UNIT 6 :NETBALL
Key unit competence: Perform netball techniques and tactics in the
game situation adhering to the rules of the game
6.1. Prerequisite (knowledge, skills, attitudes and values)
Student teachers of year 3 will perform better techniques and tactics of netball
applied in the game situation adhering to the rules of the game if they have
developed basic techniques and tactics of playing netball learnt in year 1 and two.
6.2. Cross-cutting issues to be addressed
• Gender
In teaching and learning process, the tutor must prepare and provide netball
activities that engage both girls and boys equally in exploiting their full potential
and talents without any discrimination or prejudice.
• Inclusive education
The tutor as a facilitator he/she must consider different special education needs
and select activities to adapt his teaching approaches to student teachers. This
creates a positive attitude and helps all student teachers to participate actively
and develop their competence levels.
• Financial education
The tutor should integrate Financial Education into his teaching/learning
activities by providing the local and no cost teaching material where is possible.
He/she must encourage student teachers to make their own materials that
can help them to develop competences not only in netball game but also in
their life.
• Standardization culture
The tutor must choose and select the standardized materials to use in his/
her teaching/learning process of netball. It is necessary to provide appropriate
materials required to the levels of student teachers and help them to develop
culture of checking and using the quality of sport materials for the competitions
before using them in order to prevent injuries and other cases of accident.
• Environment and sustainability
The tutor should provide materials and deliver the lesson by encouraging
student teachers to protect the environment and well use of materials. The
tutor helps them to develop the spirit of keeping safe the environment in which
they use during sports activities by cleaning playgrounds and courts.
• Peace and values education
The tutor helps student teachers to develop fair play and social values by
avoiding violence and conflict in the netball game and by setting clear and
relevant instructions. He/she should provide the activities that help student
teachers to develop their competence peacefully.
• Comprehensive sexuality education
The tutor provides physical activities and sets instructions that prevent sexual
harassment, any kind of gender-based violence like sexual abuse and physical
contacts oriented to the sexuality intention.
• Genocide studies
While conducting netball exercises a tutor should take a time to explain student
teachers how sports should be used to fight against Genocide ideology and
how to prevent it. For example, to organize Genocide memorial tournaments at
school and give the message related to the Genocide
6.3. Guidance on introductory activity
Before introducing the lesson one of this unit, you must introduce the whole unit.
The tutor as a guide, facilitator and expert, asks questions and provides activities
related to the rules of game of playing netball in order to help them to predict
what to be learned in the whole unit.
6.4. List of lessons/sub-heading
Lesson 1: Recall on netball techniques and tactics in the game
situation
a) Learning objective
To overview and perform techniques and tactics of netball
b) Teaching resources
- Balls - Watch - Ring
- Playground - Cones - Whistle
- Chasubles
c) Prerequisites/Revision/Introduction
Student teachers of Year 3 will perform better recalling on netball techniques
and tactics if they can execute techniques and tactics exercises learnt in year
1 and 2.
d) Learning activities
Opening discussions
• Ask questions about netball techniques and tactics learned in year 1 and 2.
• Let student teachers present their findings and introduce the topic of the day.
•Invite student teachers to start warm up exercises.
Warm up exercises and cool down description
• Let student teachers perform general warm up exercises and specific warm
up based on the most body’s parts to be used while performing techniques
and stretch their muscles properly.
• One student teacher leads warm up and stretching exercises.
• Guide them while performing warm up and stretching exercises.
• Help them/demonstrate/correct where is necessary.
e) Lesson development
Task/Activity
Group student teachers into two groups. Let each group choose seven players
to start the game. The game shall take 20min (2 halves). Each players on the
court should perform her/his tasks and responsibilities to accomplish based
on the playing position he/she is occupying while playing.
Variation
The tutor replaces players until all players for each group enter on the ground
in order to participate in the play.
Teaching/learning points to consider
–– Accurately uses of learned tactics (passes, shooting, landing etc.)
–– Taking right playing positions on the ground.
–– How offensive and defensive tactics are being performed.
Cool down exercises
–– Let student teachers do light exercises and stretch their group of muscles
by insisting on most used parts.
–– Randomly, one of student teachers leads cool down exercises.
–– Guide them while stretching their muscles systematically.
–– Help them/demonstrate/correct where is necessary.
Closing discussion
Reflect
–– Which challenges did you face during the execution of passing, receiving,
landing and shooting exercises in netball? Why?
–– What went well during the performance of passing, receiving, landing and
shooting the ball in netball? Why?
Connect
–– What conditions are necessary for a netball prayer to have the best
performance?
Apply
–– How will you do to make better your performance of netball techniques
and tactics after this session?
Lesson 2: Rules of the netball game
a) Learning objective
Explain and interpret official rules of the game of netball
b) Teaching resources
- Balls - Watch
- Whistle - Videos of officiating netball
- Computer/projector - Smart classroom
- Chart/diagrams - Soft/hard copy of netball rules of the game
c) Prerequisites/Revision/Introduction
Student teachers of Year 3 will learn better rules of game of netball if they
have developed techniques and tactics of playing netball learned in year 1 and
year 2.
d) Learning activities
Put student teachers into eight groups and distribute to them the following
questions based on group numbers and let them discuss given questions into
their respective groups. Distribute rules of the game for each group based on
questions given to facilitate student teachers to get resources (if possible, you
may use smart classroom and let them use soft copy of rules of the game of
netball).
• Pass though groups and help them where is necessary. Request student
teachers to choose a secretary to record findings and group representative
who will present their findings.
• Request group representative to present their findings and group members
may support where is necessary.
• After presentation of all groups, use a projector to recap presentations,
show them fouls, and misconduct with the right hand signals to use while
officiating in handball.
