Following an incredibly successful pilote season, Netball France is launching the first official season of the Netball France Ligue Nationale!
The Netball France – Ligue Nationale Pilote that ran from January-June 2023 was a huge success, with 15 teams from 9 clubs taking part, and 31 matches played! After collecting feedback from all clubs across France, the Leagues Work Group had a busy summer analysing the feedback and working to make the necessary modifications for a full length, even bigger and better season. And now it’s here, with the launch of the Netball France Ligue Nationale 2023/2024!
The Netball France Ligue Nationale 2023/2024 will run from 28th October 2023 to 30th June 2024. The season will officially kick off with season opener events on the weekend of the 28th October – one to be hosted by Netball Paris in Paris, and a potential second event in the South (TBC)! A season closer event will also be held on the weekend of the 30th June 2024, location TBC.
The Netball France Ligue Nationale will run as a national system, with one table across the country. There are no set dates for matches, and teams are not required to play all other teams or participate in all match events. In order to enter the national table, teams must have played a minimum of 2 matches against 2 different teams, including 1 qualifying match, i.e. a match against a team outside their region (this is defined as a match against an opposition team whose home base is >200km from your team’s home base. Please note that this qualifying match does not have to be an away game, it may be played at your home location – it is only required that the opposing team’s home base is >200km from your home base). Your qualifying match can be played at any point in the season. Once these requirements have been met, all past accurately registered results will count towards your placing on the table.
Games will consist of 4 x 12 minute quarters, with a 3 minute quarter time break and 6 minute half time break. Games will be played according to new World Rules of Netball that are launching in January 2024, except where specific league rules and regulations may apply. Clubs will receive the updates shortly, and an online info session regarding the rule changes will be held prior to the beginning of the season.
One of Netball France’s core values, as evidenced in the Netball France Strategic Plan 2022-2025, is inclusion, and therefore the league is mixed gender. All genders are welcome, with opportunities available for mixed and female only teams.
There are also opportunities for unaffiliated, i.e. players without a club/team, to join the league, and clubs can enter a team at any point in the season!
All clubs received invites via email today, and further information can be found on the Netball France Ligue Nationale page on our website or by emailing ligues@netballfrance.com
Netball France looks forward to seeing teams take to court in the league, and wishes all involved the best of luck!