Dear Fellow Netball enthusiasts!

WELCOME to the Netball America 2011 National Championships club registration pack which contains vital information regarding this event.  Netball America is excited to be holding the championships at such a prestigious venue located near downtown Nashville, the A-Game facility, 215 Gothic Court, Franklin, Tennessee, 37067 on Saturday 5th of November, 2011.  Registration is open to ladies, mens, mixed and U/18’s. 

It is our intention to make this not only an exciting tournament but a valuable learning experience for you and provide you with as many Netball opportunities as possible while you are visiting Nashville.  Also, the Netball America Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday evening November 4^th.

Event highlights include:

• Tournament being played in a 56,000 square foot indoor facility and the playing surface is top of the line cushioned northern maple hardwood system.
• Games will be played on 3 full sized Netball courts.
• Each game will consist of 4 x 10 min quarters.
• Electronic score clock and scoreboard.
• Netball America qualified umpires will be paid to umpire the tournament.
• Technical Rules Clinic.
• Cool prizes, including an early registration prize.
• East Coast Jaguars v West Coast Lightning!  Watch the East Coast Jaguars defend their regional championship title.

 Read down for all information and necessary documents you will need for:

• Tournament Rules
• Registering a team
• Waiver information
• Location of the Tournament
• Hotels for the Tournament
• Umpire information
• Nashville things to see and do

Please ensure that you read and understand the rules included in this information packet.  Any  questions can be emailed to info@netballamerica.com.

We look forward to a spectacular day of netball in the spirit of friendly competition and good sportsmanship.

Yours in netball,

Sonya Ottaway
President Netball America
e/mail: president@netballamerica.com
phone: +17143779639

General Information/Registration

Draft Agenda for November 4 and 5

Friday November 4^th: 7-9pm: Netball America Annual General Meeting.  This will be open to fully paid up Netball America members.  Location TBD

Saturday November 5^th – Specific timings will be provided after registration closes.

7.30-9am: Team check in
East Coast Jaguars VS West Coast Lightning
Coaches, managers, umpires and team captains to attend an officials meeting
Opening ceremonies, including American Anthem
Games Begin
Lunch Break: International Umpire Prue Plummer D’Amato will be tackling some tough Netball interpretations with players.
Tournament completion: will be based on registration

Note: The playing draw will be created using our tournament scheduling software and a draft schedule will be available closer to the date of the event.  

Match Protocols: Refer Appendix A

Registration:

• Registration may be up to 12 members per team.
• Players may register in 2 different categories, for eg. A player may register in the mixed and ladies categories. 
• Each team is required to complete a registration form (see registration link below) and pay applicable fees by the registration date/s outlined below .
• Each coach, player, umpire and volunteer is required to complete a waiver – refer Appendix B.

Awards:  Netball America will award trophies to:

• The top placed team in the ladies category
• The top placed team in the mens category
• The top placed team in the mixed category
• The top placed team in the u/18’s category
• There will also be an award in each category for: Most Valuable Player.

The Netball America Cup will be awarded to the top placed ladies Netball America member team.  Prior year winner was San Francisco Stars.

General Information/Registration (cont.)

First Aid:  A qualified sports medicine trainer will be onsite as well as a full service physical therapy office.  Teams will be required to bring their own strapping tape. 

Food:  Netball America will be providing water for all participants, however food and beverages will be available for sale at the venue.  The canteen is a full service food provider so sandwiches, fruit, BBQ etc is available.  No outside food is permitted, however if people do have food allergies then it is okay to bring in food. 

Netball Inventory:  Netball America will be sending out an updated Netball inventory list shortly, it will contain various Netball equipment available for sale at the event, including Netball posts, post pad covers, bibs, uniforms, netballs, rule books etc.  Consider pre-ordering to avoid shipping costs.

Hotel Information: Refer Appendix C.  Check out what to do while visiting Nashville,

Parking: There are 550 free parking spaces in front of the facility.  For directions to the facility refer Appendix D. 

