Melbourne School Competition
Melbourne School Downball Competition
The Melbourne School Downball Competition is Melbourne's premier school downball tournament, held once per term for students from Kindy to Year 12 across VIC. Handball Australia runs structured 4 square individual and team-based downball competitions across Melbourne, welcoming 150+ schools each term.
Each Melbourne downball competition features 75+ trophies, medals, hats and awards, giving every student the chance to compete, improve and be recognised for their downball skills.
Why Join the Melbourne School Downball Competition?
- Open to all students from Kindy to Year 12 across Melbourne VIC
- Held every school term at venues across Melbourne
- Individual and team-based downball tournaments
- 75+ trophies, medals, hats and awards every competition
- Safe, fun and structured environment for kids of all skill levels
- Part of the VIC School Downball Rankings
MELBOURNE SCHOOL'S DOWNBALL COMPETITION
- Term 3 Sunday 23rd August 2026
- State Netball & Hockey Centre (SNHC)
- Location: Court 5
- Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Address: 10 Brens Drive, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052
- Cost: $33 +GST
- Year 1 - Year 12
- 50+ Trophies, Medals, Hats & Awards
- 50+ Schools Invited
- Enrolment deadline: Friday 5pm before the event or earlier if capacity reached
- Term 4 Sunday 29th November 2026
- State Netball & Hockey Centre (SNHC)
- Location: Court 5
- Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Address: 10 Brens Drive, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052
Need help? Click a question below to view the answer.
Do I have to enroll via the school?
No. As a parent, you enrol individually for your child. It is both an individual player competition and a combined school competition. If other students enrol from the same school, their points automatically contribute to the school tally.
Late enrolment
Will not be accepted. Due to the immense administration and grading tasks needed, enrolments cut off strictly on Friday at 5pm before the event, or earlier if capacity is reached.
Do I need to sign in before competition start?
No need to sign in or come to the front desk. All information is on our website and has been sent via email/SMS. Please read it beforehand. Any major issues can be handled at the front desk.
What is your refund policy?
A full refund or credit will be given if you cancel for any reason. Please inform us before the event if your child cannot attend.
How do you Grade students?
We grade using 5 primary methods:
- Previous results and state rankings.
- School Year group (Years 1-12).
- Skill level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) as indicated by parents.
- School distribution (to ensure variety on each court).
- Active movement/grading during the first 15 minutes of the tournament.
Can my child be placed with their friends?
We try our best, but grading for standard and school diversity is our priority to prevent unfair advantages. We may conduct further grading during the first 15 minutes. Please respect our 26 years of experience in managing these scenarios.
If I’m in Year 3 do I play with year 6’s?
Yes. If you are good enough, you will move into higher age groups. Similarly, Year 10s may move into lower age groups if they are struggling.
Referee/umpires
Downball is self-refereed, like tennis, golf, and downball played at school. We teach children the Good Sport steps: 1. Discuss, 2. Vote, 3. Replay, and 4. Teacher. These steps teach children to fish, not give them a fish. These steps are challenging and take time to learn, but are important for developing these life long skills.
What happens if it rains?
This is an indoor venue. We are on rain, hail, or shine!
How do you win?
Stay in Ace the longest. Every rally you remain in Ace (the top court) while someone else gets out earns you a "peg point."
School Bonus Points Multiplier| Court | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Court 1 | 1 peg point x 3 points |
| Court 2 | 1 peg point x 2.75 points |
| Court 3 | 1 peg point x 2.5 points |
| Court 4 | 1 peg point x 2.25 points |
| Court 5 | 1 peg point x 2 points |
| Court 6 | 1 peg point x 1.75 points |
| Court 7 | 1 peg point x 1.5 points |
| Court 8 | 1 peg point x 1.25 points |
| Courts 9-20 | 1 peg point = 1 point |
Court 1 = 100 bonus points; Court 2 = 90; Court 3 = 80; Court 4 = 70; Court 5 = 60; Court 6 = 50; Court 7 = 40; Court 8 = 30; Court 9 = 20; Court 10-20 = 10 points.
Spirit & Handicaps:
Earn balls, PRIME, or 10 points for cheering. Totals are adjusted based on school size (e.g., >20 students / 2; >50 students / 3.5) to keep competition fair.
Earn balls, PRIME, or 10 points for cheering. Totals are adjusted based on school size (e.g., >20 students / 2; >50 students / 3.5) to keep competition fair.
What Awards are there?
75+ trophies, medallions, handballs, prizes, hats, PRIME drinks, and certificates.
Does everyone get a prize/award/trophy?
