RULES OF

NETBALL
2024 EDITION
 OFFICIAL SUPPLIER
Gilbert Netball is the official and exclusive ball supplier to World Netball
www.gilbert-netball.com
Copyright © 2024 World Netball. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or
by any means without the prior written permission of World Netball, nor be otherwise circulated in any
form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.
CONTENTS

Foreword 4
Definitions 5
1 Technical specifications 11
2 Time 16
3 Team 18
4 Match officials 23
5 Technical and event officials 26
6 Sanctions and actions 29
7 Advantage 34
8 Centre pass 35
9 Scoring a goal 38
10 Stoppages 40
11 Playing the ball 44
12 Passing distances 46
13 Footwork 48
14 Offside 50
15 Out of court 51
16 Obstruction 53
17 Contact 55
18 Game management 58
19 Foul play 64
20 Simultaneous and mutual infringements 67
21 Variations for other levels of play 68
Umpire hand signals 70

3
 FOREWORD

Netball is a ball sport played by two teams of seven players, using a

rectangular court marked with specified areas. The objective is to score as
many goals as possible while preventing the opposing team from scoring.
The team with the greater number of goals is the winner of the match.

Players are assigned positions denoting their roles within the team and the
areas of the court in which they may move. Players pass and catch the ball
and attempt to move it into their team’s goal circle, where a goal may be
scored by shooting the ball above and through a raised ring attached to
a vertical post. The opposing team attempts to prevent the shot and gain
possession of the ball by using defensive movements and strategies. Play
restarts with a centre pass after each goal, with teams having alternate
possession.

Netball was originally created for women and girls and had unique
female-focused foundations that largely avoided physical contact. The sport
has evolved to embrace inclusivity and is a sport that is open to all. The
modern game is fast, dynamic, and aerial, drawing on the athleticism and skill
of the players to produce an entertaining spectacle that is exciting to watch
and enjoyable to play.

The Rules of Netball are underpinned by core values of equal opportunity

and fair contest, stipulating that player safety must always be the paramount
consideration, and that standards of good sporting behaviour and mutual
respect must always be upheld.

The approval of any variations or trials to the Rules of Netball for international
play must be sought in advance from World Netball, which also maintains
sole responsibility for issuing any rule interpretations or application guidelines.

World Netball publishes the Rules of Netball in several different languages.

If there is divergence in wording, the English text is authoritative.

4
DEFINITIONS

A
Action: in the context of an infringement, a throw-in or possession awarded
to a team.
Astride the transverse line: standing with one foot in the goal third and
one foot in the centre third.
At the team bench: on or immediately beside (including behind or in front
of) the team bench.
Attacking: movement and/or actions of the team in possession of the ball,
including passing or shooting the ball.
B
Bench player: a player who is on the team bench at a given time during a
match.
Bench zone: area immediately outside the court surround where the official
bench, team benches and umpires’ bench are located (all on the same side of
the court).
Break in play: after a goal is scored, during a stoppage or interval or when
a sanction or action is awarded.
C
Concussion: as defined in the latest Consensus Statement on Concussion in
Sport.
Controlling umpire: umpire in whose half or area of control play is at a
given time.
Co-umpire: umpire who is not controlling play at a given time.
Court surround: area immediately surrounding the court.
D
Defending: movement and/or actions of the team not in possession of the
ball, including attempting to gain possession of the ball or to prevent the
attacking team from passing or shooting the ball.
Deflect: to touch a ball after it has been passed or shot and change its path.
During play: at any time during a quarter/half, except when time is held.

5
 DEFINITIONS

E
Event organiser: person/s with responsibility for the organisation of the
match.
Extra time: an additional period of time used when the scores are tied at
full-time and a winner is required.
F
Failure to take the court: a team has fewer than five players present at the
start of a period of play, or after a stoppage where a team delays taking the
court.
Fake pass: where a player in possession makes a passing action but does
not release the ball.
Field of play: area consisting of the court and the court surround.
Foul play: anything a player does that is contrary to the letter and spirit of
the Rules of the Game or does not meet accepted standards of fair play, good
sporting conduct and/or ethical and moral behaviour. It includes unfair play,
unsporting behaviour and dangerous play.
Free pass: sanction for a minor infringement.
Full-time: end of the specified playing time for a match excluding any extra
time.
G
Game: the game of Netball.
Game management action: action taken by an umpire in addition to the
sanction for an infringement. This must occur for any act of foul play.
Goal end: end of the court where a team shoots for goal.
Good sporting behaviour: a level of behaviour that meets generally
accepted ethical standards in sport, including playing by the Rules of the
Game, self-discipline, self-control and respecting opponents and officials.
H
Half-time: interval between second and third quarters; in extra time the
interval between the two halves.