Social: An evening social will be organized.  Further details will be provided closer to the date.

Registration Fees:  Registration Fees include:

• Participation in the National Championships in a world class facility
• Team water for the day
• Invitation to attend the ‘Technical Rules’ clinic
• A certified athletic trainer from STAR Physical Therapy for sports medicine needs
• Netball America qualified appointed Umpires
• Insurance coverage
• Every team that completes early registration will be entered in a chance to win 2 Gared Netball posts. 

APPENDIX A – Match Protocols

All matches will be played according to the International Rules of Netball unless otherwise indicated.

1)  Time: Captains are required to toss and report the results to both umpires and score desk before the start of each game.  Matches will consist of four 10-minute quarters, with a 2-minute quarter time and three-quarter time interval, and a 5-minute half-time interval.*

Each court will be individually timed by an independent timekeeper.  Teams must take the court when requested to do so by the Umpires.  The Umpires will notify the teams when there are 30 seconds and 10 seconds remaining prior to the start of the game and the end of an interval.  At the 10-second warning whistle, teams must move into their playing positions for the start/re-start of play. 

• If a team fails to take the court by the start/re-start of play, the Umpire shall penalize for deliberate delaying of play.
• If a team fails to take the court within 1 minute of the designated time for the start/re-start of play, the Umpires shall award the game to the non-offending team.
• It is the team’s responsibility to ensure that they are at the designated court of the start of the match.

*Note - timing may vary slightly depending on registration.

2)  Points: 2 points awarded for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss

In the event of a draw, goal differences will be the first tie breaker rule.  Goal difference is calculated by the total number of goals scored minus goals conceded.  If a teams points and goal differences are equal, then goals scored will be used as a 2^nd tiebreaker with the team scoring the most goals winning.

3)  Categories:  There will be 4 categories in this tournament: Ladies, Mens, Mixed and U/18.  Based on the number of entries it will be up to the tournament organizers discretion whether to combine the mens and mixed competition and/or combine the ladies and u/18 competition. The competition will be a round robin within each category.  The goal is to ensure maximum game time for athletes.

4)  Umpiring: The umpires’ decisions are final.  Umpires will be provided by Netball America and will be allocated to matches by the tournament Director of Umpiring according to performance.  Umpires for Nationals are required to have at least a C grade Netball America badge, unless otherwise approved.  Netball America Umpires will be paid per game for officiating at the Nationals.   Umpires will be required to wear the Netball America Umpiring uniform.   

Umpires wishing to officiate at the National Championships can apply here.  Please include your qualifications and experience.   Umpires wishing to be scheduled for a B Badge or A Badge practical test during the National Championships should register today.  Direct inquiries here.  Those who do not have a current practical or theory exam qualification should contact Netball America to discuss eligibility.  Also, National Theory exams are scheduled for October 9 to 16.  You can register here.

5)  Teams:  Players may register for 2 different teams as long as they are in different categories.  This must be noted on the registration form when submitted. 

Refer injury time below for positional changes or substitutions.  A Mixed team can have up to a maximum of 3 (three) male players on court per game per team, and they are required to play in different thirds on the court.

6)  Scorer/Timekeeper: Tournament organizers will allocate a scorer and timekeeper for each match.  Each court will have its own individual scoring system.  Each team will need to provide a team representative to assist with scoring/timekeeping and teams will be scheduled accordingly. 

7)  Injury Time: Stoppages for injury/illness, blood, or emergencies – refer to Rule 7.1, 7.2, 7.3.  Key points to note:

• The decision to stop play is at the discretion of the Umpire.
• No coaching is permitted during any stoppage.

The decision of the tournament organizers shall be final and without appeal.

