RULES OF PLAY

RULES OF NETBALL

What’s new in the Rules of Netball 

World Netball introduced an updated edition of the Rules of Netball in December 2023, which applies to international matches, and all affiliated competitions and events in Australia from 1 January 2024.

Educational Resources

To ensure that all members of the Netball Family are educated on the new Rules of Netball, World Netball has created educational resources, including videos and PDFs, detailing these changes. You can view the videos and documents at World Netball's website. 

SET Tier Modified Rules

7-8 year olds 

• Children should be taught the proper rules of Netball from the very beginning of their netball journey (3 seconds etc. with the exception of rules like 3 feet where there is a noted difference for participants in NetSetGO). The modified rules should be used by umpires as they umpire the game and allow for participants to learn and refine skills while experiencing success.   

• Teaching the rules this way means less confusion for participants than if we change the time they can hold the ball from 5 second to 4 seconds and then finally to 3 seconds. They always learn 3 second but umpires can allow them up to 4 or 5 seconds during a game.  

•  Associations should take the lead in making sure all centres and umpires are on the same page with the rules before the start of a modified competition. 

Goal post 

2.4m high

Ball 

Size 4 

Time to pass ball 

Up to 5 seconds 

Short pass 

Ball must be thrown (not handed) to another player. 

If two players from the same team gain possession of the ball in quick succession, this is not considered a short pass. 

Replayed ball 

A player who fumbles while gaining possession of the ball will not be considered to have replayed the ball. 

A player may bat or bounce the ball up to 2 times to gain possession. 

Footwork 

1-2 steps to regain balance allowed. 

Centre Pass 

Centre pass is taken by the non-scoring team. 

Offside 

A player who moves into an incorrect playing area and self-corrects should not be penalised for offside. Players may “play on” in the case of simultaneous offside (one player touches the ball). Players should be given guidance if they move into offside areas and should not be penalised at the first instance. If a player regularly goes offside, even after guidance is given, they may be penalised. 

Breaking 

A player who breaks on the centre pass should not be penalised for breaking. 

Defending 

Strict one-on-one defence. Players may not defend a shot at goal. 

Obstruction 

Players should be given guidance if they are obstructing i.e. defending from a distance of less than 1.2m or have arms away from the body so as to limit the movement of an opponent and should not be penalised at the first instance.  If a player regularly obstructs, even after guidance is given, they may be penalised.

Substitutions

The game time should be evenly distributed amongst all players. A team can make unlimited substitutions. Players should experience all positions over the course of the program/season. 

Penalty Pass 

Player taking the penalty pass must stand in the correct position and wait for the offending player to stand out of play before passing.  

Advantage 

The advantage rule should not be applied, with the exception of advantage goal. 

Game Management 

Game Management section does not apply. 

Coaching 

The coach may enter the field of play to provide players with immediate feedback as required. If the game is one-sided, coaches should use any means necessary to ensure a good experience for all players. This could include rotating players into new positions or resting more skilled players. Coaches also umpire their own games.

Awards and scoring 

No scores should be kept and no finals are played. No best and fairest awards to be awarded.

Making substitutions during play

Coaches are able to make unlimited substitutions. The substitute shall tag the player leaving the court. They must not interfere with play during the substitution process and observe the Offside rule.