Netball is becoming faster, more physical and more exciting with rule changes allowing much closer contesting of the ball. These new demands mean that players must pay careful attention to reducing the risk and impact of netball injuries.

The NetballSmart approach to preparation, training and performance and injury prevention can and does produce great results: fewer & less frequent injuries, more court time for each player and longer, more enjoyable and successful playing careers.
NetballSmart is a conjoint programme between Netball New Zealand and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), targeted at all age groups and levels of netball.

STEP 1: Prevent Netball Injuries with Player Screening
NetballSmart's Resources include Player Profiling Forms (Junior and Secondary/Senior) in PDF format.

STEP 2: Get your Blood Pumping
Use these Warm-up and Cool-down Stretches.

STEP 3: Keep your Engine tuned
NetballSmart helps you Get to the heart of fitness

STEP 4: Practice Makes Perfect when Using Correct Technique
Netball's stop-start movements and directional changes can be hard on your knees and ankles. Correct techniques for passing, jumping, landing & shooting will help to prevent & reduce injury.

STEP 5: Keep a Level Playing Field by Sticking to the Rules
• Check out the ACC on Fair Play

• Read Netball New Zealand's Rules Overview & summary of the latest Rule Changes.

• Read the 2007 Sports Anti-Doping Rules

STEP 6: Protect your Assets with Good Equipment
• Netball Shoes
Check out NetballSmart's tips for selecting shoes.

• Taping & Bracing
Check out NetballSmart's tips for preventing ankle injuries

• Sunscreen: slip, slop, slap on the sunscreen if you’re playing outdoors.

STEP 8: Report Injuries Promptly & Accurately
Use NetballSmart's Injury Reporting Form

STEP 9: Check the Court before you Play
Coaches and trainers should regularly check the playing surface and environment, eliminating any potential hazards, for example: wet areas, debris or obstacles.

STEP 10: Get Yourself in Working Order
Identify, treat or seek medical attention where required and recover from an injury properly, before playing sport again.
For soft tissue injuries, such as a sprained ankle, follow the R.I.C.E.D. and H.A.R.M.procedures of injury management.

Who benefits from injury prevention?
Everyone in netball – players, coaches, umpires, administrators, teams, clubs and parents.

Why is injury prevention so important in netball?
• The team remains intact without the loss of key players
• A consistent team means consistent results
• Injured players can set back the whole team strategy
• Continuous play helps players advance to higher grades
• Medical treatment and time off work always costs players personally – in income, pain, and impact on families.

NETBALLSMART RESOURCES
Netball NZ and ACC have compiled these resources, available to all of the netball community from your regional netball centre and Netball NZ:
• NetballSmart for coaches book
• NetballSmart for umpires book
• NetballSmart player wallet cards
• NetballSmart technique posters
• NetballSmart website