6
DEFINITIONS

I
Independent concussion observer: a neutral medical professional
arranged by the event organiser who is qualified in sports medicine and
is both legally permitted and insured to administer concussion protocols
consistent with the latest Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport.
Infringement: action contrary to the Rules of the Game that may be
penalised by an umpire.
Infringer: player who commits an infringement.
Infringing team: team who commits an infringement.
Intercept: to gain possession of the ball from the opposing team after it has
been passed or shot.
International play: a match between two countries of any age group
specifically including fixtures where World Netball ranking points are
contested.
Interval: period of time between successive periods of play.
L
Landing foot (one-foot landing): the foot on which a player either first
lands after catching the ball or is standing on when the ball is caught.
Landing foot (two-foot landing): the foot not first moved when a
player either catches the ball standing on both feet or lands on both feet
simultaneously after catching the ball.
Late player: a player who is not ready to take the court at the start of a
match or when the match is to be restarted after a stoppage or interval.
M
Major infringement: any infringement where a penalty pass is awarded.
Match: a contest between two teams played according to the Rules of the
Game.
Match officials: two umpires and a reserve umpire.
Minor infringement: any infringement where a free pass is awarded.

7
 DEFINITIONS

Mutual infringement: any occurrence during a match when an umpire

is unable to determine which team infringed or where the ball was when
play was stopped, or where play is irregularly affected and fault cannot be
attributed to either team.
N
Natural body stance: where a player is stable and upright whether
standing or moving, it may include slight arm movements for stability or
momentum.
Non-infringing team: team who has not committed an infringement.
O
Official bench: place where the two scorers and two timekeepers are
located during a match.
Opponent: player from the opposing team.
P
Pass: action of a player throwing, batting or bouncing the ball to a player,
dropping the ball or putting the ball on the ground and removing their hands.
Penalty pass: sanction for a major infringement. A Goal Shooter or Goal
Attack taking a penalty pass in the goal circle may either pass or shoot for
goal.
Period of play: a quarter in a match or a half in extra time.
Pivot: a movement where the player with the ball swivels either on the heel or
on the ball of the landing foot while this maintains contact with the ground.
Player safety: the condition of being protected from foreseeable risk of
injury or harm to health and wellbeing.
Playing enclosure: area consisting of the court, the court surround and
bench zone.
Playing time: time elapsed in a quarter/half not including any stoppages.
Possession: a player holds the ball with one or both hands or has one or
both hands on the ball while it is on the ground.
Primary care person: team official who is qualified to diagnose and treat
injury or illness and does not have any other roles (including as a player).

8
DEFINITIONS

R
Reckless: without thinking or caring about the consequence of an action.
Reserve umpire: match official seated at the umpires’ bench who is ready
to replace an umpire in the event of illness/injury during a match.
Retaliation: player’s inappropriate response to the action/s of an opponent.
Roll: a ball moving in constant contact with the ground.
S
Sanction: free pass or penalty pass awarded following an infringement by a
player, team official or bench player.
Scorers: technical officials responsible for maintaining a scoring record of
the match together with a record of centre passes and details of players on
court and whose detailed duties are outlined in the World Netball Technical
Officials Manual.
Set: a sanction or action is ‘set’ once the player taking the sanction or action
is positioned correctly with the ball; in the case of a penalty pass, the infringer
must also be positioned correctly.
Shot: a Goal Shooter or Goal Attack directs the ball towards the ring in an
attempt to score a goal.
Simultaneous: occurs at exactly the same time.
Sledging: deliberately insulting or verbally intimidating an opposing player.
Substitution: when a player moves from the team bench to replace a player
on the court.
T
Team: up to twelve players (of whom a maximum of seven are on the court at
any time) and team officials.
Team bench: place where team officials and any players not on the court
are located during a match.
Team change: when an on-court player changes playing positions with
another on-court player.
Team doctor: additional primary care person who is qualified in sports
medicine acting expressly in a medical capacity and is both legally permitted
and insured to administer concussion protocols consistent with the latest
Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport.
9
 DEFINITIONS

Team officials: up to five persons (or exactly six persons if a team doctor is
used) at least one of whom is a primary care person.
Technical officials: two scorers and two timekeepers seated at the official
bench and any other officials specified for an event whose detailed duties are
outlined in the World Netball Technical Officials Manual.
Terminology: the specific phrase used by an umpire when penalising an
infringement along with the infringer’s playing position, if appropriate.
Timekeepers: technical officials responsible for maintaining an accurate
record of playing time, advising the umpires when play should end, timing
intervals, stoppages, suspension and ordered-off periods and whose detailed
duties are outlined in the World Netball Technical Officials Manual.
Trajectory: the path that the ball follows once it is passed, from the hands of
the passer to those of the receiver.
U
Umpires’ bench: place where the umpires are seated when not on the court
and the reserve umpire is seated during the match.
W
World Netball: trading name of International Netball Federation Limited,
recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the governing body of
the game.
Y
Yield: to give way to an opposing player who is in the air.

