Smarter Than Smoking Netball Association Championships

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Posted 2015-06-12 by Jay Crisp Crow ⇒ follow

Sat 30 May 2015 - Mon 01 Jun 2015

They may be playing Under 12's but the ferocious way they tackle each other belies their piggy-tailed, matching hair ribboned demeanour.

There's a lot to learn from watching girls play netball for the three days of your highly coveted long weekend:

Sure, make friends with the opponent before the whistle blows but don't look her in the eye as you snatch her pass out of the air for the fifth time in a row (because it may hit you in your guilt spot).

Back your team mates up. They need you.

Someone in your space? Create a new one.

Sweat, red cheeks and sore feet are all worth it in the quest for pre-teen, netball stardom.

For the parents, who have signed an agreement ostensibly restricting them from 'coaching' the girls when they're on the court (but who are really contractually obliged to not holler at anyone from the sidelines), the weekend is saved by the fabulous coffee vans.

There is coffee in every corner of the newly renovated $26 million dollar Matthews State Netball Centre at Wembley Sports Park.

During downtime, the children also converge to the wood-fired pizza bar, the two ice cream spots, the Boost Juice van and the lunch places.

Here are a few tips from a bona fide netball mum:

Take your husband (but not your toddler, there's barely enough room to put your Esky down between the courts, let alone a wriggling 2-year-old). The reason this is a good idea is that he can line up at the coffee van for you while you line up at the Boost Juice van. (Yes. There's a bit of lining up at these big sporting events).

Always take cash. There wasn't an ATM in sight.

Park early. There was at least $300 raised in revenue for the City over one day between our parents alone – travelling down from the hills and desperate for a car park. They paid the price.

One husband quips about the perfect product placement of the Defence Force recruiting station. He reckons that if you're going to look anywhere for calm, calculated, savage warrior types, the netball championships is the place to go.

At one point the Perth Fever arrive to sign netballs, bags, jumpers and then, as it seems, actual kids. There's excitement pinging through the air and the Boost Juice van has a lull. They breathe out.
The mother's smile.
The coaches plan the new tactic for the upcoming game.
The Under 12's go to watch the 'big girls' play and return inspired.
The line for the physio students strapping ankles and knees is ever increasing.
The team rallies again for round five against a team flown in from Singapore. Boy, they're good.

When it's all over and Monday afternoon means a retreat for all those not playing in a final, there's always the fifteen minute walk back to the car to dissect every pass, every missed goal and every umpire's decision.

On the way home, the adults discuss the possibility of not attending perhaps every moment of the event next time. Quite quickly, that plan is scrapped.

Just a regular weekend for the netballers.

Think your family would fit right in? Want to join me in the muffin line?
You can visit the Netball WA page here: www.netballwa.com.au and fill out a quick submission with your local area to find a club. There are also short workshops for children regularly advertised on the site.
You may have missed this past long weekend but don't fret, there are always more netball games to be had.

#health_fitness
#greater_perth
#fun_for_children
#coffee
#sport
#may
!date 30/05/2015 -- 01/06/2015
%wnperth

186703 - 2023-06-16 02:52:24