Hand signals used in officiating handball game
Application activity
Provide two groups, one with a box which contains cards where written fouls
and unsportsmanlike conduct. Another stay to show umpire signals. In groups,
when one member picks a card written a foul or an unsportsmanlike conduct,
one from another group show the relative umpire signals. Continue the activity
until the prepared cards finished.
Lesson 3: Netball game situation
a) Learning objective
Play game situation adhering to official rules of the game of netball
b) Teaching resources
- Balls - Watch - Playground/Rim and posts
- Cones - Whistle - Chasubles
- Hard copy of netball rules of the game
c) Prerequisites/Revision/Introduction
Student teachers of Year 3 will perform better in game situation if they have
developed techniques and tactics of playing netball game learned in ordinary
year 1 and year 2.
d) Learning activities
Opening discussions
• Ask questions about rules of the game of netball learned in lesson 1 and 2.
• Let student teachers present their findings and introduce the topic of the
day.
• Invite student teachers to start warm up exercises.
Warm up exercises and cool down description
• Let student teachers perform general warm up exercises and specific warm
up based on the most body’s parts to be used while in game performance
stretch their muscles properly.
• One student teacher leads warm up and stretching exercises.
• Guide them while performing warm up and stretching exercises.
• Help them/demonstrate/correct where is necessary.
Points to consider during this game situation
• Time of playing for each match: 6minutes
• The winner is the team, which will gain many points in those three matches.
• Choose one student teacher to lead cool down and invite them to start after
game situation discussion.
• Start by giving time group A, B then C to share what they have recorded
based on rules of the games, decisions taken by officials, effectiveness of
hand signals used, and how officials are taking positions and their movement
during the match. Support them to clarify some rules of the game where is
necessary.
• Close the lesson by asking some questions on what they have been
discussed.
Application activities
Form teams of seven student teachers play netball adhering to rules of the
game on the appropriate court. The winner is the team, which scores three
goals before another.
6.5. Summary of the unit
This unit comprises the reviewing techniques and tactics of netball in game
situation. It describes the rules of the game of netball. It provides time for playing
games adhering to netball rules and helping student teachers to develop their
knowledge and competences in netball.
6.6. Additional Information for tutors
• Umpires
The umpires control a match according to the Rules and decide any matter not
covered by them. Their decisions are final and are given without appeal.
• After the captains have notified the umpires of the result of the toss for goal
end or first centre pass, the umpires toss for goal end. The umpire winning
the toss controls the side line nearer the official bench and the goal end to
the right when facing the court. Each umpire controls the same half of the
court throughout the match.
• An umpire’s whistle :
a) Starts and ends each quarter/half.
b) Restarts play after a goal has been scored.
c) Indicates when an infringement is penalized.
d) May be used to indicate when the ball is out of court if clarification is
needed.
e) Signals when the timekeepers are to hold time for a stoppage and when
to restart timing play.
–– The umpires work co-operatively and may appeal to each other for
decisions. An umpire must be ready for such an appeal at all times.
–– Each umpire controls and gives decisions for one half of the court
including the goal line.
–– Each umpire makes all decisions for the throw in on one side line
including infringements by the player taking the throw in or any
opponent defending that player. If the sanction is awarded in the
co-umpire’s half, the co-umpire resumes control once it has been set.
–– Either umpire may hold time for injury/illness of a player, blood, foul
play, an emergency or other appropriate circumstances.
• Reserve Umpire
–– Replaces an umpire who becomes ill/injured during a match.
–– May assist the umpires with any procedures prior to the match or during
intervals.
–– Is seated at the umpires’ bench during a match.
–– Supervises a suspended player during the suspension period.
• Scorers
The scorers are jointly responsible for keeping an accurate record of the score.
–– Before the start of play, the scorers record the names of all players
(including playing positions for the start of play) and team officials.
–– During the match the scorers:
a) Record any changes of players and/or positions.
b) Record goals scored for each team as they occur as well as any
unsuccessful shots.
c) Keep a record of the centre pass taken by each team.
d) Call the centre pass if appealed to by an umpire.
e) Signal the direction of any centre pass to be taken immediately after a
stoppage.
f) Notify the umpires if a wrong centre pass is indicated.
g) Record any warning, suspension and/or ordering off.
• Timekeepers
The timekeepers are jointly responsible for ensuring that each playing period
and each interval is of the correct length of time. The timekeepers:
–– Notify the umpires when there are 30 seconds and 10 seconds remaining
before the start of a quarter/half.
–– Commence timing when the game is started by the umpire’s whistle.
–– When the playing time specified for a quarter/half has elapsed, notify the
umpires whose whistle ends play.
–– Hold time when signalled to do so by the umpire and restart timing when
the umpire signals for play to resume.
–– Notify the umpires when 10 seconds remain prior to the end of a stoppage
for injury/illness or blood.
Procedures for Centre Pass
Play is started with a centre pass at the beginning of each quarter/half and after
each goal scored.
• The umpires notify the teams when there are 30 seconds and 10 seconds
before the start of a quarter/half.
• The umpire controlling the goal end of the team taking the centre pass
starts the first centre pass in each quarter/half.
• During a quarter/half, the umpire controlling the goal end where the last
goal was scored starts the centre pass.
• Immediately a goal is signalled both umpires indicate the direction of the
next centre pass:
a) If they disagree, the umpires seek clarification from the scorer.
b) In the event that both umpires indicate the centre pass direction
incorrectly, the scorer notifies the umpires.
–– The umpire controlling the centre pass is responsible for penalising
any infringements by the centre taking the centre pass and any
opponent defending the pass (if a sanction is awarded in the coumpire’s
half, the co-umpire assumes control once it is set).
Procedures during Play
The umpires move along the sideline and behind the goal line to view play and
make decisions. They keep off the court during play except to take a toss up.
