Netball America
Netball America is a registered 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, which was founded in 2006. Netball America, which calls itself "the premier national Netball organization in the USA," [1] is dedicated to the development and growth of Netball in the USA. The organization is focused on showing how Netball creates an exciting atmosphere of participation and supports individual progress, team unity, good health and education of youth. Netball America is also the largest body of Netball in the USA and governs the body nationally.
Netball America operates under International Standard Rules (see other Rules of netball), with 7-player teams.
Events
Netball America is sanctioned by the United States International University Sports Federation to host the 2nd World University Netball Championship in Miami 2016. Netball America also sent the first team of American Citizens to the inaugural World University Netball Championship in South Africa in 2012.[2]
Participation and Partnerships
Netball America currently has teams in 28 states.
Netball America is also the governing body for the Disney International Youth Netball Tournament and the Golden Oldies 2013 World Netball Festival, which saw over 60 international teams compete.
Netball America is the only sanctioned National Governing Body for the first ever American Netball Team who represented the USA at the 2012 World University Netball Championships and the National Governing Body for the Golden Oldies 2013 World Netball Festival.
Netball America's Let's Move the Youth Programs are designed to provide disadvantaged youth with opportunities to learn about health education; participate in fitness programs; and develop leadership skills while being part of a team. The GoGirlGo! program is currently being rolled out across the USA. Netball America also has partnered with The President's Challenge Program and have incorporated the President's Active Lifestyle Award and the 'I Can Do It You Can Do It' programs. The participants receive a certificate signed by the President.
Netball America is a partner with the President’s Challenge Program to help encourage children and families to be physically active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The President’s Challenge Program is in support of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation.
Netball America is a partner with the Bermuda Netball Association to implement leading edge coaching and umpiring techniques, including world class accreditation, in Bermuda.
Charity
Netball America partnered with the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy For Girls in South Africa to provide a unique opportunity for the local community surrounding Maverton, South Africa. Their visit to the Academy was to help inspire the young girls that anything is possible. The Vice Captain of the national team spoke about how Netball and sports helped her during her recovery from a ski fall when she was 12, which caused an onset of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, and how she was dependent on crutches and a wheelchair for the next 5 years. At 17, she was implanted with a spinal cord stimulator and was told she could never play contact sports again. The President of Netball America spoke to the school kids, teachers and local community leaders about how physical activity and nutrition are essential elements to academic success and lifelong achievements as well as how sports can create confidence and promote leadership.