit. Make sure you select the return secondhand dress option in the uniform shop. The Club can only accept secondhand dresses which are in good condition with no stains or significant balling. You are also welcome to donate secondhand dresses to the Club!
How long will it take to get my uniform order filled? We keep stock on hand but do run out of sizes from time to time. Most orders will be filled within a week of ordering. The uniform officer will contact you to let you know your order is ready for collection. If we are out of the size you have ordered, there will be a delay of up to 6 weeks depending on when the supplier delivers new stock. Hoodies are only ordered once or twice a year. A Team App message will advise when a hoodie order is about to close. Hoodie orders are usually delivered a month or so after the order is submitted with our supplier.
Any other questions? If you have any other questions, please contact our uniform officer at [email protected]