• The umpires:
a) When penalising an infringement: blow the whistle, state the infringement
and the sanction given, using hand signals to support their decisions.
b) When applying an advantage: refrain from blowing the whistle for an
infringement.
c) Signal a goal has been scored by raising one arm vertically.
–– If the ball strikes the umpire while on the court during play, or if an
umpire interferes with the movements of the players, play does not
cease unless one team has been unduly disadvantaged, in which case
a free pass is awarded to that team.
–– The umpires must not criticise or coach a team while a match is in
progress.
Procedures for Out of Court
The umpires give decisions relating to the goal line in the half each controls and
all of the nearer side line. The umpire controlling the goal/side line is responsible
for:
• Ruling when the ball is out of court and the team to take the throw in (no
whistle is required if it is clear the ball is out of court).
• Penalising infringements by the player taking the throw in or by any
opponent/s defending the throw in (if a sanction is awarded in the coumpire’s
half, the co-umpire resumes control once it is set).
Procedures for Toss Up
• The umpires enter the court to take a toss up as follows:a) In the goal, the umpire controlling that goal end takes circle the toss up.
b) Outside the goal, the nearer umpire who also controls all related
procedures takes circle the toss up.
• The umpire ensures players are correctly positioned before taking a toss up.
• Before taking the toss up, the umpire momentarily is stationary, holding the
ball in the palm of one hand at a point midway between the two players and
just below the shoulder of the shorter player in normal standing position.
• The umpire flicks the ball vertically in the air no more than 600 mm and
simultaneously blows the whistle.
Procedures for Stoppages
• The umpire:
–– Signals to the timekeeper to hold time when required.
–– Where appropriate notifies the players when 10 seconds remain prior to
the end of the stoppage.
–– Signals to the timekeeper when play restarts.
Procedures for Game Management
• The umpire holds time to caution a player, to give a warning, to suspend a
player or to order a player off, also using any hand signal that applies.
• The umpire advises the co-umpire of any warning, suspension or ordering
off.
TYPES OF SANCTIONS
During a match, the umpires may penalize an infringement and award a sanction
to the non-infringing team as follows:
• Free pass: awarded for minor infringements.
• Penalty pass: awarded for major infringements.
• Conditions for all Sanctions
Sanctions are awarded to a team and may be taken by any player allowed
in the area. The player taking the sanction must:
• Take up the position indicated by the umpire as follows:
a) For a free pass: the position is where the infringement occurred.
b) For a penalty pass: the position is where the infringer was standing
unless this disadvantages the non-infringing team.
Sanction: Free pass. If a player deliberately or repeatedly takes a sanction
from the incorrect position, the player will be penalized for delaying play.
• The foot placed at the point indicated is considered as equivalent to a ‘one
foot landing’.
Sanction: Free pass
• Release the ball within 3 seconds of the sanction being set.
Sanction: Free pass
Conditions for Free Pass
A player taking a free pass may not shoot for goal.
Sanction: Free pass – no goal is scored.
Conditions for Penalty Pass
• The infringer must stand out of play. This means the infringer must:
a) Move quickly to the position indicated.
b) Stand beside but away from the player taking the penalty pass so as not
to impede that player.
c) Remain in this position and not move or take any part in play (including
verbal comments) until the ball has been released.
Sanction: A further penalty pass is awarded (which may be advanced if it is
judged to be delaying play).
• An opposing player may not obstruct or contact the player taking a penalty
pass before the ball has been released.
Sanction: Penalty pass where second infringer was standing – both
infringers stand out of play.
• If Goal Shooter or Goal Attack takes a penalty pass in the goal circle the
player may either pass or shoot for goal. If this has been awarded but not
taken when the timekeeper signals the end of a period of play, the penalty
pass must be taken before play is ended.
• A player who is correctly positioned to take a penalty pass may choose to
play the ball before the sanction has been set. If the player chooses to play
the ball immediately:
a) The infringer may not take part in play until the ball has been released
or make any attempt to intercept the penalty pass.
b) The penalty pass will be retaken if the infringer interferes with it.
• If an infringer is substituted or changes positions before a penalty pass is
taken, the player who takes the position of the penalised player stands outof play.
ADVANTAGE
The umpire should refrain from blowing the whistle for an infringement when by
so doing the non-infringing team would be disadvantaged.
• The umpire indicates an advantage is being applied by:
a) Calling ‘advantage’ and stating the infringement.
b) Using the hand signal for advantage.
• If the whistle is blown for an infringement, the sanction must be awarded,
except that if a goal is scored that is to the advantage of the non-infringing
team, the umpire will award the goal.
Failure to Take the Court
• If a team does not have five players present at the start of a quarter/half, the
umpires will wait up to 30 seconds for additional player/s to arrive:
a) If the team takes the court within 30 seconds: the offending team will be
penalized immediately following the whistle for the centre pass.
Sanction: Penalty pass taken in centre third by the transverse line at the
goal end of the non-infringing team – the whistle is blown to start play then
the infringement is penalized. The Centre stands out of play for the penalty
pass.
b) If the team is not able to take the court within 30 seconds: the umpires
will award the match to the opposing team.
• If a team delays taking the court after a stoppage when requested by
the umpires, the umpires penalize the team for delaying as soon as play
resumes. If play was due to restart with a centre pass, the sanction is
awarded immediately following the whistle for the centre pass.
Sanction: Penalty pass that may be advanced unless it disadvantages the
non-infringing team – the whistle is blown to start play then the infringementis penalized.
CENTRE PASS
• Play is started at the beginning of each quarter/half and after each goal by
a centre pass. The Centre of each team takes the centre pass alternately.
