Sports Explained - Netball

Netball is a fast, skilful team game based on running, jumping, throwing and catching. Teams may include up to 12 players but only 7 may take the court at any one time.

Each player has a playing position determined by the areas on the court where they may move. The playing positions are shown by identification letters
worn above the waist, on both the front and the back of the player. Those positions are GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD and GK.

The major aim of the game is to score as many goals as is possible from within an area called the Goal Circle, which is a semi-circle centred on the goal
line and measuring 4.9 metres in radius (16 feet). Only two players from each team may score goals, the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter.

A Netball is made of leather, rubber or similar material, weighing 400 - 450 gms (14 - 16 ounces) and measuring 690 - 710 mms (27 - 28 inches) in circumference.

The Court is 30.5 metres (100 feet) long and 15.25 metres (50 feet) wide, which is divided into thirds. There is a center circle with a diameter of 0.9
metres (3 feet) and two goal circles which are semi-circles measuring 4.9 metres (16 feet) in radius.

All lines are part of the court and measure 50mm (2 inches) in width.

The Goal Posts are placed mid point of each goal line and measure 3.05 metres (10 feet) in height. The goal rings have an internal diameter of 380mm (15
inches). The goal ring projects horizontally from the post on a single attachment measuring 150mm (6 inches) in length.

A game consists of 4 x 15 minute quarters with an interval of 3 minutes between the first and second and third and fourth quarters and a 5 or 10 minute
half time interval.

The Rules of Netball may be placed into two generic groups, those which infringe only a rule and are called minor rules although they make up the majority
of the rules, and those which infringe the rights of an opponent and consequently are called major rules.

The minor rules, among which are the infringements of held ball, stepping, breaking, offside and over a third, are penalized with a free pass. The major
rules, which mainly consist of obstruction, intimidation, contact and discipline are penalized with a penalty pass or penalty pass or shot. In this
penalty, the offender must stand out of play until the ball has left the thrower’s hands.

With thanks to the International Netball Federation