APPENDIX B – Waiver

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RELEASE

In consideration of Netball America, Inc. permitting the undersigned on Saturday November 5th, 2011 to participate in the Netball America National Championships. The undersigned hereby acknowledges and agrees, as follows:

1.  I am fully aware that the Netball America National Championships may be physically demanding and that, accordingly, there may be risks directly or indirectly related to my participation, including, but not limited to, the possibility of physical injury (including catastrophic injury, or death) which might result not only from my actions, inaction, or negligence, but the actions, inaction, or negligence of others, the rules of play, the conditions of the premises, or any of the equipment used.  This includes any risks not reasonable foreseeable to Netball America Inc and Nashville Kangaroos.  

2.  I acknowledge the provisions of this Acknowledgement and Release and I expressly assume all risks relating to my participation in the Netball America National Championships and I accept personal responsibility for the damages following any such injury.

3.  I hereby forever release and discharge A-Game, Nashville Kangaroos, Netball America, Inc., the Netball America Board of Directors, Management team and committees, the members, its teams and volunteers (collectively referred to as “Netball America”) against any and all causes of action, claims, suits, controversies, agreements, promises, judgments, demands or claims whatsoever, that I or my spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns have or hereafter, at any time, shall or may have against Netball America, arising out of or in connection with my participation in the Netball America National Championships.

4.  By signing this form I accept responsibility for all medical expenses incurred whether or not I am covered by insurance.

5.  As a player at the Netball America National Championships, I may be admitted to any hospital or medical facility for diagnosis and treatment.  In case of injury, accident or illness, I authorize the head coach or on-site medical/first aid staff to provide appropriate medical treatment.  If an emergency transport is deemed necessary, I authorize the same to summon an ambulance to transport me, the individual to the hospital.  I request and authorize physicians, athletic trainers, technicians, first aid personnel, nurses, and dentists, to perform any diagnostic, treatment, or operative procedures, and x-rays.  I accept total responsibility for any and all medical costs.

6.  I grant full permission to Netball America Inc to use my name and likeness, where lawful, with no obligation to compensate me, in and in connection with any photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, recordings or other record, whether print, on-line, audio or video, of this event.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, the undersigned has executed and agreed to this Acknowledgement and Release as of the date stated below.

__________________________________                   ______________________________
 Signature                                                                       Signature of Parent (u/18)

__________________________________                    ______________________________
(Please Print Name)                                                         (Please Print Name)

________________________________
Date

Email Address: _____________________________________________________________

Address, City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________                             

__________________________________________________________________________                                                                     

Phone #:_____________________________

APPENDIX C – Hotel Information

2 options for hotels:

1.  Hilton Garden Inn Vanderbilt, 1715 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 37203 (approx. 9 miles from BNA airport)

$109 per night + taxes for arrival on Friday 11/4/11 through Sunday 11/6/11.  Hotel is steps away from Music Row – and located less than a mile from downtown (Broadway is the main street downtown), close to a cool restaurant / bar area in the heart of midtown Nashville.

Book rooms by calling + 1 615 369 5900  & mention ‘NBAMER group rate’.   Rollaway beds are available for $15 per night, however due to fire codes these are only available for the king rooms.  Rooms can be booked online through this link - http://www.nashvillevanderbilt.hgi.com.   Once the page comes up here are a few things to make booking easier:

• Use the check availability option  in the top right hand corner.  This allows you to select your check-in and check-out dates.  Then click go. 
• All reservation details will be shown and then under the Special Accounts Section enter the group code: NBAMER and then click continue.
• Select room type and rate, then click continue and fill out your reservation information.  You will receive a confirmation number.

Rate will close on September 30^th.   You can book a gray line shuttle from the airport by ringing +1615-883-5555.  Taxi approx. $25-$30. 

Property Highlights:

• Rooms include microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator
• Free Wi-Fi
• Complimentary Shuttle Service within 3-mile radius
• Indoor heated pool and whirlpool
• 24hr business center, fitness center and pavilion pantry
• Parking discounted to $10 per night

2.  Country Inn and Suites Franklin/Cool Springs, 7120 South Springs Drive, Franklin, TN 37067 (this is near the courts,  it is approx. 22 miles from BNA airport and 4 miles from downtown).

