What is a sanction or action?

Rule 6

During a match, if a player breaks a rule, the umpire penalises the infringement and gives the non-offending team either a sanction or an action.

• Sanctions and actions are awarded to a team, not a specific player.

• Any player allowed in that area can take it.

• It must be taken from the spot shown by the umpire.

In taking a sanction or action, the player must obey all other rules (e.g. footwork, timing). 

SANCTION = Penalty Pass or Free Pass

ACTION = Possession or Throw-in

Penalty Pass

A penalty pass is taken from where the player who committed the infringement was standing, unless this would unfairly disadvantage the other team.

The player who infringed must stand out of play. This means they must:

• Move quickly to the spot shown by the umpire.

• Stand next to, but not close enough to interfere with, the player taking the penalty.

• Stay still and not talk or take part in play until the ball is released.

No other defender can obstruct or contact the player taking the penalty before the ball is released.

• If this happens, a new penalty pass is given from where the second player was standing.

• Both infringing players must then stand out of play.

A shooter can choose to pass the ball or take a shot at goal.

If the siren sounds before a penalty pass or shot is taken in the goal circle:

• The umpire blows the whistle to end the quarter.

• Time is extended so the shooter can take the shot.

A player in the correct position for a penalty pass can choose to play the ball before the sanction is fully set - this means that they don't need to wait for the infringing player to stand beside them. However the infringing player can't defend or participate in play. 

Free pass

A free pass is taken from the spot where the infringement happened. 

The player who infringed does not have to stand out of play.

If a shooter takes a free pass in the goal circle, they cannot shoot for goal — they must pass the ball.

Sanction: Free pass and no goal is scored. 

Terminology: Shooting from free pass. 

Throw-in

A throw-in is used to restart play when the ball goes out of court, and is taken from the point where the ball crossed the side or goal line by the team that did not touch it last.

The player taking the throw-in must:

• Stand outside the court with at least one foot within 15 cm of the line (landing foot).

• Not step into any offside area while holding the ball.

• Not enter the court (or touch the line) until the ball is released.

• Ensure the ball enters the court.

All normal rules — including footwork, timing (three seconds), and passing distances (short pass) — still apply. 

Sanction: Throw-in to the opposition

Terminology: Incorrect throw-in

The ball must be thrown:

• From the goal line → into the goal third.

• From the side line → into the nearest or adjacent third.

Sanction: Free pass in the third where the ball entered incorrectly 

Terminology: Over a third

Defending a throw-in

• A player who goes off the court to get the ball must be allowed to come back on at the same spot — opponents cannot block them from re-entering.

Sanction: Penalty pass 

Terminology: Preventing re-entry

• A defender cannot obstruct the player taking the throw-in.

Sanction: Penalty pass

Terminology: Obstruction

Possession

During a match, umpires may award possession of the ball to a team.

If possession is awarded in the goal circle, the Goal Shooter or Goal Attack may either pass or shoot for goal.

If both teams infringe at the same time (simultaneous or mutual infringement), possession is given to the team that last had the ball, and play restarts from where the ball was when play stopped.

Examples:

• Two opposing players go offside at the same time.

• At a centre pass, two opposing players enter the centre third before the whistle and one or both touch or catch the ball. 

If two opponents grab the ball almost at the same time, the umpire may call “possession” and name the team and position of the player who gained it first so they can play the ball. The other player must immediately remove their hands or they will be penalised for contact. In this situation, the pass must be taken by the player and position that was called.

Quiz

☑️ Complete the short quiz below to check your understanding.