The Rules of Netball

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Netball is an enjoyable sport that relies on skill, speed, and strategy.

How to play Netball

By understanding the court layout, proper equipment, game duration, roles of officials, and team formation, players can enjoy a fair, safe, and organized match.

The Court

Dimensions and Layout
  • A netball court measures 30.5 meters long and 15.25 meters wide.
  • It is divided into three equal sections: a center third and two goal thirds.
  • Lines marking the court are considered part of the playing area.

If a proper netball court isn’t available, you can use courts from other sports with similar dimensions, such as basketball courts or volleyball courts, although some modifications might be necessary.
For example, a basketball court is wider, so you’ll need to mark the correct netball zones. Volleyball courts do not have hoops, so portable netball posts will need to be added.

Special Areas
  • Goal Circle: A semi-circle with a 4.9-meter radius is marked in each goal third. Only the Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) can score from within this area.
  • Center Circle: A circle, 0.9 meters in diameter, marks the center of the court. The Center (C) uses this area to begin the game and restart play after a goal.
Goal Posts
  • Each goal post is 3.05 meters tall and positioned at the midpoint of the goal line.
  • The post has a horizontal ring with a 38 cm diameter, fitted with an open net.
Surfaces and Materials
  • The court can be made of various materials, such as concrete or a sprung wooden floor (preferred for international matches).

Equipment and Uniforms

The Ball
  • A standard netball is similar in size to a football (size 5). It measures between 690–710 mm in circumference and weighs 400–450 grams.
  • The ball can be made of leather, rubber, or similar materials.
Player Uniforms
  • Teams must wear registered uniforms, with clear position initials (e.g., GS, WA) on the front and back, displayed above the waist.
  • The letters must be between 10–15 cm high for easy identification.
Footwear
  • Players must wear lightweight shoes without spikes to ensure safe movement on the court.
Jewelry and Grooming
  • No sharp jewelry is allowed, except a taped wedding ring.
  • Fingernails must be short to avoid injuries to other players.

Duration of the Game

Match Length
  • A standard game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes.
Intervals
  • There is a 3-minute break between quarters and a 5-minute halftime break.
  • Umpires can extend these intervals for emergencies.
Lost Time
  • Time lost due to injuries or other delays is added to the quarter in which the stoppage occurred.
Flexible Formats
  • When time is limited, teams can agree to play two halves of 20 minutes instead of four quarters.

Officials

Match Officials
  • Two umpires control the game. They ensure all rules are followed, make decisions, and signal infringements or goals using a whistle.
  • Umpires inspect the court, players’ uniforms, and equipment before the game begins.
Scorers and Timekeepers
  • Two scorers track goals, substitutions, and player rotations.
  • Timekeepers manage the game clock and ensure that stoppage time is added.
Team Officials
  • Each team has a coach, a manager, and a captain who communicates with umpires during intervals for clarifications.

Forming the Team

Team Size

  • A full team consists of seven players on the court, with positions as follows:
  • Goal Shooter (GS): Scores goals from the goal circle.
  • Goal Attack (GA): Assists the GS and scores goals.
  • Wing Attack (WA): Passes the ball into the goal circle.
  • Center (C): Links defense and attack, moving across all thirds except goal circles.
  • Wing Defense (WD): Defends against the WA.
  • Goal Defense (GD): Protects the goal and blocks the GA.
  • Goal Keeper (GK): Defends the goal against the GS.
Netball Positions and Responsibilities
Position Name Abbreviation Allowed Areas Role and Notes
Goal Shooter GS Enemy goal third, including the goal circle Works closely with the Goal Attack to score goals. Often defended by the Goal Keeper. The Goal Shooter’s main job is to position themselves in the shooting circle to receive passes and shoot.
Goal Attack GA Center third and enemy goal third, including the goal circle Helps the Goal Shooter by setting up attacking plays and also shoots goals. Often defended by the Goal Defense. This role is key in building offensive strategies.
Wing Attack WA Center third and enemy goal third, excluding the goal circle Moves the ball into the attacking third and feeds the ball to shooters in the goal circle. Accuracy and quick decision-making are essential.
Center C Anywhere except the goal circles Links the defensive and offensive plays. Often defended by the Wing Defense. The Center restarts the game after each goal and must have excellent passing skills and fitness.
Wing Defense WD Center third and own goal third, excluding the goal circle Defends against the Wing Attack. Helps block the opposing team from moving the ball into the goal circle.
Goal Defense GD Center third and own goal third, including the goal circle Works with the Goal Keeper to defend against the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter. Responsible for blocking plays and stopping the opposition from scoring.
Goal Keeper GK Own goal third, including the goal circle A specialized defensive role. Prevents the opposing team from scoring. Often the last defender and takes throw-ins from the defensive third. Must predict ball movement and make accurate passes.
Minimum Players
  • A team must have at least five players to start the game.
  • If a player is missing, their position must be filled, especially the Center (C).
Substitutions
  • Teams can name up to 12 players and make unlimited substitutions during breaks or for injuries.