We have a group block under Netball America for arrival on Friday 11/4/11 through Sunday 11/6/11 for the following room types:  10 Queen/Queen rooms at the rate of $79.00 plus tax per night; 10 King rooms at the rate of $79.00 plus tax per night; or 2 King Suites at the rate of $104.00 plus tax per night.  There is no shuttle service and taxis from the airport is approx. $60.

Cut Off Date for group rate is September 30th.   Rooms can be booked by calling +1800-456-4000 or +1 615-778-0321 at hotel direct and mentioning the above group name.   Rooms can also be booked online by following the below steps: 

• go to www.countryinns.com, on the left click on "More Search Options"
• enter the location (Franklin or Cool Springs, TN), dates of arrival/departure, etc.
• in the "Promotional Code" enter NET
• click "Find Hotels"
• the group preferred rates will appear and choose and book the room type that you prefer

Cancellation Policy: 48 Hours prior to the day of arrival by 4pm. After cancellation policy is in effect the policy is one night room charge plus tax on guests respective credit cards.

Property Highlights:

• Complimentary HOT Breakfast 6.30 A. M.-10.30 A.M. on weekends
• Indoor heated Pool,7 A.M.-10 P.M. ; 24/7 Business and Fitness Center
• Wi-Fi, Wired High Speed Internet and Car Parking at No Charge
• In the heart of Cool Springs with plenty of restaurant options and walking distance to Cool Springs Galleria Mall

APPENDIX D – Driving Directions

Driving Directions to A-Game
215 Gothic Court, Franklin, Tennessee 37067
(615) 771-2444

From BNA AIRPORT Approx. 22 miles
     I-40 West to I-440 W
     I-440 W toward Memphis
     Take Exit 5,  I-65 S ( Huntsville)
     Proceed through Brentwood
     Take Exit 68B Cool Springs Blvd
     Take a (R) onto Mallory Lane
     At second light, take a (L) Mallory Station
     Take a (L) onto Gothic Ct. (Lee Company)
     Gothic Ct. dead ends at A-Game!

From Hilton Garden Inn Vanderbilt, 1715 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, USA 37203 Approx. 16 miles
     Head NE on Broadway toward 17^th Ave S (0.4 miles)
     Turn right onto 14^th Ave S (0.7 miles)
     Merge onto I-40 E/I-65 S via the ramp on the left to Knoxville/Huntsville (13.2 miles)
     Take Exit 69 for Moores Ln / TN-441 W (13.2 miles)
     Turn Right onto TN-441 W/Moores Ln (0.3 miles)
     Turn left onto Mallory Ln (1.1 miles)
     Turn right onto Mallory Station Rd (0.3 miles)
     Turn left onto Gothic Ct. dead ends at A-Game!

From Country Inn and Suites Franklin/Cool Springs, 7120 South Springs Drive, Franklin, TN 37067 Approx. 0.7 miles
     Head SW on S Springs Dr toward Mallory Ln (0.1 miles)
     Continue on Mallory Station Road (0.3 miles)
     Turn left onto Gothic Ct. dead ends at A-Game!

From ATLANTA, GEORGIA Approx. 250 miles
     I-75 North
     Take exit 2 on the left to merge onto I-24W toward Chattanooga/Nashville (6.2 miles)
     Slight (L) to stay on I-24W (106 miles)
     Take exit 74A for Tennessee 840 W toward Franklin (0.7 miles)
     Merge onto TN-840W (20.9 miles)
     Take exit 31 to merge onto I-65N toward Nashville (9.2 miles)
     Take exit 68B for Cool Springs Blvd W (0.3 miles)
     Merge onto Cool Springs Blvd (0.3 miles)
     Take a (R) onto Mallory Lane (0.4 miles)
     Take a (L) onto Mallory Station Rd (0.3 miles)
     Take a (L) onto Gothic Ct. (Lee Company)
     Gothic Ct. dead ends at A-Game!