The NCZ NZSS development programme is an identification and development programme that provides fitness testing, feedback, sport science education and some programme support for promising secondary school players during the off season. It is designed to prepare participants for the upcoming season.
The programme starts in October with an introductory assessment day; this is followed by a one day development camp in December; and ends with a January camp lead by Netball New Zealand.
The introductory assessment day is implemented by participating centres with implementation support from NCZ; the development camp in December is developed and led by NCZ; and the January camp is led and implemented by Netball New Zealand.
The programme commences with end-of-season centre nominations of age and skill appropriate players to attend a one day assessment session. At this session NCZ selectors will work with centre selectors to decide which athletes might participate in the NCZ training and development camp. All participating athletes will receive a completed NCZ player profile detailing their achievement against NNZ standards.
The final list of athletes to be invited to the training and development camp will be decided by the NCZ Director of Performance. The list will combine NNZ identified National Development Camp athletes with identified additional athletes from around the Zone. These athletes will be provided strength & conditioning programmes and a one-day camp development opportunity to help them prepare for the national development camp in January. All participating athletes will receive a completed NCZ player profile detailing their achievement against NNZ standards.
This is a de-centralised programme and NCZ contact with these athletes is limited. Therefore centres are strongly encouraged to add their support and encouragement to these young athletes during their preparation phase.
Successful NZSS athletes will be required to pay the full costs of any ongoing camps or competitions, should they be selected for the final team. Centres are encouraged to work closely with any athletes who do win national selection to ensure they are able to meet the additional financial obligations that will arise.