Starting and Playing the Game

Starting the Match
  • A coin toss decides which team takes the first center pass.
  • The Center (C) starts the game by passing the ball from the center circle to a teammate.
Passing and Timing
  • Players have three seconds to pass or shoot after receiving the ball.
  • The ball must be touched or caught in the center third before entering a goal third.

Playing the Ball

What a Player Can Do
  • Catch the ball with one or both hands.
  • Gain control of the ball if it rebounds off the goalpost.
  • Bounce or bat the ball to another player without catching it first.
  • Tap the ball to control it or direct it to another player.
  • Roll the ball to themselves to regain possession.
  • Lean on the ball to avoid stepping offside or to balance themselves.
  • Jump to play the ball outside the court, as long as they or the ball don’t touch the ground or any object outside the court.
What a Player Cannot Do
  • Strike the ball with a fist.
  • Lie, kneel, or sit on the ground to play the ball.
  • Use the goalpost for balance or to stop the ball from going out.
  • Deliberately kick the ball.

Penalty: A free pass is awarded to the opposing team for these infringements.

Footwork
  • A player can pivot on one foot but cannot lift it before passing or shooting.
  • They can step with the other foot but must release the ball before the landing foot is lifted again.
  • Dragging or sliding the landing foot is not allowed.
  • Hopping or jumping without releasing the ball is also not allowed.
Scoring Goals
  • Only the Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) can score from within the goal circle. Each successful shot earns 1 point.
  • The ball must not touch the ground outside the goal circle.
  • The shot must be taken within three seconds of receiving the ball.

Penalty: A free pass is awarded for violations.

Passing Distances

Short Pass
  • When passing, there must be space for a third player to fit between the thrower and the receiver.
Over a Third
  • The ball cannot be thrown over a complete third of the court without being touched in that third.

Penalty: A free pass is awarded to the opposing team.

Rules for Fouls and Penalties

Offside
  • Players must stay in their designated areas. Stepping into another zone is an offside violation.
  • Penalty: A free pass is awarded to the opposing team.
Contact
  • Physical contact that impedes another player is not allowed.
  • Penalty: A penalty pass or penalty shot is awarded to the non-offending team.
Obstruction
  • Defenders must stay at least 0.9 meters (3 feet) away from the player with the ball.
  • Players cannot push, trip, hold, or physically block an opponent.
  • They cannot grab the ball from another player’s hands.
  • Penalty: A penalty pass is awarded.
Out of Court
  • The ball is considered out if it touches the ground or an object outside the court.
  • Players must return to the court after retrieving the ball or taking a throw-in.
  • Defenders must stay within the court when blocking a player.
  • Penalty: A throw-in is awarded to the opposing team.

Special Situations

Late Arrivals
  • A late player can join the game only after a goal is scored or during a stoppage.
Injuries
  • Umpires may stop the game for up to 2 minutes for injuries.
  • Substitutions or position changes can be made during this time.
Toss-Up
  • If two players simultaneously possess the ball or a decision cannot be made, the umpire conducts a toss-up by throwing the ball between the two players.
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