Objects of Substance – Interform Netball Shields

sports teacher, Clara Baer. However, importantly for the popularity and dissemination of the game, the rules were codified by Martina Bergman-Osterberg in 1893 and taught at her Physical Education College in England. It was not uncommon for Australian educators to receive their academic qualifications in England and return to Australia, bringing new credentials and ideas. Dorothy Brockway, Physical Education teacher at Girls Grammar from 1913 to 1934, was one of these women. Though Brockway trained at Southport Physical Training College, England, syllabi were similar across these English physical training colleges. Interschool and Interform (Women’s) Basket Ball appears to have been introduced to Girls Grammar in 1913, during Dorothy Brockway’s first year on staff, although Miss Florence Hunt BSc (London) was listed as coach and umpire. Fortunately, 1913 also saw the introduction of the School Magazine and, subsequently, we have a list of the sporting activities Grammar girls could experience in that year. These included Tennis, (Women’s) Basket Ball, Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, Gardening (for boarders), Club-swinging, and Swedish Drill. Referring to Women’s Basket Ball, the 1913 Magazine explains that ‘(t)his game is quite new at school, and at first was taken up in April quite eagerly’. The report continues with a description of the outcomes of the various forms’ competition held in August and September and finishes with ‘(t)he first interform match between the Sixth and the Fourth resulted in a draw, but the Sixth succeeded in winning the final match, thus securing first place in the form matches’ (1913 BGGS Magazine). From 1913 to 1925, the sport was referred to as ‘Basket Ball’ with many reports, found in the magazines under Form Notes, of different forms’ successes. One of the most iconic images in our archives is Dorothy Hill’s photograph of the 1923 V versus VI Basket Ball Shield match which V Form (Year 11) won.

1923 V v VI Netball Shield competition