• If at a centre pass, the ball is still in the Centre’s hands and no player from
that team has been penalised before the whistle was blown to end the
quarter/half, the centre pass will be ruled not to have been taken.
Positioning of Players for Centre Pass
• The Centre in possession of the ball stands with at least one foot wholly
within the centre circle.
Sanction: Free pass – the whistle is blown for the centre pass then the
infringement is penalised.
• The opposing Centre is in the centre third and free to move.
• All other players are in their respective goal thirds and are free to move but
must not enter the centre third until the whistle has been blown to start play.
Sanction: Free pass – the whistle is blown for the centre pass then the
infringement is penalised.
• If two opposing players enter the centre third simultaneously before the
whistle is blown:
a) If neither player makes contact with the ball they are not penalised and
play continues.
b) If either player catches or touches the ball, either while standing in the
centre third or immediately before or after landing in the centre third, a
toss up is taken between the two players concerned where the player
caught or touched the ball.
c) If one umpire blows the whistle for a sanction and the other umpire
indicates an advantage has applied, the sanction will stand.
• All other players are in their respective goal thirds and are free to move but
must not enter the centre third until the whistle has been blown to start play.
Sanction: Free pass – the whistle is blown for the centre pass then the
infringement is penalised.
• If two opposing players enter the centre third simultaneously before the
whistle is blown:
a) If neither player makes contact with the ball they are not penalised and
play continues.
b) If either player catches or touches the ball, either while standing in the
centre third or immediately before or after landing in the centre third, a
toss up is taken between the two players concerned where the player
caught or touched the ball.
c) If one umpire blows the whistle for a sanction and the other umpireindicates an advantage has applied, the sanction will stand.
Controlling the Centre Pass
• When the whistle is blown to start play, the Centre in possession of the ball
may step outside the centre circle but must obey the footwork rule. If when
the whistle was blown:
a) Only one foot was wholly inside the centre circle, this foot will be
considered the ‘landing foot’.
b) Both feet were wholly inside the centre circle, the foot not moved first
will be considered the ‘landing foot’.
• The Centre must release the ball within 3 seconds.
Sanction: Free pass
• A centre pass must be touched or caught by a player who:
a) Is standing wholly within the centre third or
b) Lands with the first or both feet wholly within the centre third.
Sanction: Free pass
• If the ball from a centre pass goes untouched over the side line bounding
the centre third, a throw in is awarded to the opposing team where the ball
crossed the line.
• A player from the team taking the centre pass may not:
a) Touch or catch the ball in the air then land on both feet simultaneously
astride the transverse line or
b) Touch or catch the ball in the goal third if it has not been touched.
Sanction: Free pass in goal third where ball crossed the transverse line.
• The umpire may apply advantage and allow play to continue if a player from
the opposing team:
a) Catches the centre pass in the goal third or
b) After catching the ball in the air lands with feet astride the transverse
line, (this player’s subsequent pass is deemed to have been made from
the goal third).
OUT OF COURT
Ball Out of Court
• The ball is out of court when:
a) It touches the ground outside the court.
b) It touches any person or object in contact with the ground outside the
court.
Action: Throw in by team that did not touch the ball last on court
• The ball is put out of court by a player who:
a) Catches the ball in the air just before landing with the ball either wholly
or partly outside the court.
b) Catches or touches the ball while standing on the ground, partly inside
and partly outside the court.
Action: Throw in by team that did not catch or touch the ball.
• If the ball is caught simultaneously by two opposing players, either of whom
lands or is standing wholly or partly outside the court, a toss up is taken on
court between the players concerned.
• A ball is not out of court if it hits any part of the goalpost and rebounds into
the court.
Player Outside the Court
• A player may jump from a position inside the court and throw or bat the ball
before landing outside the court.
• A player having no contact with the ball may move into the court surround
provided this is done solely for the purpose of repositioning back onto the
court.
Sanction: Free pass on court (near where the player left the court)
• A player who has left the court to retrieve a ball or to take a throw in must
be allowed direct re-entry to the court.
Sanction: Penalty pass on court (near where the player left the court)
• A player who is partly or wholly in the court surround must re-enter the court
and have no contact with the court surround before playing the ball.
Action: Throw in by the opposing team
• A player who leaves the field of play without the permission of the umpire
may not be replaced. If this player is the Centre, one player must immediately
move to play as Centre. The player may, after first reporting to the umpire,
return to the court immediately after:
a) A goal has been scored (in this case the player must play in the vacant
position).
b) A stoppage for injury/illness or
c) An interval.
Sanction: Free pass where ball was when play stopped – the player is sent
from the court until the correct time for entry.
THROW IN
When the ball is ruled to be out of court play restarts with a throw in.
Requirements for Taking Throw In
• The player taking the throw in:
a) Stands outside the court with at least one foot within 15 cm (6 in) of
the line at the point indicated by the umpire (this foot is considered ‘the
landed foot’).
b) Ensures all other players are on the court before releasing the ball.
c) Throws the ball within 3 seconds of taking up this position.
d) Observes the rules for footwork and playing the ball.
e) May not enter the court (including the lines bounding the court) until the
ball has been released.
f) May not step behind any offside area while holding the ball.
Action: Throw In by opposing team
• The player taking the throw in must throw the ball:
a) From the goal line: into the goal third.
b) From the side line: into the nearest or adjacent third.
Sanction: Free pass taken in the third where ball entered incorrectly
• If the opposing team takes, the ball from a throw in goes out of court without
being touched, a throw in where the ball went out.
• If the ball from a throw in fails to enter the court, a throw in is taken by the
opposing team from the same position.
TOSS UP
A toss up is taken to restart play when:
• Two opposing players gain possession of the ball simultaneously (with one
or both hands).
• Two opposing players send the ball out of court simultaneously or the umpire
is unable to determine which player touched it last.
