Netball New Zealand have put together a great lineup of online sessions to support coaches and umpires in the lead-up to the U18 National Championships. Whether you're heading to Nationals or not, these sessions are a great opportunity to develop your practice, and we'd love to see strong Northern Zone representation across the programme!
Kicking things off on Friday 12 June, Dr Michael Lauren explores the science of decision-making and what it really means to develop players who can think and adapt under pressure. On Monday 15 June, former Silver Fern Sammy Winders shares key NetballSmart insights to support your tournament preparation and performance.
Monday 22 June brings a practical look at Sportway's video technology with Steve Jenness, covering how to turn match footage into meaningful feedback at Nationals.
The Wednesday 1 July Information Hui, led by Hannah Lester, Leigh Gibbs, and Josh Bowring, is a must-attend for all coaches and umpires heading to U18 Nationals, covering everything you need to know before you go.
Finally, on Monday 6 July, Fay Meiklejohn, World Netball Rules Advisory Panel Chair and NZ High Performance Umpire, shares powerful lessons in building resilience drawn from a career at the top of the game.
All Learning & Development Hui are open to any coaches and umpires, not just those attending Nationals. The Information Hui on 1 July is specifically for U18 National Champs coaches and umpires.
Registration links and full details for each session are below.
Decision Making – ‘A Matter of Life or Death’
Friday 12 June | 7.00–8.30pm
Presenter: Dr Michael Lauren
The workshop introduces the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) as a military framework for understanding decision-making, emphasising that effective coaching involves creating environments where players can think, adapt and respond to changing situations.
Dr Michael Lauren will encourage coaches to reflect on their own practices and environments, questioning whether they are truly developing decision-makers or simply directing behaviour.
NetballSmart Tournament Preparation
Monday 15 June | 7.00–8.30pm
Presenter: Sammy Winders
Sammy Winders, WaiBOP Netball's NetballSmart Development Officer and former Silver Fern, will share key information and considerations to support coaches and umpires in their preparation and performance for the U18 National Championships.
From Footage to Feedback – Leveraging Sportway at U18 National Champs
Monday 22 June | 7.00–8.30pm
Presenter: Steve Jenness
Steve Jenness will provide an overview of how Sportway technology can support coaches, players and umpires. The workshop will also explore practical ways to effectively utilise this technology within the context of the U18 National Championships.
Coaches & Umpires Information Hui
Wednesday 1 July | 7.00–8.00pm
Presenters: Hannah Lester, Leigh Gibbs and Josh Bowring
An online meeting covering important information for coaches and umpires attending the U18 National Championships.
Rising to the Challenge – Resilience at U18 Nationals
Monday 6 July | 7.00–8.30pm
Presenter: Fay Meiklejohn
Fay Meiklejohn, World Netball Rules Advisory Panel Chair and Netball New Zealand High Performance Umpire, will share insights from her officiating career and secondary school leadership experience, highlighting key lessons in building and sustaining resilience.
