Mixed Netball MANIA

It's fast, a little bit furious, and most importantly, fun! The HVGS Fast Five Mixed Netball Competition (FFMN) has become a much-anticipated fixture on the summer sports calendar and keeps students active and moving during lunchtime.

FFMN was the brainchild of teacher Mrs Lorraine Keith. Keen to keep students moving, find ways to prepare them for regional-based competition, and introduce an activity that included boys and girls, Lorraine launched the first FFMN Competition three years ago to Years 11 and 12 and later Years 9 and 10.

Feedback from students has been incredible. "Before this year's competition finished, the Year 12 boys were asking if I could run another competition," Lorraine says. "They love playing with their friends and just enjoying the challenge (for the boys in particular) of the new rules."

While some students love the thrill of the game on the court, others enjoy controlling the action on the sidelines as umpires. "Umpiring at any time can be challenging," Lorraine says. "Umpiring peers can be really challenging; however, our umpires have done an incredible job and have drawn praise and admiration from the players." A fast and energetic game, FFMN attracts large numbers of students. The competition had 50 registered players, 22 of them boys.