Measurements
The following abbreviations are used:
cm centimetres
ft feet
g grams
in inches
m metres
mm millimetres
oz ounces

10
 bench zone
umpires’
team bench 1 official bench bench team bench 2
COURT AND RELATED AREAS
RULE 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

media & other technical officials zone

11
 RULE 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Court Court surround

Field of play Playing enclosure

12
RULE 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

COURT AND RELATED AREAS

1. The court is rectangular in shape and is level and firm. The surface should
be wooden (and preferably sprung) but may consist of other material
provided that it is safe to play on.
2. The two longer sides are called side lines and measure 30.5 m (100 ft).
3. The two shorter sides are called goal lines and measure 15.25 m (50 ft).
4. Two lines parallel to the goal lines divide the court into three equal areas.
These lines are called transverse lines. The middle area is called the centre
third and the two end areas are the goal thirds.
5. A circle 0.9 m (3 ft) in diameter is located in the centre of the court. This is
called the centre circle.
6. A goal circle is located at each end of the court. This is a semi-circle of
radius 4.9 m (16 ft) whose centre is the mid-point of the outside of the
goal line.
7. All lines (preferably white) are 50 mm (2 in) wide and are part of the
court area they outline. A line which bounds adjacent court areas is
common to both areas.
8. The court surround is rectangular in its outer shape and it surrounds the
court. The distance between the edge of the court surround and the goal
lines and side lines is 3.05 m (10 ft).
9. The field of play is rectangular in shape and consists of the court and
the court surround. During play only on-court players and umpires are
permitted in the field of play.
10. A bench zone is located immediately adjacent to the field of play. The
official bench, umpires’ bench and team benches are all located on one
side of the court in the bench zone.
11. The playing enclosure consists of the field of play and the bench zone.
Entry to the playing enclosure during a match is limited to those persons
accredited by the event organiser.
12. If desired, an equivalent zone on the opposite side of the court may also
be included in the playing enclosure. This zone is to be used by media
and other technical officials as needed.

13
 RULE 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

13. A goalpost is placed at the mid-point of each goal line so the back of the
pole is at the outer edge of the goal line. It is inserted in the ground or
sleeved beneath the floor so when it is knocked there is a minimal amount
of movement and it remains stable.
14. A goalpost consists of the following:
a. A vertical metal pole 65-100 mm (2.5-4 in) in diameter and 3.05m
(10 ft) high that is covered with padding of uniform thickness not more
than 50 mm (2 in) thick and extending the full length of the pole.
b. A curved horizontal metal ring made of steel rod 15 mm (5/8 in) in
diameter with an internal diameter of 380 mm (15 in).
c. A horizontal metal bar of length 150 mm (6 in), projecting from the
front edge at the top of the pole, to which the ring is attached.
d. A net (preferably white) fitted to the ring, clearly visible and open at
top and bottom. The minimum length of the net is 380 mm (15 in) and
maximum is 457 mm (18 in).

GOALPOSTS

380-457 mm
(15-18 in)
150 mm
(6 in)
Internal diameter
380 mm (15 in)

65-100 mm
3.05 m (2.5-4 in)
(10 ft)

Mid-point goal line

50 mm
goal line
(2 in)

65-100 mm
court
(2.5-4 in)

14
RULE 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

BALL

690-710 mm
(27-28 in)

15. All match balls must:

a. Be spherical in shape and be made of leather, rubber or suitable
synthetic material.
b. Measure 690-710 mm (27-28 in) in circumference.
c. Weigh 400-450 g (14-16 oz).
d. Be inflated to a pressure as specified on the ball by its manufacturer.
16. Match balls may be rotated throughout the match as stipulated by the
event organiser prior to the start of the match.

15
 RULE 2: TIME

MATCH LENGTH
1. A match consists of four quarters, each of 15 minutes playing duration,
with an interval of four minutes between the first-second and third-fourth
quarters. The half-time interval is 12 minutes (except, with the agreement
of the event organiser and both teams, half-time may be eight minutes).

1st 2nd half- 3rd 4th

interval interval
quarter quarter time quarter quarter
15 4 15 12 (or 8) 15 4 15
minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes

2. Teams change ends each quarter.

3. A period of play must not exceed the specified playing time, except that
if a team is awarded a penalty pass in its attacking goal circle before the
timekeeper signals the end of play:
a. The umpire will blow the whistle to end the period of play and
b. Advise the players that time is being extended for the penalty pass to
be taken including any subsequent infringements at that penalty pass
or under [Rule 9.7].
4. An interval may be extended by the umpires for an emergency
[Rule 10.22].

