Bee Netball
Bee Netball, what is that?
Bee Netball is England Netball’s new approved format of netball for 5-11-year olds. Bee Netball allows children to learn and play the game in the most appropriate way for there age and ability.
England Netball have produced a short video that introduces Bee Netball, available for you to watch here.
Who came up with Bee Netball?
England Netball carried out a lot of research to perfect this new format. They spoke with lots of experts including psychologists, schools, clubs and national governing bodies from across the world!
When did England Netball launch Bee Netball?
England Netball launched Bee Netball to schools in June 2019. IAPS has been working closely with England Netball to help introduce Bee Netball into our tournaments.
What are the stages of Bee Netball?
There are 3 stages:
Stage 1 Buzzer: 5-7-year olds
Stage 2 Flier: 7-9-year olds
Stage 3 Stinger: 9-11-year olds
Each stage has been specially designed to suit each age groups development.
Is Bee Netball the same as High 5 Netball?
No - High 5 was designed for 9-11-year olds. Bee Netball is much more than this and supports both the learning and playing of the game.
What equipment do I need to play Bee Netball?
Bee Netball can be run with existing equipment, with changes to court sizes, post heights and using smaller balls.
England Netball have also produced specific Bee Netball equipment that schools and clubs can purchase to help with the delivery of coaching.
What does this mean for the IAPS netball tournaments?
From March 2022, the U11 national netball tournaments will follow the Bee Netball rules and regulations for the Stinger stage. It will become a 5-a-side tournament.
The U12 and U13 tournaments will remain 7-a-side.
Why move the U11 tournament to Bee Netball?
All IAPS competitions are run in line with national governing body (NGB) rules and regulations.
Bee Netball is the new recognised format of the game for all children U11, so IAPS will follow this.
Why is IAPS not changing the U11 tournament until 2022?
There are a number of factors why IAPS are not changing the U11 tournaments until 2022. Below are some of those reasons:
England Netball are supporting IAPS with a 2-year switch to Bee Netball.
This will enable current year 5 and 6 children to continue playing 7-a-side netball through to senior school.
It will prevent current year 5 children playing 7-a-side in 2020 and then 5-a-side in 2021.
Year 3 and 4 children can be introduced to Bee Netball now and continue with it through to March 2022.
What will the rule adaptations be for Bee Netball?
From 2022, the U11 netball tournament will follow the Stinger stage of Bee Netball.
The stinger stage further develops invasion skills whilst also developing netball specific and position specific skills e.g. attack and defence.
Number of players on court: 5-a-side
Squad size: Min 7 Max 9
Gender: TBC
Post Height: 9ft
Ball size: 4
Court size: Width: min 10m max 15m
Length: min 20m max 30m
Rule adaptations: No WA, WD
Pass within 4 seconds
Defending is allowed
Rotations: After each 6 min half
Will Bee Netball be less competitive?
No, absolutely not.
England Netball are still proud of being a competitive sport and want to have a 'sting in their tail'. People thrive and learn brilliant skills through competition and England Netball want to facilitate this happening.
The Vitality Roses compete in the World Fast 5 competition with 5 players on court and this is highly competitive. Bee Netball will be the same!
Is Bee Netball mixed or just for girls?
Bee Netball is for both girls and boys.
Some competitions may allow for mixed teams whilst other events will open to single-gender teams.
