Basic Rules of Netball
Be aware that as of Season 2008 / 2009 the new rules from IFNA will
be implemented.
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The following guidelines are only a snapshot of the current rules of
the game and should not be seen as a substitute for the Official Rule
Book. Official Rule Books can be purchased from our Avon League Umpiring
Secretary or from our NatWest Umpiring Secretary.
Netball is played on a rectangular court, which is divided into areas
called thirds. There are two goal thirds and between them is the centre
third. The centre circle is in the middle of the centre third and this
is where play begins. At the end of each goal third is a `goal circle’,
which is actually a semi-circle around the goal hoop. All goals must
be shot by a player within the goal circle.
The teams have a goal post each and can only score by shooting the
ball through their own hoop.
Each player is allowed in only a certain area of the court and the
lines on the court are part of the playing area.
Starting play
Play is started with a pass from the centre circle – this is called
the centre pass. There is a centre pass at the beginning of each quarter
and half, and after each goal is scored. The teams take turns making the
centre pass. The person making the centre pass must stand in the centre
circle and it is her responsibility to make her way into the circle quickly,
or she be penalised for delaying play. The opposing centre can stand anywhere
in the centre third but all other players must stay in the goal thirds
(behind the middle third lines) until the umpire blows the whistle to
start play, they may also be penalised for delaying play if they too make
their way into the goal thirds slowly. The centre pass has to be received
in the centre third.
Offside
Each player is allowed in only a certain area of the court. If a player
steps into an area or any part of their body touches the ground in an
area their playing position is not allowed to go, will be ruled offside.
Stepping
Once a player has landed with the ball, the first landed foot is called
the grounded foot and must either stay on the ground or in the air until
the ball is passed on. Regrounding that same foot a second time while
still in possession of the ball is a step which will result in a free
pass to the opposition. Similarly, a hop, slide or drag of the grounded
foot is not permitted.
Playing the ball
Once the ball has been caught, the player must pass it or shoot for goal
within three seconds. Once a player has released the ball, she may not
replay the ball until it has been touched by another player.
Obstruction
When a player is defending another player or trying to intercept the
ball they must be at least 0.9 metres away from the grounded foot of
the player who has the ball.
Contact
A player is not allowed to physically contact an opponent if it disrupts
or stops that person from playing, unless the player is not impeded and
play continues. Pushing the ball out of an opponent’s hands is also
not permitted.
Penalty pass or shot
For contact, obstruction or moving the goalpost penalties, the offending
player must stand down from play, away from the thrower and where the
umpire has indicated, it is the Umpires responsibility to set the penalty,
it is the players responsibility to make sure she is in the correct position,
and her penalised opponent is beside her when taking the penalty, otherwise
she will be penalised for not setting her penalty and a free pass will
be awarded to the opposition.. A goal shooter or goal attack taking the
penalty pass or shot in the goal circle can either pass the ball or shoot
for goal.
Throw in
When the ball goes out of court, the umpire takes note of which team
touched it last. The throw in is then taken by a player from the opposing
team close to where the ball went out of court. Standing close to the
line from the outside of court, the player has three seconds to get
the ball back in play.
Umpires
Two umpires have control of the game and make the on-court decisions
about the run of play.
POSITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Each position has a main role to play:
GS - To score goals and to work in and around the circle with
the GA
GA - To feed and work with GS and to score goals
WA - To feed the circle players giving them shooting opportunities
C - To take the Centre Pass and to link the defence and the attack
WD - To look for interceptions and to prevent the WA from feeding
the circle
GD - To win the ball and reduce the effectiveness of the GA
GK - To work with the GD and to prevent the GS from scoring goals
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Frequently asked questions
Q. As a Centre at a centre pass, I am constantly being penalised
for footwork. The umpire states that as I walk in to the circle
on my left foot this is deemed to be my landing foot. Is this right?
A. The footwork rule applies after the whistle is blown for the
Centre Pass, therefore it does not matter which foot you enter
into the circle first, as long as the centre is wholly in the centre
circle when the whistle is blown. Rule 12.2.1 page 32 (Official
Netball Rules Book)
Q. As a Goal Shooter I sometimes land on the back line, but not
over it. Should I be penalised for out of court?
A. All lines are part of the court Rule 1.1.5
page 8. Lines bounding each area are part of that area. Rule 8.2
(page 26) Therefore you should not have been penalised for out of
court.
Q. During a recent match, I noticed the Umpire was umpiring from
a position on the court and not moving along the back line, is
this correct?
A. No! The only reason an Umpire should go on
the court is to award a toss-up. Rule 3.1.6 (v) page 14 and Rule
3.1.6 (vii) page 15 states Each Umpire shall move along the Side
line and behind the goal line to view play and make decisions. They
may cut off the corner to be able to keep up with play, as long
as you are not interferring with play.
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