Jaimee Bialy noticed it first in the Under 18s. Athletes turning up to training already tired, carrying load from other sports, bodies still growing. The margin for error was narrow and not everyone could see it.
As Community Development Officer at Hutt Valley Netball Centre, she coaches everything from futureFERNS Year 1-4 participants to open-age representative teams. In 2026 she added men's coaching to that list. And across all of it, NetballSmart runs as the constant.
"Every programme we deliver has an element of NetballSmart," she says. "From warm-ups and cool-downs to our representative team camps, we incorporate smart health, nutrition and load management. We like to see how our players take on board the NetballSmart principles and adapt them to ensure their movements are safe and effective on and off the court."
The Under 18 space is where the stakes are highest. Young athletes juggling multiple sports and multiple teams, in the middle of physical growth, with coaches who don't always have the full picture of what else their players are carrying.
"Understanding player load management is vital in the Under 18 space. The NetballSmart message is clear and easily accessible, enabling players to share it with their whanau and coaches."
The results have been practical and visible. Players warm up better, recognise early signs of fatigue, and understand how to fuel and hydrate for training and games. Parents and coaches have noticed.
"Our players have a better understanding of how their bodies perform and can identify the messages their bodies are sending them," says Jaimee. "They have more energy and can better engage in their school, work and sporting commitments. Load management has led to crucial conversations - more enjoyable experiences for players and their parents, and less risk of burnout and serious injury."
Her advice to other coaches is direct: start somewhere.
"Give it a go. Gain an understanding of the six principles and how you can embed them into your season. Small steps make big changes - start with something tangible, then grow from there. Get creative and adapt the principles to suit your people and your community, while keeping the message clear: safe and effective movement, load management, and health both on and off the court."