• Two opposing players are offside simultaneously and one or both touch or
catch the ball.
• At a centre pass, two opposing players enter the centre third before the
whistle and one or both touch or catch the ball.
• Two opposing players contact each other simultaneously.
• After a stoppage, the umpires are unable to determine which player had the
ball or the ball was on the ground when play stopped.
Position for Toss Up
The toss up is taken between the two opposing players concerned at the point
where the incident occurred, except when it involves players who have different
playing areas as follows:
• If the two players have a common playing area: the toss up is taken between
them in their common area as close as possible to the original position.
• If the two players have no common playing area: the toss up is taken in the
centre third between any two opposing players allowed in the area at a point
as close as possible to the original position.
Position of Players for Toss Up
• Before taking the toss up the umpire checks the two players are positioned
as follows:
a) The players face each other and their goal ends.
b) There is a distance of 0.9 m between the nearer feet of the players.
c) Their arms are straight with hands at sides.
• The two players remain stationary until the whistle is blown as the umpire
releases the ball.
Sanction: Free Pass
• All other players may stand or move anywhere within their playing areas
provided they do not interfere with the toss up.
Outcome of Toss Up
• Player may either catch the ball or bat it in any direction except directly at
another player.
Sanction: Free Pass
• A Goal Shooter or Goal Attack who catches the ball at a toss up in the goal
circle may either shoot for goal or pass.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TEAM CHANGES
• Both teams have the right to make substitutions and/or team changes:
a) During an interval.
b) When play is stopped for injury/illness or blood.
• The number of substitutions is not limited provided the players used are
those named for the match.
LATE ARRIVALS
• An umpire must check a player who arrives after a match has started before
taking the court.
• A late player may not immediately replace a player who is already on the
court but may be used subsequently as a substitute.
• If a position has been left vacant the late arrival may not enter the match
while play is in progress but may take the court immediately after:
a) A goal has been scored (in this case the player must play in the position
left vacant)
Sanction: Free pass where ball was when play stopped – the player is sent
from the court until the correct time for entry
a) A stoppage for injury/illness or blood.
b) An interval.
STOPPAGES
• The umpires hold time for injury/illness upon appeal from an on-court
player or for blood and may hold time for an emergency or such other
circumstances as they consider appropriate. During a stoppage:
a) For injury/illness of a player or blood: all players not affected or being
substituted remain on the court.
b) In an emergency or other circumstances: the umpires decide whether
the players leave the court or not.
• Play restarts from where the ball was when play stopped:
a) If the ball was out of court play restarts with a throw in.
b) If an infringement was signaled before play was held play restarts with
the sanction awarded.
c) If the ball was on the ground or the umpire is unable to say which team
had possession of the ball, play restarts with a toss up between any two
opposing players allowed in the area.
• In extreme circumstances and in consultation with the event organizer, the
umpires may decide to abandon a match if the safety of players and/or
officials is considered to be at risk.
Injury/Illness or Blood
• The umpires hold time for blood when noticed or for injury/illness when
requested by an on-court player (in extreme circumstances the umpires
may hold time without a request being made).
• The player concerned must leave the court within 30 seconds and receive
any treatment off the court. The timekeepers advise the umpires when 10
seconds remain.
• Only primary care person/s are permitted on the court to assess the player’s
medical condition and to assist the player from the court.
• In the event that the primary care person/s advise the umpires that the
player concerned cannot be removed safely within 30 seconds, the umpires
will extend the time for the player to leave the court.
• The umpires may authorise other persons (including team officials) to assist
the player to leave the court if needed.
• Any blood on the ball or the court must be cleaned before play restarts and
any blood-stained clothing replaced.
• During the stoppage both teams may make substitutions and/or team
changes, provided these are completed within the time allowed for the
stoppage by the umpires.
• If no substitution is made for the injured/ill player, or for a player who is
bleeding, play may resume with the position left vacant. If the player is the
Centre and no substitution is made, one player must move to play as Centre
to allow the match to continue.
• If the position is left vacant the player concerned or a substitute may
subsequently, after advising the umpire, take the court immediately after
one of the following:
a) A goal has been scored (in this case the player or the substitute must
play in the position left vacant).
Sanction: Free pass where ball was when play stopped – the player is sent
from the court until the correct time for entry.
b) A stoppage for injury/illness or blood.
c) An interval.
Other Stoppages:
• The umpires may hold time or extend an interval if considered appropriate.
Examples for which time may be held include (but are not limited to):
a) Emergencies such as serious injury/illness of a player, injury/illness of
an umpire or technical official/s, the equipment, the court, the weather
or technical equipment.
b) Retrieving the ball.
c) Disciplining a player, team official or bench player.
• The umpires decide the length of such a stoppage and ensure play restarts
as soon as possible.
• Team officials are not permitted on the court during a stoppage other than
specified.
PLAYING THE BALL
Methods of Playing the Ball
• To gain possession a player may:
a) Catch the ball with one or both hands.
b) Roll the ball to oneself.
c) Catch the ball if it rebounds from the goalpost.
• A player who has possession of the ball may throw or bounce it in any
direction to another player with one or both hands. The player with the ball:
a) May not throw it deliberately at another player.
b) May not roll it to another player.
c) Must release the ball within 3 seconds.
d) After releasing the ball, may not replay the ball until another player has
touched it or it rebounds from the goalpost.
Sanction: Free pass
• Without having possession of the ball a player may:
a) Bat or bounce the ball to another player but may not bat it deliberately
at another player.
b) Tip the ball in an uncontrolled manner once or more than once, then
either catch the ball or bat or bounce it to another player.
c) Bat the ball once before either catching the ball or batting or bouncing
it to another player.
d) Bounce the ball once before either catching the ball or batting or
bouncing it to another player.
