Netball NSW Membership Study 2022 report

Abstract

The Netball NSW membership study was conducted in 2022 to gain a comprehensive understanding of involvement in Netball from the current and past members. Netball NSW partnered with researchers at the University of Sydney for this study. The study involved sending an online survey to Netball NSW members and in-depth analysis of survey responses. Responses were received from 8,461 Netball NSW members (response rate 5.3%). The following key insights were identified from the survey responses to inform how Netball NSW could strategically increase involvement in Netball. • Netball was the sport of choice for 66% of children, and 77% of adult members. • Members rated their involvement in Netball highly. The overall experience of playing Netball was rated 8.4 out of 10, and non-players rated their experience 8 out of 10. The experience in 2022 was better than the past two years, which were affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic. • There were substantial increases in the proportion of members involved in social activities and attending presentation nights in 2022. • The main reason people played Netball was for Fun/Enjoyment. Additional drivers for participation were related to social connection and improving health and fitness. Playing competitively was rated as less critical among both adults and children. • Netball provided members with about half of their annual structured physical activity participation (50% for children, and 63% for adults). • Players reported Netball had positive impacts on their lives. The most positive influences were related to social connection, and improvements in strength, coordination, and fitness. • Players who stopped playing Netball in 2022 reported that it was not fun or enjoyable, did not feel welcome in the Netball community, or had a bad experience with a coach/official. Interpersonal relationships between players within a team, across teams, and between players, and non-players should be fostered. • Although registration cost was not a major barrier to participation, reducing the costs of registration and uniforms was a primary recommendation to increase participation. • A quarter of adult players reported playing Netball at fitness centres not affiliated with Netball NSW, and played more games here than through their club/association. • About one third of Netball players reported they were also involved in non-players roles such as umpiring, coaching, and various duties. On average, people spent 3 hours per week involved in non-player roles. • The main reason people were involved in non-players roles was to be part of the Netball community – to give back. Family involvement was a stronger driver of involvement in non-player roles than athlete development. • Being involved in non-player roles had a neutral impact on people’s lives. The strongest influences from non-player roles were increased social connection and physical activity levels. • Completion of education and training for non-player roles declined compared to previous years. This may be due to many people upskilling during the lock-down and having less time to complete training during 2022. Further analysis of regional differences and qualitative responses from participants will help identify local priorities to be addressed by Netball NSW to increase involvement in Netball.