The Tyne and Wear County Netball leagues are currently full with no space for new clubs. Analysis has shown that this is to some extent because clubs who are clearly from neighbouring counties are choosing to play in Tyne and Wear rather than their home counties. Following discussions between North Durham and Tyne and Wear County Netball Associations it has been agreed to introduce the following requirement from the winter season 2016.

All netball clubs will be allocated to one of the two netball counties based on the geographical location of their regular training base.

Clubs who under the above would be designated as North Durham County and who have participated in the Tyne & Wear County League (TWCL) for 5 or more years will be exempt from this and will be allowed to retain their existing teams in TWCL. However, additional teams from these clubs may be directed to the North Durham County League (NDCL) depending upon availability of space in TWCL.

Clubs who under the above would be designated as North Durham County and who have participated in the TWCL for less than 5 years will have until Winter 2016 to enter at least one team in the NDCL. If they meet this requirement they will be allowed to retain their existing teams in the TWCL. Additional teams from these clubs will be directed to the NDCL.

All new Clubs will be expected to participate in their designated County League first before joining any other county leagues.

Teams will be allowed to take part in whichever League they consider most appropriate for their players.

Definitions:
Club – a club is a formally organised entity, with a regular training night and venue, it may be CAPS registered or accredited, or may have a junior section.
Teams – these would be groups of players who simply come together to compete in a league. They may have occasional training sessions but are not a formal entity, with a junior section or CAPS registration. 

TWCNA are now recruiting a new secretary to take post with immediate effect. This is a great opportunity to give something back and get involved behind the scenes in a sport that you love! Through volunteering you can help maintain the great work that is already being completed, have an impact and implement change, gain a sense of achievement and build a great CV.

If you are interested please take a look at the job description and contact Tori Brady (TWNCA Chair) to register your interest or request further information.

Below are the dates Clubs are expected to hand in their nomination documents and additional player forms, for all their teams. Cash or Cheque payments for all additional players (except pwp’s) must be made on the night too. Clubs wishing to pay electronically will be given a reference on the night and expected to pay within 7 days.

Beside each date is the time that someone from the committee will be available at Blue Flames to accept paperwork (some of these are subject to confirmation). It isn’t possible to have someone there every night for the full three hours so some clubs may have to come along before their match or stay afterwards in order to submit their documents. If you do come before your match please allow at least 15 minutes in case there is a queue! 

Handy Website Links

• Affiliation
• Winter League 2015/2016

If anyone has any queries or issues with the dates above please get in touch with me asap via Competition@tyneandwearnetball.net 

The North Area Tournament is run jointly by Northumberland and Tyne and Wear County Netball Associations.  It is open to entry from Under 14 and Under 16 teams from any Netball Club based in the two counties.  The teams finishing in the top four positions of each age group will be offered entry into the North East Region Junior League.  The Junior Regional League runs from January to March on a Sunday afternoon and the two winning teams in each age group qualify to take part in the England Netball Under 14 and Under 16 National Finals. 

The details for the tournament, being held at Blue Flames, will be confirmed once the entry numbers are confirmed.  

At this stage Clubs are asked to confirm their interest in taking part in the tournament, by notifying Liz Wisniewski, T&W Competitions Officer, of the numbers of teams in each age group and confirming the contact for the Club and their email.  The deadline for receiving these initial entries is Sunday 27th September. 

T&W Competitions Officer   -  Competition@tyneandwearnetball.net