Sanction: Free pass
• A player may not deliberately:
a) Kick the ball.
b) Fall on the ball to gain possession.
c) Strike the ball with a fist.
Sanction: Free pass
• A player who falls to the ground while holding the ball must regain footing
before playing the ball and release it within 3 seconds of first catching it.
A player may not:
a) Gain possession of the ball while lying, sitting or kneeling on the ground.
b) Throw or play the ball while lying, sitting or kneeling on the ground.
Sanction: Free pass
• A player may not use the goalpost to regain balance or as a support to
recover the ball.
Sanction: Free pass
PASSING DISTANCES
Short Pass
• When a player passes, the ball there must be sufficient space for an
opposing player on the court to be able to intercept the ball as it moves
from the hands of the thrower to those of the receiver.
Sanction: Free pass
• If two players from the same team gain possession of the ball in quick
succession, the second player’s hands must be removed or it will be deemed
to be a short pass.
Sanction: Free pass
• If two opposing players gain possession of the ball in quick succession, the
umpire calls ‘possession’, indicates the player who caught the ball first and
allows play to continue.
Over a Third
• The ball must be caught or touched by a player in each third of the court.
• The player who touches or catches the ball must:
a) Be standing wholly in the third concerned when the ball is caught or
touched or
b) After catching or touching the ball in the air, land either with the first foot
or both feet wholly in the third concerned.
Sanction: Free pass taken by the transverse line where the ball first entered
the third incorrectly, except if the ball goes out of court over the goal line a
throw in is awarded.
• After catching the ball correctly a player may step into an adjacent third. Any
subsequent throw is deemed to have been made from the third where the
player first landed.
• If a player either catches the ball before landing with feet astride the
transverse line, or is standing on both feet astride the transverse line when
the ball is caught, the pass made by this player must be touched or caught
in one of these two thirds.
Sanction: Free pass taken in the goal third by the transverse line where the
ball entered the third incorrectly.
FOOTWORK
One Foot Landing
A player who either receives the ball with one foot on the ground or, who after
catching the ball in the air lands on one foot, may:
• Step with the second foot in any direction, lift the landing foot and throw or
shoot before the landing foot is regrounded.
• While pivoting on the landing foot, step with the second foot in any direction
one or more times. The landing foot may be lifted but the player must throw
or shoot before regrounding it.
• Jump from the landing foot onto the second foot and jump again but must
throw the ball or shoot before regrounding either foot.
• Step with the second foot and jump but must throw the ball or shoot before
regrounding either foot.
Sanction: Free pass
Two Foot Landing
A player who receives the ball while both feet are on the ground, or who catches
the ball in the air and lands on both feet simultaneously, may:
• Step with one foot in any direction, lift the second foot and throw or shoot
before the second foot is regrounded.
• Step with one foot in any direction one or more times while pivoting on the
second foot. The second foot may be lifted but the player must throw or
shoot before regrounding it.
• Jump from both feet onto one foot but must throw or shoot before
regrounding the second foot.
• Step with one foot then jump but must throw the ball or shoot before
regrounding either foot.
Sanction: Free pass
Other Foot Movements
A player in possession of the ball may not:
• Drag or slide the landing foot.
• Hop on either foot.
• Jump from both feet and land on both feet while still in possession of the
ball.
Sanction: Free pass
OFFSIDE
• A player is offside when the player enters a court area not designated for
that player’s position. This applies whether the player has contact with the
ball or not.
Sanction: Free pass
• A player may reach across and pick up a ball from an offside area or lean
on the ball in an offside area, provided the player makes no physical contact
with the ground in that area.
Opposing Players Offside
• If two opposing players enter an offside area, one before the other, the first
player is penalised.
Sanction: Free pass
• If two opposing players enter an offside area simultaneously:
a) If neither player makes any contact with the ball they are not penalised
and play continues.
b) If either player catches or touches the ball while standing in the offside
area, or immediately before or after landing in the offside area, a toss up
is taken between the two players in their own area of play.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SCORING A GOAL
Goal Shooter or Goal Attack scores a goal when the ball is thrown or batted above
and completely through the ring from any point within the goal circle including the
lines bounding the goal circle.
• If the whistle to end play or to hold time is blown before the ball has passed
completely through the ring no goal is scored.
• If a player other than Goal Shooter or Goal Attack throws or bats the ball,
through the ring no goal is scored and play continues.
• If a defending player deflects, a shot for goal and the ball then passes above
and completely through the ring a goal is scored.
• If the ball is won at a toss up in the goal circle the Goal Shooter or Goal
Attack may either shoot for goal or pass.
REQUIREMENTS FOR TAKING A SHOT
• In taking a shot at goal the player must:
a) Have no contact with the ground outside the goal circle either while
catching or holding the ball. The player may lean on the ball in the goal
third outside the goal circle or may roll the ball or pick it up from this
area, provided the player makes no physical contact with the ground
outside the goal circle
b) Shoot within 3 seconds of catching the ball.
c) Obey the footwork rule.
Sanction: Free pass
• A defending player may not:
a) Cause the goalpost to move so as to interfere with a shot at goal and
cause it to miss.
Sanction: Penalty pass
b) Deflect a ball on its downward flight towards the ring, including touching
the ball up through the net.
Sanction: Penalty pass. If a shot is successful, the goal is scored
OBSTRUCTION OF A PLAYER IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL
An opposing player may attempt to intercept the ball or defend a player in
possession of the ball, provided there is a distance of not less than 0.9 m from
the landing position of the player with the ball. This distance is measured on the
ground as follows:
• One foot landing by the player with the ball:
a) If the player remains in the landing position: from the landing position to
the nearer foot of the defending player.
b) If the player steps away from the landing position: from the point where
the player landed to the nearer foot of the defending player.
