Netball Nights – Guidelines on Enforcing the Rules

Game Rules & Umpiring

While Netball Nights is all about having fun, it’s essential that we follow the rules of the game to ensure fairness and safety for all players.

During the first few weeks of a new league, umpires may allow players a second chance to correct minor technical faults (e.g., stepping onto the court while taking a throw-in).
However, after this period, rules will be enforced more strictly.
If you don’t understand a decision, umpires will be happy to explain, but you must ask politely. They may ask you to wait until half-time or full-time to maintain the game’s flow.
Rules regarding player safety, such as contact and obstruction, will be strictly enforced from the start of the league.

📺 For a quick overview of netball rules, watch this video: Netball Rules Video

Jewellery & Nails

Jewellery

All jewellery must be removed before playing. This includes earrings, rings, and necklaces.
Exceptions:
- Ear cartilage piercings that cannot be easily removed must have a flexi bar and ball fitted (no hoops allowed). These must be covered with micropore tape and a headband after an umpire’s inspection.
- Dermal piercings must be covered with micropore tape and may require additional padding.
- A plain wedding band or flat medical/religious bracelet may be worn if taped and covered.
Failure to remove jewellery will result in a player not being allowed to participate.

Nails

Nails must be short and smooth, with a maximum length of 1mm (should not be visible from the underside of the finger).
Players will not be allowed to start a match with long nails to prevent injuries.

Standings

League standings are updated weekly to reflect match results.

Sportsmanship

Netball Nights is a social league—competitiveness is welcome, but respect is mandatory.
Any behaviour deemed unacceptable (e.g., abuse towards players or umpires) may result in suspension or removal from the game or league.

Umpires & Decision Making

Umpires have full control of the game.
Their decisions are final and must be respected.
Common penalties include:
- Free pass
- Penalty pass (or penalty pass or shot)
- Throw-in
- Toss-up

Mixed Netball Team Rules

A maximum of three men are allowed on the court at any time.
They must be positioned across different thirdsof the court:
- One man must play in an attacking position (GA or GS).
- One man must play in a mid-court position (C, WA, or WD).
- One man must play in a defending position (GD or GK).

Player Expectations

As a Netball Nights player, you agree to:
✅ Respect the umpires and their decisions.
✅ Adhere to the rules of the game.
✅ Promote fair play and uphold the spirit of the game.
✅ Avoid bullying, offensive language, and poor behaviour towards players or umpires.
✅ Communicate respectfully with teammates, opponents, and officials.
✅ Raise any concerns via your team captain during breaks, not during play.
✅ Accept that mistakes happen and enjoy the game.

Netball Rules – Overview

The Official Netball Rules are set by the International Netball Federation (INF). Below is a summary of key rules to help you play safely and enjoyably.

For a full rulebook, visit England Netball or download the Netball Rules App.

Team & Substitutions

A team consists of 7 players (minimum 5 players, including a Centre, required to start).
Up to 12 players can be registered per season.
Substitutions:
- Allowed between quarters or if a player is injured.
- No limit to the number of substitutions.
- If late-arriving players join, they must wait until the next centre pass.

Covering Players

Players can only cover within their league:
- Higher division players cannot play in a lower division.
- Lower division players may play up but should not replace an available registered player.
- Teams borrowing four or more players for a match will forfeit the game.

Key Gameplay Rules

Playing Positions & Responsibilities

Each player has a specific role on the court:

GS (Goal Shooter) – Scores goals and works with GA.
GA (Goal Attack) – Feeds GS and scores goals.
WA (Wing Attack) – Feeds the shooting circle.
C (Centre) – Links defence and attack, takes centre passes.
WD (Wing Defence) – Defends against WA.
GD (Goal Defence) – Defends against GA.
GK (Goal Keeper) – Defends against GS.

Starting the Game – Centre Pass

The first centre pass is decided by a coin toss.
Centre passes alternate between teams after each goal.
Players must be positioned correctly before the whistle is blown.

Footwork Rule

A player cannot move their landing foot once they receive the ball.
Pivoting is allowed, but hopping or dragging the landing foot is not permitted.

Offside Rule

Players cannot enter areas of the court not designated for their position.

Obstruction Rule

Defenders must be at least 3ft (0.9m) away from the ball carrier.
Jumping to intercept is allowed but must not reduce this distance upon landing.

Contact & Contest

Contact is a foul, and contest is fair play.
Contact includes:
- Pushing, tripping, or leaning on an opponent.
- Hitting the ball out of an opponent’s hands.
- Physically blocking an opponent’s movement.
If contact occurs, a penalty pass is awarded to the opposing team.

Throw-Ins & Over-a-Third Rule

The ball must not be thrown over two transverse lines without being touched.
Throw-ins must be taken correctly (foot near the line but not on it).

Penalties & Free Passes

A player must stand out of play if penalised.
The infringer must not move or talk until the ball is released.
Free passes and penalties must be taken within 3 seconds.

Shooting

Only GS and GA may score goals.
They must be inside the goal circle when taking a shot.

Replayed Ball

A player cannot lose possession and regain the ball unless another player or the post touches it first.

Respecting the Umpires

Umpires are there to ensure fair play.
If unsure about a call, look at the umpire’s positioning for guidance.
Excessive arguing or poor behaviour may result in disciplinary action.

By following these guidelines, we ensure that Netball Nights remains a fun, competitive, and respectful environment for everyone!