About Our Club
OUR CLUB COMMITTEE
Sylvania Heights Netball Club Committee
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Jane Horan
Vice President
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Kirk Lloyd
Digital & Sponsorship Coordinator
sponsorship@sylvaniaheightsnetball.com.au
Timeline Of Club's History
Founded in 1960
Sylvania Heights Netball Club Is A Foundation Member Of The Sutherland Shire Netball Association.
The club was first formed in 1960 and has proudly been affiliated with the Sylvania Heights Community Youth Club since that time.
We encourage a family-friendly environment and promote the values of teamwork, respect, integrity, and reward through effort and fair play. We value each and every member of our club and strive to support all players, coaches and umpires so we can all play the game we love.
Our History
1956 - Club Opening
In 1956 the Sutherland Shire Council first decided to allocate land on Box Road, Sylvania Heights, to be developed for sporting activities for the use of the local community. Early in 1958, the local Progress Association asked those interested in sporting activities to organise a sports club. A meeting was arranged through the Sylvania Heights Public School to publicise an inaugural meeting of parents and children which would be held in June on the Box Road site. This meeting determined the need for a sports club for the local community.
There it all began, the founding of Sylvania Heights Sports Club, later to become Sylvania Heights Community and Youth Club Inc. The local school colours were green and orange but the committee decided to go with Australian colours of green and gold.
Teams Formed, Uniforms Designed
1964
Basketball for girls was introduced to Sutherland Shire Girls Basketball Association in 1960. Through the Sylvania Heights Community Youth Club, they decided Sylvania Heights Girls Basketball Club would be formed so it could become one of the founding clubs to participate in the newly formed competition. In 1963 Sylvania fielded 9 teams, and in 1964 17 teams.
In 1964 SHNC committee was formed, still affiliated with SHCYC, which we are still proud to be a part of to this day. With the committee being formed came decisions to be made. Purchasing materials to make the uniforms, yellow with green cap sleeves and different coloured girdies for different grades for 9s to 11s. Box pleat yellow tunic and white blouse for 13s to 15s, green box pleat tunic and white blouse for seniors.
Of course the uniform has changed. In the 80’s the club introduced yellow pleated skirts and white polo shirts, then added print to the shirt. Sylvania have moved forward over the years with the changes of the uniform to suit the era and are very proud to say they have kept their colours and format of a yellow skirt and white top.
Other excerpts from the 1965 meetings also include supplying transport for the players to travel to the netball courts from Box Road to Seymour Shaw and back, oranges provided for each team, and a fee of 1/6p per game for each player payable to each team chaperone.
No chewing gum, no jewellery or hair rollers to be worn whilst playing.
From 1965 all teams were to have a manager and a coach. The news sheet, score sheets, rain days, need for umpires, encouraging umpires with payment. These things were all discussed in general meetings.
Committee Formed
1965
In 1964 SHNC committee was formed still being affiliated with SHCYC which we are still proud to be a part of to this day. With the committee being formed came decisions to be made. Purchasing materials to make the uniforms, yellow with green cap sleeves and different coloured girdies for different grades for 9s to 11s. Box pleat yellow tunic and white blouse for 13s to 15s, green box pleat tunic and white blouse for seniors. Of course the uniform has changed. In the 80’s the club introduced yellow pleated skirts and white polo shirts, then added print to the shirt. Sylvania have moved forward over the years with the changes of the uniform to suit the era and are very proud to say they have kept their colours and format of a yellow skirt and white top. Other excerpts form the 1965 meetings also include supplying transport for the players to travel to the netball courts from Box Road to Seymour Shaw and back, oranges provided for each team, a fee of 1/6p per game for each player payable to each team chaperone. No chewing gum, no jewelry or hair rollers to be worn whilst playing. From 1965 all teams were to have a manager and a coach. The newssheet, score sheets, rain days, need for umpires, encouraging umpires with payment. These things were all discussed in general meetings.There it all began, the founding of Sylvania Heights Sports Club, later to become Sylvania Heights Community and Youth Club Inc. The local school colours were green and orange but the committee decided to go with Australian colours of green and gold.
Name Changed To Netball
1970
1970 was when the name changed from basketball to netball. 1983 Sylvania was a great year as we fielded 53 teams with 22 teams in the Grand Finals. In 2017, we had 33 teams, with 9 teams in the Grand Finals.
There it all began, the founding of Sylvania Heights Sports Club, later to become Sylvania Heights Community and Youth Club Inc. The local school colours were green and orange but the committee decided to go with Australian colours of green and gold.
Modern Day
There is and always will be a lot of history with any sporting association and those who volunteer their time and learn of the beginnings and the ongoing volunteering and enjoyment of giving, will always be nurtured in their memories.
The success of any club starts with the parents, the players, the committee. the coaches, the managers and the umpires.
Sylvania Heights Netball Club has had many past and present SSNA representative players and many members go on to be part of the SSNA Executive.
We will continue to strive to be one of the best clubs in SSNA and we intend to be around for a very long time.
Code Of Conduct
Please read and abide by our clubs code of conduct.