No. We are generous with awards, but they must be earned. This teaches children to cherish what they work for. If you disagree, please inform us on the checkout form.
Can I win multiple awards?
Yes. You could win for your school, be best on your court, and be the best sportsman—earning up to 3+ awards.
Do I have to wear school sport uniform?
No, any sports clothing is fine. However, wearing school clothes, flags, or custom shirts helps with the "Best School" cheering and support awards.
MELBOURNE SCHOOL'S DOWNBALL COMPETITION
- Term 3 Sunday 23rd August 2026
- State Netball & Hockey Centre (SNHC)
- Location: Court 5
- Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Address: 10 Brens Drive, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052
- Cost: $33 +GST
- Year 1 - Year 12
- 50+ Trophies, Medals, Hats & Awards
- 50+ Schools Invited
- Enrolment deadline: Friday 5pm before the event or earlier if capacity reached
- Term 4 Sunday 29th November 2026
- State Netball & Hockey Centre (SNHC)
- Location: Court 5
- Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Address: 10 Brens Drive, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052
Need help? Click a question below to view the answer.
Do I have to enroll via the school?
No. As a parent, you enrol individually for your child. It is both an individual player competition and a combined school competition. If other students enrol from the same school, their points automatically contribute to the school tally.
Late enrolment
Will not be accepted. Due to the immense administration and grading tasks needed, enrolments cut off strictly on Friday at 5pm before the event, or earlier if capacity is reached.
Do I need to sign in before competition start?
No need to sign in or come to the front desk. All information is on our website and has been sent via email/SMS. Please read it beforehand. Any major issues can be handled at the front desk.
What is your refund policy?
A full refund or credit will be given if you cancel for any reason. Please inform us before the event if your child cannot attend.
How do you Grade students?
We grade using 5 primary methods:
- Previous results and state rankings.
- School Year group (Years 1-12).
- Skill level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) as indicated by parents.
- School distribution (to ensure variety on each court).
- Active movement/grading during the first 15 minutes of the tournament.
Can my child be placed with their friends?
We try our best, but grading for standard and school diversity is our priority to prevent unfair advantages. We may conduct further grading during the first 15 minutes. Please respect our 26 years of experience in managing these scenarios.
If I’m in Year 3 do I play with year 6’s?
Yes. If you are good enough, you will move into higher age groups. Similarly, Year 10s may move into lower age groups if they are struggling.
Referee/umpires
Downball is self-refereed, like tennis, golf, and downball played at school. We teach children the Good Sport steps: 1. Discuss, 2. Vote, 3. Replay, and 4. Teacher. These steps teach children to fish, not give them a fish. These steps are challenging and take time to learn, but are important for developing these life long skills.
What happens if it rains?
This is an indoor venue. We are on rain, hail, or shine!
How do you win?
Stay in Ace the longest. Every rally you remain in Ace (the top court) while someone else gets out earns you a "peg point."
School Bonus Points Multiplier| Court | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Court 1 | 1 peg point x 3 points |
| Court 2 | 1 peg point x 2.75 points |
| Court 3 | 1 peg point x 2.5 points |
| Court 4 | 1 peg point x 2.25 points |
| Court 5 | 1 peg point x 2 points |
| Court 6 | 1 peg point x 1.75 points |
| Court 7 | 1 peg point x 1.5 points |
| Court 8 | 1 peg point x 1.25 points |
| Courts 9-20 | 1 peg point = 1 point |
Court 1 = 100 bonus points; Court 2 = 90; Court 3 = 80; Court 4 = 70; Court 5 = 60; Court 6 = 50; Court 7 = 40; Court 8 = 30; Court 9 = 20; Court 10-20 = 10 points.
Spirit & Handicaps:
Earn balls, PRIME, or 10 points for cheering. Totals are adjusted based on school size (e.g., >20 students / 2; >50 students / 3.5) to keep competition fair.
Earn balls, PRIME, or 10 points for cheering. Totals are adjusted based on school size (e.g., >20 students / 2; >50 students / 3.5) to keep competition fair.
What Awards are there?
75+ trophies, medallions, handballs, prizes, hats, PRIME drinks, and certificates.
Does everyone get a prize/award/trophy?
No. We are generous with awards, but they must be earned. This teaches children to cherish what they work for. If you disagree, please inform us on the checkout form.
Can I win multiple awards?
Yes. You could win for your school, be best on your court, and be the best sportsman—earning up to 3+ awards.
Do I have to wear school sport uniform?
No, any sports clothing is fine. However, wearing school clothes, flags, or custom shirts helps with the "Best School" cheering and support awards.