Inclusive Netball Australia | All Abilities Netball Guide

At a glance

Key takeaways

Best first step

Start with a session that matches energy, pace and confidence, not just age or grade, rather than jumping straight into competition.

May suit

Inclusive netball may be worth exploring for teamwork, predictable positions, modified rules, walking netball and social competition.

Ask about access

Before attending, ask about court surface, rule changes, communication, breaks and indoor or outdoor setting.

Pathways can wait

Most people do not need classification or competition information before a social or beginner session.

Modified team playA practical way to think about the sport

Beginner friendly?Ask about come and try or social options

Before you goCheck access, support, equipment and session pace

Starting point

What inclusive netball can offer.

Netball Australia highlights disability inclusion programs such as Walking Netball and the Marie Little Shield. Different states and clubs may offer all abilities programs, social netball or modified entry points.

Netball has clear rules and positions, which can help some participants. It can also feel fast, crowded and noisy, so a good starting session matters.

For some players, the right first step might be skills, passing, footwork and shooting before match play.

First session

A practical first-session plan.

A first inclusive netball session does not need to prove anything. It can be a short visit, a chance to meet the organiser, a warm-up, a few modified activities or simply watching from the side until the person feels ready.

Before attending, ask what the session looks like, who will meet you, whether equipment is provided and whether the person can stop or take a break without feeling embarrassed. This is especially important when confidence, fatigue, sensory comfort or support needs may affect participation.

Choosing between programs

What to compare if there are several options.

If more than one inclusive netball option is available, compare the things that affect real participation. These may include travel time, parking, toilets, coach communication, group size, noise, cost, equipment, whether support people are welcome and how the club responds to questions.

The best option is not always the most advanced program. It is often the place where the person feels respected, understands what is happening and wants to come back.

Who it may suit

People who may find this sport worth exploring.

These examples are not rules about who can take part. They are prompts to help you decide whether the sport is worth exploring.

Team

People who enjoy structured team roles

Netball positions and zones can give players a clear job on court.

People wanting gentler social options

Walking Netball or social netball may suit adults looking for lower impact play.

Children building confidence

Modified skills sessions can help children learn gradually before full games.

Players interested in all abilities competition

Programs such as Marie Little Shield show that representative pathways exist for some players.

Access and adjustments

How the sport may be adapted or supported.

Netball can be adapted through walking formats, shorter quarters, smaller groups, modified contact, clearer visual cues, buddy systems and extra time to learn positions.

For people with intellectual disability, communication needs or anxiety, coaches can help by explaining one idea at a time and keeping instructions consistent.

Venue access, court surface, toilets, lighting, whistle noise and crowd noise are all worth checking.

Before you go

Things to ask before the first session.

Access

Venue and arrival

Ask about parking, toilets, change areas, ramps, surface type, entry points and how far it is from the car park to the activity.

Coach or volunteer experience

Ask whether the club has supported participants with similar needs and what they usually change to make sessions work.

Noise, pace and structure

Ask how busy the session is, whether it follows a predictable routine and whether there is time to settle in.

Family or worker involvement

Check whether a support person can stay nearby, assist during the session or help with communication.

Walking, skills or match play

Ask whether beginners can start with skills before joining a full game.

Whistles and crowd sound

Ask how busy the venue is and whether there are calmer training times.

Pathways

From first try to regular participation.

A person may start at school, a local netball association, a social group, an all abilities program or a Walking Netball session. The pathway depends heavily on location.

People interested in representative pathways should check Netball Australia and state netball organisations for the current rules, competitions and eligibility.

Equipment and support

Practical things that can affect the experience.

Equipment is generally simple: comfortable shoes, suitable clothing and a ball. Some players may need braces, visual supports, a support person nearby or a quiet place to reset.

The important part is a coach or organiser who understands that participation does not need to look the same for every player.

Official places to start

Official places to check details.

Inclusive Sports Access is an independent guide. For official programs, eligibility, classification, events or competition information, start with the relevant sport bodies and organisations below.

Netball Australia: Disability inclusion National information about disability inclusion programs in netball. Australian Sports Commission: Netball Clearinghouse information including Marie Little Shield notes. Netball NSW: Marie Little Shield Example of current state news and competition pathway information.

Questions people ask

Helpful questions

Is this sport suitable for beginners?

Often, yes. Many inclusive and adaptive programs welcome people who are trying the sport for the first time. It is still worth contacting the organiser first so they can explain the session, access options and any equipment requirements.

Do I need classification to have a go?

Usually not for social, recreational or come and try sessions. Classification normally becomes important when someone wants to compete in formal para sport, multi-class or representative pathways.

Can a parent, carer or support worker attend?

In many community settings, yes. Ask before the first session so the organiser understands who will be there, what support is needed and what is safe around the playing area.

Can NDIS funding be used for sport?

It depends on the person, their plan, goals and the type of support being claimed. Sport fees and disability supports are not always treated the same way. Speak with the NDIS, a plan manager or a qualified support coordinator for advice about a specific plan.

What is Walking Netball?

Walking Netball is a modified, lower impact version of netball. It can be a good social entry point for adults, older players or people easing into movement.

What is the Marie Little Shield?

The Marie Little Shield is a national all abilities netball competition for female athletes with intellectual disability. Check Netball Australia for current eligibility and event details.

What if there is no dedicated disability program nearby?

Try contacting mainstream clubs, state sport bodies, councils and nearby recreation centres. Some clubs may not advertise as disability sport programs but may still be willing to adjust a beginner session.

What should I tell the organiser before the first session?

Share practical information that helps the session work: access needs, communication preferences, support person arrangements, equipment, sensory needs, safety considerations and whether the participant wants to watch first.

Can this sport be social rather than competitive?

Often, yes. Many people use sport for routine, movement, confidence and friendship before thinking about competition. Ask what social, beginner or come and try options are available.

Can someone watch a inclusive netball session before joining?

In many community settings, yes, and it is a reasonable request. Watching first can help a person understand the noise, pace, people, space and routine before deciding whether to take part.

What should I tell a inclusive netball organiser before attending?

Share the information that helps the session run well: access needs, communication preferences, support person arrangements, equipment questions, sensory considerations, fatigue, safety needs and whether the person would like to watch first.

What if the first inclusive netball session is not a good fit?

That is useful information, not a failure. Think about what did not work: the sport, the venue, the coach, the timing, the noise, the group size or the travel. Then use that information to search for a better fit.