By abiding by this code of conduct, we can all contribute to a positive and safe environment that promotes the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, integrity, and fair play. Any violations of this code of conduct will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action by the club committee.
Players:
- Respect your teammates, coaches, umpires, opponents, and supporters at all times. Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
- Communicate openly and respectfully with your coach, and follow their instructions and decisions.
- Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents. Without them, there would be no competition.
- Play fairly and within the rules of the game. Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
- Take responsibility for your actions on and off the court, and represent the club in a positive manner. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviours in any sport.
- Strive to improve your skills and teamwork, and support your teammates in doing the same. Your team’s performance will benefit, and so will you.
- Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
- Do not interfere with the progress and/or conduct of the game.
COACHES:
- Create a positive and safe learning environment for all players.
- Treat all players, umpires, opponents, and supporters with respect and dignity.
- Foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play among your players.
- Develop and implement fair and consistent policies for team selection, playing time, and player development.
- Communicate openly and respectfully with players, parents, and the club committee.
- Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performance and skilful plays by all participants.
UMPIRES:
- Umpire in a fair and consistent manner, and within the rules of the game.
- Treat all players, coaches, and supporters with respect and dignity.
- Continuously strive to improve your umpiring skills and knowledge.
- Communicate openly and respectfully with players, coaches, and other umpires.
- Take responsibility for your decisions on the court, and seek feedback and guidance from more experienced umpires as needed.
FAMILIES AND SUPPORTERS:
- Encourage and support your child’s participation in netball, and respect the decisions and directions of the coach and umpire.
- Treat all players, coaches, and umpires with respect and dignity.
- Refrain from negative or aggressive behaviour towards other players, coaches, umpires, or supporters.
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship and positive attitudes towards all participants and officials.
- Respect the facilities and equipment provided by the club, and report any damage or issues to the club committee.
EVERYONE:
- Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage children to participate, do not force them.
- Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
- Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
- Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.
- Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child couldn’t participate.
- Do not interfere with the progress and/or conduct of a game.
OUR CLUBS CONSTITUTION
Constitution of Sylvania Heights Netball Club
Name and Purpose
The name of the netball club shall be Sylvania Heights Netball Club, hereafter referred to as SHNC. The purpose of SHNC shall be to promote and develop the sport of netball in the community, and to provide opportunities for members to participate in netball in a safe and inclusive environment.
Club Colours
- SHNC’s designated colours shall be green, yellow, and sections of white, as specified in SHNC’s logo and uniform design.
- All members shall be required to wear SHNC’s official uniform during Club events, games, and other related activities, unless otherwise specified by SHNC Executive.
- SHNC shall ensure that its uniform and colours comply with Netball NSW guidelines and regulations.
Membership
- Membership is open to individuals who support SHNC’s purpose and objectives, and who are willing to abide by SHNC’s constitution, by-laws, policies, and Sutherland Shire Netball Association and Netball NSW regulations.
- Membership categories and fees shall be established by SHNC’s Committee and may include junior, senior, social, and honorary memberships.
- Membership may be terminated by the Committee for cause, including but not limited to breach of Club rules or regulations, or for conduct that is detrimental to SHNC or to the sport of netball.
- Members may appeal any disciplinary action taken by the Committee.
Non-Player Membership
- SHNC shall provide opportunities for non-playing members to participate in SHNC’s activities and support its goals and objectives.
- Non-playing members may include coaches, officials, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and other stakeholders who contribute to SHNC’s success.
- Non-playing members shall be subject to the same rights and responsibilities as playing members, as appropriate to their role and level of involvement.
- SHNC shall recognize and acknowledge the contributions of non-playing members, and shall provide opportunities for them to be involved in Club decision-making and planning processes.
- SHNC shall communicate regularly with non-playing members, and shall seek their feedback and input on Club activities and initiatives.
- Non-playing members shall be required to comply with all relevant Club policies and regulations, including the Code of Conduct and Member Protection Policy, and shall be subject to the same disciplinary procedures as playing members in the event of any breach.
Committee
- SHNC shall be managed by a Committee, consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, and other members as determined by SHNC.
- The Committee shall be elected annually by members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and shall hold office for a term of one year.
- The Committee shall have the power to manage the affairs of SHNC, including but not limited to, making and enforcing rules and regulations, collecting fees, and organising and conducting events and competitions.
- The Committee shall meet at least quarterly to conduct business and make decisions on behalf of SHNC. A quorum for Committee meetings shall be 50% of the elected Committee members.
Meetings
- SHNC shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year, at which the Committee shall be elected and members may discuss and vote on Club business.
- Special General Meetings may be called by the Committee or by a petition signed by at least 10% of SHNC’s members.
- Notice of meetings shall be given to all members at least 14 days in advance, and shall include the agenda and any relevant documents.
Finance
- SHNC’s funds shall be used solely for the purposes of SHNC, and shall be managed by the Treasurer in accordance with financial regulations and procedures established by the Committee and Netball NSW.
- The financial year of SHNC shall be from 1 January to 31 December.
- SHNC shall maintain accurate financial records and shall present a financial report at the AGM.
Grading and Teams
- Sylvania Heights Netball Club is a graded club.
