The Gunnedah netball finals will commence this weekend amid an improved atmosphere of fair play, the sport's governing body has said.
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Steve Betts, Gunnedah Netball Association president, said a "pretty much brand-new and smaller" committee this year had made fair play its No.1 concern as it looked to increase an already "very strong" participation rate.
A junior and a senior award linked to fair play was introduced this year.
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Betts, in his first year in the role, said the association wanted to make the sport "more fun and a more positive family-orientated environment".
He said: "As an association we really just wanted to create a really good team environment, and really focus on people being good sports and working as a team, rather than wholly focusing on winning and losing."
"It's been good," he added. "Everyone's appeared to really enjoy their time on the court, as far as that goes."
As part of the bid to boost player numbers, the association has reintroduced its summer twilight competition this year - which will also feature male players. It will commence at the conclusion of the current season.
Betts said the reintroduction of the twilight competition would result in total player registrations of between 200-250 this year.
"Across Australia it's [netball] the most participated women's sport ... I think Gunnedah is reflective of that. We've had good numbers this season," he said.