• Two foot landing by the player with the ball:
a) If the player does not move either foot: from whichever foot is closer to
the nearer foot of the defending player.
b) If the player moves one foot: from the foot that remains grounded to the
nearer foot of the defending player.
• An opposing player who is the correct distance from a player with the ball
may attempt to intercept the ball or defend the player with the ball:
a) Either by jumping upwards or towards the player with the ball and
landing within 0.9 m provided this does not interfere with the shooting
or passing action.
b) If the player with the ball reduces the distance between them.
• A defending player may be within 0.9 m of an opponent with the ball provided
there is no interference with the throwing or shooting action of this player.
The defending player may not make any effort to intercept the ball or defend
the player with the ball.
OBSTRUCTION OF A PLAYER NOT IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL
• A player who is within 0.9 m of an opponent (measured on the ground) may
stretch out arms to:
a) Catch, deflect or intercept a pass or a fake pass.
b) Catch, deflect or bat a rebound from an unsuccessful shot at goal.
c) Momentarily signal for a pass or to indicate the intended direction of a
movement.
• A player who is within 0.9 m of an opponent (measured between nearer feet
on the ground) may not, whether attacking or defending, use movements
that take the arms away from the body so as to limit the possible movement
of an opponent, except as required for natural body stance.
DEFENCE INVOLVING A PLAYER OUTSIDE THE COURT
Defending a Player from Out of Court
A player who is standing outside the court may not attempt to defend a player
on the court whether that player has the ball or not.
The sanction is taken on the court close to where the infringer was standing
Defending a Player who is Out of Court
• A player may defend an opponent who has chosen to go out of court
provided the defending player does not leave the court or own playing area
or obstruct the player.
• A player who goes out of court to retrieve a ball or to take a throw in must
be allowed back onto the court at the point where the player left the court
or took the throw in. Any opponent attempting to prevent the player from
re-entering the court is penalised.
CONTACT AND CONTEST
When attacking, defending or playing the ball, opposing players may come into
physical contact with each other. Provided the players do not interfere with each
other’s play or use their bodies to gain an unfair advantage over their opponent,
it is deemed to be ‘contest’ and play continues. ‘Contact’ occurs when a player’s
actions interfere with an opponent’s play whether these are accidental or
deliberate.
INTERFERENCE
Interference may occur in the following ways:
• Physical contact using any part of the body to limit an opponent’s ability to
move freely (this includes, but is not limited to, pushing, tripping, holding or
leaning on an opponent).
• Knocking or hitting a player including when shooting for goal.
• Placing hand/s on the ball held by an opponent.
• Hitting the ball held by an opponent or removing it from an opponent’s
possession.
• While holding the ball, pushing it into an opponent.
Moving into Player’s Space
A player causes contact by:
• Landing in a place already occupied by an opponent before the movement
began.
• Moving into the path of an opponent who is committed to a particular landing
space.
Inevitable Contact
Player/s, whether moving or stationary, may not position so closely to an
opponent that this player is unable to move without contacting.
Simultaneous Contact
If two opposing players contact simultaneously a toss up is taken between the
two players concerned.
Game Management
The umpires apply the Rules of the Game fairly, communicate clearly and
maintain a calm, decisive control. A player who infringes any part of the foul
will be disciplined. Players on the court are expected to respond to rulings by
the umpires and adjust their play accordingly. Similar requirements apply to
team officials and bench players.
ACTIONS THAT MAY BE TAKEN BY UMPIRES
• To manage a match the umpires may, in addition to the normal sanction, use
any of the following:
a) Caution a player: a player is advised that the behaviour specified must
change.
b) Issue a warning to a player: a player is warned that suspension will follow
if the behaviour specified continues.
c) Suspend a player: a player who is suspended takes no part in play for 2
minutes.
d) Order a player off: a player who is ordered off takes no further part in
the match.
• A decision to give a warning, to suspend a player, or to order a player off,
will be considered to have been made jointly by the two umpires and is thus
binding on the co-umpire:
a) The umpires may confer before deciding on the action to be taken.
b) The controlling umpire should ensure the co-umpire is aware of the
action taken and, if appropriate, the reasons for it.
Warning
If a player continues to infringe after receiving a caution for a specified
behaviour, the umpire will issue a warning to the player. Where appropriate a
warning may be given even if no caution has been issued.
The umpire:
• Advises the player by:
a) Using the term ‘warning’.
b) Specifying the behaviour for which the warning is being given.
c) Signals to the official bench that a warning has been given.
• May also state any action that will follow if the behaviour does not change.
Suspension
The umpire will suspend a player following a warning for foul play if the player
continues to infringe the Rules. In the case of dangerous play or misconduct,
a player may be suspended without an official warning if the umpire considers
this action is justified.
• The umpire advises the player of the suspension and signals to the official
bench that the player has been suspended.
• A player who is suspended must immediately leave the court.
• While off the court the player is seated at the umpires’ bench under the
supervision of the reserve umpire.
• No substitute is permitted and the suspended player’s position is left vacant
unless this player is the Centre. In this case one player must move to play as
Centre during the suspension.
• The suspension period of 2 minutes playing time begins when play restarts.
Once the suspension period has been completed, the player is able to
return to the court at the next break in play (after a goal is scored, during
a stoppage or interval, when a sanction is awarded, a throw in or toss up
taken).
• The suspended player returns to the original playing position and any player
who moved to play as Centre during the suspension returns to the previous
playing position.
• A suspended player may join the team during any interval that occurs during
the suspension but must return to the umpires’ bench when play resumes.
Ordering off
The umpire may order a player off the court for serious misconduct or continued
foul play. While this will normally follow, a suspension or warning this is not a
prerequisite if the umpire considers such action is justified.
