NETBALL NSW

Netball NSW is a not-for-profit organisation governed by a Board of Directors and managed by professional staff. As the peak state sporting body for netball in New South Wales, it is responsible for the governance, development, promotion and administration of the sport, and is affiliated with Netball Australia.

Netball NSW provides a comprehensive framework supporting approximately 119,000 registered members and more than 150,000 participants across all levels of the game. The sport’s continued growth is driven by the wide range of programs, facilities and services offered, from grassroots participation to professional pathways.

Netball NSW has a strong history of elite performance, with over 300 athletes representing the state since 1997, including through the Suncorp Super Netball competition featuring the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.

NSW SWIFTS

The NSW Swifts are one of Australia’s most successful professional sporting clubs and New South Wales’ leading women’s sporting team. Established in 1997, they are a Foundation Club of Australia’s national netball competition, winning seven premierships and reaching a record 13 Grand Finals.

Owned and operated by Netball NSW, the Swifts represent the highest level of a network supporting more than 115,000 registered netball participants across the state. The Club is recognised for its commitment to elite performance, talent development and sustained success, while inspiring future generations of athletes and advancing women’s sport. Guided by an ambitious, athlete-centred culture, the Swifts strive for excellence on and off the court, fostering an environment where athletes, staff and stakeholders can thrive.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The NSW Swifts Physiotherapist leads the delivery of physiotherapy, injury prevention, rehabilitation and return-to-play services to maximise athlete health, availability and performance throughout the Suncorp Super Netball season. As a key member of the High-Performance team, the role provides evidence-based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation while collaborating with coaches, strength and conditioning staff, medical practitioners and athlete wellbeing personnel.

The Physiotherapist develops injury prevention strategies, load management plans, return-to-play protocols and athlete education initiatives, with a strong focus on the health needs of elite female athletes, including pregnancy, postpartum and pelvic health. Through expert clinical care and collaboration, the role supports sustained performance, athlete wellbeing and on-court success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning, Performance & Clinical Governance:

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach and relevant physical preparation service providers to develop integrated athlete preparation and performance plans.
• Work in partnership with the Coaching Panel and High Performance Team to design and deliver a holistic, athlete-centred High-Performance program.
• Lead the effective use and reporting of the Athlete Management System (AMS) to support evidence-based decision making and athlete monitoring.
• In conjunction with the Strength & Conditioning Coach, Team Doctor and broader Medical Team, maximise athlete availability through proactive injury prevention strategies, effective return-to-play planning and minimisation of injury recurrence.
• Develop, oversee and present long-term rehabilitation plans for injured athletes as required.
• Lead match-day physical preparation and recovery processes, ensuring athletes are optimally prepared for competition demands.
• Conduct athlete screening, physical assessments and injury risk evaluations as required.
• In consultation with the High-Performance Manager, identify, source and maintain essential physiotherapy and medical equipment required to support athlete care.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive and confidential clinical records and treatment notes in accordance with professional standards and organisational requirements.
• Provide clinical leadership, oversight and governance of the QBE Swifts Academy Medical Program, ensuring injury management and rehabilitation protocols align with NSW Swifts best-practice standards.
• Mentor, coach and support the ongoing professional development of the Academy Physiotherapist through guidance, case reviews, clinical supervision and skill development.

Athlete Care, Rehabilitation & Match Day Support:

• Deliver physiotherapy assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and performance support services to NSW Swifts athletes.
• Facilitate and coordinate athlete treatment and consultation opportunities around team activities including training sessions, court programs, travel commitments and matches, with treatment delivery based from Netball Central whenever possible.
• Provide comprehensive match-day preparation services, including stretching, warm-up supervision, strapping, taping, recovery treatments and massage where required.
• Monitor athlete injuries and rehabilitation progression, ensuring prescribed rehabilitation programs are completed effectively and in a timely manner.
• In consultation with the Team Doctor, initiate and oversee appropriate post-injury management and rehabilitation protocols.
• Attend NSW Swifts training sessions as required and all designated home and away fixtures.
• Attend Strength & Conditioning sessions where required and as agreed with the Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach.
• Participate in all NSW Swifts High Performance Team meetings, typically held weekly.
• Attend and contribute to weekly recovery and rehabilitation sessions.

Communication, Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Provide regular updates on athlete health, injury status and rehabilitation progress to the Head Coach and High-Performance Manager.
• Work collaboratively with the Team Doctor and Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach to support medical decision-making and integrated athlete management.
• Provide direct line management and clinical leadership to the QBE Swifts Academy Physiotherapist, including workload management, performance feedback and development planning.
• Establish clear reporting structures and facilitate regular case discussions between Academy and NSW Swifts medical staff, ensuring prompt escalation of complex or high-risk cases.
• Collaborate with national and international team medical and performance personnel to ensure continuity of care, workload monitoring and rehabilitation planning for shared athletes.

Reporting & Performance Management:

• Provide regular performance, injury and rehabilitation updates to the High-Performance Manager and Head Coach.
• Prepare and submit reports, presentations and medical updates as requested by the High-Performance Manager, Head Coach and Executive General Manager.
• Contribute to performance reviews, medical planning and strategic initiatives designed to enhance athlete availability and performance outcomes.

General Responsibilities:

• Actively uphold, promote and model the values, policies and standards of Netball NSW.
• Contribute positively to the broader Netball NSW team environment and organisational culture.
• Maintain professional registration, certifications and continuing professional development requirements.
• Comply with all Work Health & Safety, safeguarding and risk management obligations.
• Undertake additional duties as reasonably directed by the NSW Swifts Head Coach or High-Performance Manager.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification in Physiotherapy.
• Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Demonstrated experience working within elite or high-performance sporting environments.
• Proven experience managing groups of athletes within professional or high-performance programs.
• Experience developing and implementing injury prevention, rehabilitation and return-to-play programs.

Desirable:

• Experience within professional team sports.
• Experience leading or mentoring physiotherapy or sports medicine staff.
• Experience using athlete management and performance monitoring systems.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of elite sport environments, athlete management principles and high-performance culture.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise and manage multiple competing demands.
• Advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Strong knowledge of injury prevention, rehabilitation and return-to-play frameworks.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and extensive travel.
• Commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection and professional growth.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build credibility and trusted relationships with athletes, coaches and stakeholders.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• High-level problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• An athlete-centred approach with a strong service mindset.
• Commitment to Work Health & Safety and clinical governance standards.
• Professional, proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced high-performance environment.
• Passion for elite sport and a willingness to contribute beyond the core scope of the role when required.
• Demonstrated alignment with Netball NSW values and culture.
• Understanding and acceptance of the flexible and extended hours required in professional sport.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK (WWCC)

In accordance with Child Protection legislation candidates will be required to provide a Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance number for verification by Netball NSW prior to employment. Selection of the successful candidate will be based upon the results of child protection screening and relevant reference checks.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Netball NSW is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally diverse backgrounds; young people; older workers; people with disabilities; the LGBTQIA+ community; and other under-represented groups.