PEP mini Netball to inspire a new generation of young girls
FAQ's:
What are the PEP mini Netball Festivals?
PEP mini Netball Festivals are uniquely designed netball events in partnership with South African Schools Netball (SASN) where primary school girls between the ages of 8 and 10 partake in organised Netball fixtures. The purpose of the Festivals is to introduce girls to Netball at an early age in order to help them learn and master the basics of the sport.
Who is the sponsor of the PEP mini Netball Festivals?
PEP is the main and only sponsor of the mini Netball Festivals.
Why is PEP sponsoring the mini Netball Festivals?
PEP mini Netball Festivals tie back to their key founding principles of servicing the communities that they operate in and the Festivals speak directly to that. What is special about these Festivals is that not only does it introduce young girls to Netball, but they build self-confidence which is a crucial attribute for a learner and future adult.
Is this project endorsed by the relevant federation?
It all happens under the auspices of South African Schools Netball (SASN).
Who is eligible to participate?
The Festivals are designed for primary school girls who are part of a school that is officially registered with the South African Department of Basic Education.
Are boys eligible to participate in the PEP mini Netball Festivals?
The Festivals are currently designed for girls as that is what is currently offered to girls as a sport in most South African primary schools. PEP is however open to extending this to all learners should there be a need, as guided by SASN, participating schools as well as the Department of Basic Education.
What is the selection criteria for schools to form part of the Festivals?
Schools are selected by SASN’s local netball management.
Is this a tournament or standalone event?
Each festival that takes place is a singular event as it starts and ends on the same day. The 18 identified Festivals do not affect one another as they are standalone events.
Why is this only rolled out in 3 provinces?
It is the 1st year of the event, and we are using the three identified provinces to pilot the Festivals.
How many games will each team play at these Festivals?
Each team will play 4 games.
Can a district add teams per age group?
No. There are only 10 teams per age group allowed and these are selected by SASN’s local netball management.
Are the Festivals hosted outdoors? If yes, what will happen in the case of a rainy day?
The Festivals are hosted outdoors. We will assess the extent of the rain to determine if matches can take place. If it rains heavily, the festival will be postponed.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes, we encourage spectators to come support each festival.
Are school gazebos allowed?
Yes.
Are parents/spectators allowed to bring gazebos?
Yes, they are allowed to bring in only unbranded gazebos.
Are vendors allowed at the Festivals?
Yes, but without branding. All potential vendors need to liaise with the host school.
Can the host school charge entrance fees to spectators (pedestrians and cars)?
No. Schools are not allowed to charge any entrance fee to the event.
What do the participating schools get?
Playing time, a t-shirt, a meal, a certificate and a fun time.
How do I apply for my local school to partake?
You can speak to the host school’s netball management structures.
As a local business, how can I support the initiative?
It is not something we would like to open for external involvement at this stage.
When will the Festivals take place and where?
Fixtures have been included on the PEP website. Please visit this page to view the fixtures.
What time do the Festivals start?
Starting times have been included with the fixtures, as per the above point. All weekend fixtures start at 07:30 and all midweek Festivals start at 09:00.
How much netball experience does my daughter need to have?
There is no netball experience needed. The purpose of the PEP mini Netball Festivals is to help the girls learn netball skills, build self-esteem and enjoy themselves.
What should my daughter wear to the Festival?
Their school kit as well as a comfortable pair of training shoes. Bibs will be provided.
What are the rules of PEP mini Netball?
- Age groups: u/8, 9 and 10.
- u8 and u9: Goal posts of 2.5m in height and a size 4 ball.
- U10: Normal netball is played but still with the shorter post (2,50m) and a size 5 ball.
- After catching, the ball pass within 5 seconds.
- After catching the ball and gaining balance before passing the ball, the player cannot move from their landing spot
- Strict “one to one” defence play.
- A player may defend an opponent with the ball from a distance of 1.2m.
- A team of up to 8 players must interchange at half time.
- Undefended shot at goal. The GS or GA may not be defended when shooting.
- All playing positions must be rotated during interval.
- Matches shall consist of two halves of 8 minutes with a 2-minute interval between halves.
- Teams must change ends after each half.
- No trophies to be awarded.
- Certificates will be given for participation.