The Court

Netball Court

A Netball Court is 30.5m long and 15.25m wide. The longer sides are called the side lines and the shorter sides the goal lines. The court is divided into three equal parts, a center third and two goal thirds. These sections are marked by two transverse lines parallel to the goal lines. Each third measures 10.167m wide. The goal circle is a semi‑­circle 4.9m in radius and its center is the midpoint of the goal line. The center circle is 0.9m in diameter and is marked in the center of the court. All lines are part of the court and 50mm wide, preferably white. It is recommended that they are a textured, water‑­based acrylic, straight and have clean, crisp edges.

Gradient

For outdoor courts the gradient is a 1% cross fall in both directions or a 1% fall diagonally on one single constant plane. Indoor courts are a flat surface without a gradient change.

Run-off

The minimum run‑­off on all side lines and baselines is 3.05m. Where there are multiple courts, the run‑­off is 3.65m between courts. Run‑­off zones are free of all obstacles and the same surface type and level as the court.

Goals posts

The goal posts are round, 3.05m high and placed at the midpoint of each goal line. The diameter of the goal posts is 65mm‑­100mm in diameter and inserted into the ground or sleeved beneath the floor. The goal post is placed so that the back of the goal post is outside of the goal line. The ring is 380mm in diameter and fitted with a net. The ring itself is 15mm thick and has a 150mm length connection to the post. The net is white cotton mesh or chain mesh, open at both ends. Both ring and net are part of the goal post.

Match Structure

According to standard netball rules, matches are split into four quarters. Each quarter lasts 15 minutes (amateur matches may be shorter) with a 5 minute break between the 2nd and 3rd quarter (half time). The teams switch ends after each quarter.

Match Start and Restart

The match starts with a center pass, which is taken by the Centre in the center circle. Other than the opposing Centre, all players must start in either their defensive or attacking goal third, defending on their position e.g. a Goal Defence must start the match in their defensive goal third.

When the umpire blows the whistle to signify the start of play, the Center will attempt to pass the ball to a teammate. The ball must be caught in the center third. If a player receives the ball in the goal third without it being touched in the center third, the other team is awarded a free pass.

After a goal is scored, players return to their starting positions and another center pass is taken. The teams take alternate center passes, regardless of which team has just scored.