- SHNC shall establish a grading process to ensure that teams are allocated to the appropriate competition division based on the skill level and experience of players.
- Grading shall be conducted by a Grading Committee appointed by SHNC’s Committee, and shall be based on fair and transparent criteria.
- The Grading Committee shall consider factors such as player ability, past performance, and feedback from coaches and other stakeholders in determining team allocations.
- SHNC shall make every effort to ensure that all players have the opportunity to play in a team, regardless of skill level or experience, and that teams are balanced and competitive.
- SHNC shall provide opportunities for player development, including coaching and training, to improve skills and prepare players for higher levels of competition.
- SHNC shall adhere to the grading and team selection policies and guidelines established by Netball NSW, and shall seek guidance from Netball NSW as needed.
Child Protection
- SHNC is committed to promoting and ensuring the safety and welfare of children and young people involved in netball.
- SHNC shall comply with all relevant legislation, regulations, and policies related to child protection, including the Child Protection Policy of Netball NSW.
- SHNC shall appoint a Child Protection Officer to oversee and implement SHNC’s child protection policy, and to act as a contact point for members, parents, and other stakeholders regarding child protection matters.
- SHNC shall require all coaches, officials, volunteers, and other members who have contact with children and young people to undergo a Working with Children Check or equivalent screening process, and to complete child protection training as required by Netball NSW.
- SHNC shall implement procedures to ensure that all incidents or allegations of child abuse or neglect are reported, investigated, and addressed in a timely and appropriate manner, in accordance with SHNC’s child protection policy and Netball NSW guidelines.
- SHNC shall maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of all individuals involved in child protection matters, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of children and young people.
- SHNC shall regularly review and update its child protection policy and procedures, in consultation with Netball NSW and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure that they are effective and compliant with current best practice.
Pregnancy Policy
- SHNC recognizes and supports the right of female players and officials to participate in netball during pregnancy, in accordance with medical advice and individual circumstances.
- SHNC shall make every effort to ensure that pregnant players and officials are able to participate in netball in a safe and supportive environment, and that they are not discriminated against or subject to undue risk or pressure.
- SHNC shall require pregnant players and officials to provide medical clearance as required by Netball NSW, and to inform SHNC of any relevant medical conditions or concerns.
- SHNC shall provide information and resources to pregnant players and officials, as well as coaches and other stakeholders, regarding safe and appropriate participation in netball during pregnancy.
Privacy Policy
- SHNC is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of its members, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
- SHNC shall comply with all relevant legislation and regulations related to privacy and data protection, including the Privacy Policy of Netball NSW.
- SHNC shall collect and use personal information only for legitimate purposes related to SHNC’s activities, and shall ensure that such information is kept secure and confidential.
- SHNC shall provide members with access to their personal information, and shall allow them to update or correct their information as needed.
- SHNC shall not disclose personal information to third parties without the consent of the individual concerned, except as required by law or by Netball NSW regulations.
Member Protection Policy
- SHNC is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all members, and to preventing harassment, discrimination, and abuse.
- SHNC shall comply with all relevant legislation and regulations related to member protection, including the Member Protection Policy of Netball NSW.
- SHNC shall implement procedures to prevent and address any form of harassment, discrimination, or abuse within SHNC, and shall provide training and support to members, coaches, officials, and volunteers to ensure that they understand their rights and responsibilities.
- SHNC shall investigate and address any allegations of harassment, discrimination, or abuse, and shall take appropriate disciplinary action as needed, in accordance with SHNC’s disciplinary policy and Netball NSW guidelines.
- SHNC shall maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of all individuals involved in member protection matters, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of members.
Grievance Procedure and Referral
- SHNC shall have a clear and transparent grievance procedure, which outlines the steps that a member may take if they have a complaint or grievance against another member, coach, official, volunteer, or stakeholder.
- The grievance procedure shall be in accordance with Netball NSW guidelines, and shall ensure that grievances are handled fairly, promptly, and confidentially.
- Any member who has a grievance shall first attempt to resolve the issue informally, by discussing it with the other party involved.
- If the grievance cannot be resolved informally, the member may make a formal complaint in writing to SHNC President or Secretary.
- SHNC President or Secretary shall investigate the complaint, and may appoint a Grievance Officer or Grievance Committee to assist with the investigation.
- The Grievance Officer or Committee shall report their findings and recommendations to SHNC Executive, who shall make a decision on the matter.
- Any member who is dissatisfied with the decision may appeal to Netball NSW, in accordance with their grievance procedures.
- SHNC shall ensure that all parties involved in a grievance are treated with respect, and that the confidentiality of the parties and the details of the grievance are maintained at all times.
Amendments
- This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of members present at a General Meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been given to all members at least 14 days in advance.
- Any proposed amendment must be consistent with SHNC’s purpose and objectives, and with Netball NSW regulations.
This constitution is adopted as the Constitution of the Sylvania Heights Netball Club by the members of SHNC on 8th August 2023.
Support Document: Netball NSW Constitution
SHNC acknowledges and supports the constitution and regulations of Netball NSW, and agrees to comply with all relevant policies and guidelines. In the event of any conflict between this constitution and the Netball NSW constitution, the latter shall prevail.