• The umpire advises the player of the ordering off and signals to the official
bench that the player has been ordered off.
• The player reports to the appropriate team officials on the team bench and
takes no further part in the match.
• No substitute is permitted and the player’s position is left vacant for the
remainder of the match. In the event that this player is the Centre, one
player must move to play as Centre and the position of this player is left
vacant for the remainder of the match.
FOUL PLAY
Foul play is anything a player does within the field of play that is contrary to the
letter and spirit of the rules of the game or does not meet accepted standards of
good sportsmanship. It includes unfair play, dangerous play and misconduct.
Unfair Play
A player must not play unfairly. This includes delaying play, intentional infringing
(including when the ball is not in play), persistent infringing, intimidation or
retaliation.
i) Delaying play
A player may not intentionally waste time or delay play.
Sanction: Penalty pass that is advanced (unless the non-infringing team is
disadvantaged) and the player is cautioned.
1. The sanction may be advanced up to half a third (this may be to inside
the goal circle if the infringement is in the goal third).
2. The infringer stands out of play at the new position. If this is in an offside
area the infringer moves to the edge of this area.
ii) Intentional infringing
A player must not intentionally infringe any rules.
Sanction: Penalty pass and the player is cautioned. If the player continues
to infringe either a warning will be given or, if considered appropriate, the
umpire will suspend the player
iii) Infringements when the ball is not in play
A player must not infringe when the ball is not in play. This includes:
a) Between the ball going out of court and a throw in being taken.
b) Between the awarding and the taking of a sanction or a toss up.
c) Between the scoring of a goal and the taking of a centre pass.
d) During a stoppage.
Sanction: Free pass (for minor infringement) or penalty pass (for major
infringement). If the action is considered appropriate, the player is cautioned
1. For (a) and (b) the infringement is penalized immediately
2. For (c) and (d) the whistle is blown to start play then the infringement is
penalized
v) Persistent infringing
A player must not persist in repeatedly infringing a rule or combination of
rules.
Sanction: Penalty pass and the player is cautioned. If the player continues
to infringe either a warning will be given or, if considered appropriate, the
umpire will suspend the player.
vi) Intimidation
A player, either with or without the ball, may not intimidate an opponent by
using intentional behavior (including verbal comments) designed to distract.
Sanction: Penalty pass and the player is cautioned
vii) Retaliation
A player must not retaliate even if an opponent infringes the Rules.
Sanction: Penalty pass and the player is cautioned. If the action is considered
to be serious the player is given a warning or suspended
viii) Dangerous Play
A player may not take any action, either deliberate or accidental, that could
affect the safety of another player. Such actions may include but are not
limited to:
• Punching, kicking or striking a player with any part of the body.
• Tripping or pushing a player.
• Causing a player in the air to fall by moving into the path of that player.
Sanction: Penalty pass
1. Accidental action: the umpire will issue a warning or suspend the player
2. Deliberate action: the umpire will suspend the player or, in a serious
case, order the player off
ix) Misconduct
Misconduct is any behaviour that is contrary to accepted standards of good
sportsmanship.
x) Dissent with an umpire
A player may not dispute a ruling given by an umpire or direct any offensive,
insulting or abusive language and/or gestures at an umpire. If an umpire’s call
is not clearly heard a player may ask the umpire to repeat the infringement
penalized or seek clarification of where a sanction is to be taken.
Sanction: Penalty pass and the player is either cautioned or given a warning.
In a serious case the umpire will suspend the player
xi) Actions contrary to good sportsmanship
A player must not act in a manner contrary to accepted standards of good
sportsmanship.
Sanction: Penalty pass and the player is either given a warning or suspended.
In a serious case the umpire will order the player off
xii) Continued misconduct
A player who has been suspended in a match must not continue to infringe
the Rules.
Action: The player is ordered off
DISCIPLINE OF TEAM OFFICIALS AND BENCH PLAYERS
During play team officials and bench players must remain at the team bench,
except that bench players may leave the team bench for a valid reason (such as
to warm up).
• During a match team officials and bench players may not:
a) Criticize the umpires or their decisions.
b) Use offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.
c) Use excessive noise or interruption.
d) Encourage foul play by on-court players.
• Umpire may either hold time or notify the person/s concerned regarding
such behaviour.
The following progression of actions will normally be used:
a) Caution
b) Warning
c) Order the person’s removal from the playing enclosure.
• A warning may, if appropriate, be advised as applying to all team officials
and bench players of the team concerned.
Sanction: Free pass taken where the ball was when play stopped
6.7. End unit assessment
Tutor divide student teachers into groups of five including two umpires, reserve
umpire, scorer and timekeeper. After dividing student teachers into their
respecting groups, set the order on which groups will lead the game, request the
first group to start the match. Ask other remaining student teachers to form two
teams of seven players for each one. Let the match start, change groups which is
officiating after five minutes. Officials become players to replace those who are
becoming officials.
• During performing officiating for each group, observe how each student
teacher is accomplishing given tasks and roles.
• Observe how techniques and tactics learned are being used.
• Records their performance in order to give them feedback at the end of the
exercise.
6.8. Additional activities
6.8.1. Remedial activities
Distribute balls to student teachers for regular familiarization with the ball focusing
on techniques and tactics of playing of playing netball game by respecting official
rules of the game.
6.8.3. Consolidation activities
Encourage student teachers to participate in competitions between small groups
and choose their own officials to lead the matches. Request officials to record
match results.
6.8.3. Extended activities
Organize netball competition between classes for forming school teams and let
student teachers officiate the matches. Encourage student teachers to officiate
interclasses and friendly matches. Request student teachers to read updatedrules of the game of netball game.