Netball WA has taken a proactive step to strengthen how its frontline staff respond to challenging situations, completing a dedicated de‑escalation workshop delivered by Evolve WA through the True Sport program.
The session, held in March 2026 leading into the winter season, focused on practical skills for recognising early signs of escalation, responding calmly and confidently, and supporting positive experiences for players, coaches, officials, and families.
“The workshop was great. The facilitator was excellent and our staff really enjoyed it. The workbook and PowerPoint resources were also very useful. Evolve WA were easy to work with - very organised. We’re glad we did it and feel it would be beneficial for other SSAs and clubs.”
— Jo Smith, Stakeholder & Operations Manager, Netball WA
What the training covered
- De‑escalation foundations: Principles, early warning signs, and practical language to reduce tension.
- Frontline application: Scenario‑based practice for reception, game‑day, and community interactions.
- Tools and takeaways: A concise workbook and slide deck to reinforce learning and support ongoing use.
- Quality facilitation: An engaging, skilled facilitator ensured concepts were accessible and immediately applicable.
Proven experience in community sport
Evolve WA are highly experienced in supporting community sport and have partnered with a wide range of organisations, including (but not limited to):
- Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles
- Royal Life Saving Society WA Inc (RLSSWA) and Royal Lifesaving WA
- Sailability
- Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport
- Scouts WA (numerous groups), SEDA Sports College, and Darling Range Sports College
- Sport and Recreation teams across 12 separate local government organisations
This depth of sector experience means Evolve WA understands the environments, staffing pressures, and community expectations unique to sport—and can tailor learning that staff can use immediately.
Why it matters
Frontline staff are often the first point of contact in community sport. Equipping them with de‑escalation skills helps:
- Protect mental health and wellbeing of staff and volunteers by reducing stress and burnout.
- Support positive participant experiences through calm, consistent responses to difficult situations.
- Strengthen club culture by aligning behaviours with values of respect, safety, and inclusion.
A sector-wide opportunity
Netball WA’s experience highlights the value of targeted, practical training that staff can use straight away. Their endorsement reinforces the importance of mental health literacy and tools such as de‑escalation skills across sport, and the potential benefits for other State Sporting Associations and community clubs.
SportWest congratulates Netball WA on their commitment to proactive mental health and wellbeing for both their administrators, community engagement staff and volunteers.
Get involved
For more information or if your sporting organisation is interested in upcoming workshops and webinars, get in touch with the True Sport team at SportWest via email truesport@sportwest.com.au