16
RULE 2: TIME

EXTRA TIME
5. Before a match begins the event organiser may advise the teams and
umpires that, in the event that scores are tied at full-time, extra time will
be played to determine a winner. The length of each half will also be
specified.
6. The following procedure will apply:
a. There is an interval of four minutes at the end of full-time.
b. Extra time consists of two halves of equal length, not exceeding
seven minutes each, with a half-time interval of one minute. Teams
change ends at half-time.

interval 1st half half-time 2nd half

4 not exceeding 1 not exceeding

minutes 7 minutes minute 7 minutes

7. The first centre pass in each half is taken by the team entitled to the next
centre pass.
8. In the event of a tie remaining at the end of extra time, a visual signal is
placed at the official bench to indicate that play will continue until one
team leads by two goals.

17
 RULE 3: TEAM

MEMBERS
1. Before the start of a match, the names of all players and team officials
must be provided to the scorers. Each team names one player as captain.
2. During play, a minimum of five and a maximum of seven players from a
team may be on the court at any time, one of whom must play as Centre.
Action:
a. If a team does not have five players available at any time, the
umpires will award the match to the opposing team.
b. If a team has more than seven players on the court at any time, the
additional player/s are immediately sent from the court and
possession is awarded to the opposing team where the ball was
when play stopped. If the additional player/s delay leaving the
court, the umpire will penalise the team for delaying play [Rule 19.1]
and [Rule 19.2].
Terminology: Incorrect team numbers.
3. Each team is allocated a team bench where team officials and bench
players are located during play. Bench players may leave the team
bench during play for a valid reason (for example to warm up) and team
officials may move onto the court surround to coach and/or provide
hydration at a stoppage for injury/illness of a player or blood.

FAILURE TO TAKE THE COURT

4. When the umpires indicate there are 10 seconds remaining before the
start of any period of play, players must take the court.
5. A team must take the court if there are at least five players present, one of
whom must play as Centre.

18
RULE 3: TEAM

6. If a team does not have five players present at the start of a period of
play, the umpires will wait up to 30 seconds for additional player/s to
arrive.
Action:
a. If the team takes the court within 30 seconds: the umpire starts play
and the infringing team is penalised for delaying play [Rule 19.1]
and [Rule 19.2] immediately following the whistle for the centre 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.
Terminology: Failure to take the court.
7. If a team delays taking the court after a stoppage when requested by
the umpires, the umpires penalise the team for delaying play [Rule 19.1]
and [Rule 19.2] as soon as play restarts. If play was due to restart with a
centre pass, the sanction is awarded immediately following the whistle for
the centre pass.

LATE PLAYERS
8. Any late player may, after advising the umpire, take the court in the
vacant position/s at the next break in play.
Action: Any late player is sent from the court until the correct time for entry
and possession is awarded to the opposing team where the ball was
when play stopped.
Terminology: Incorrect entry.

PLAYERS
9. During a match players must wear:
a. Registered playing uniform that includes their name or allocated
team number, which is distinct from the opposing team’s playing
uniform.
b. Suitable sports footwear that is not spiked.
c. Playing position initials 150 mm (6 in) high which must be clearly
visible and worn above the waist, front and back.
10. The playing positions and initials are Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack
(GA), Wing Attack (WA), Centre (C), Wing Defence (WD), Goal
Defence (GD) and Goal Keeper (GK).

19
 RULE 3: TEAM
goal end

1 2 3 4 5

Position Playing areas

Goal
Shooter 1 2

Goal
Attack 1 2 3

Wing
Attack 2 3

Centre 2 3 4

Wing
Defence 3 4
Goal
Defence 3 4 5
Goal
Keeper 4 5

20
RULE 3: TEAM

11. All players have specified areas of the court where they are allowed to
play (see diagram opposite).
12. Players may not wear anything that could endanger themselves or other
players, specifically:
a. No body piercings including earrings may be worn.
b. No adornment that may endanger player safety may be worn.
c. No communication devices may be worn.
d. Any other adornment worn must be securely covered with tape
and/or padding.
e. Medical devices may be worn provided they are securely covered
with tape and/or padding.
f. Player monitoring devices may be worn provided they are secured
within the playing uniform.
g. Fingernails must be short and smooth.
h. Hair must be suitably tied back (for example in a ponytail, plait or
braided) and free from any adornment.
13. Role of captain:
a. Before the match starts, the captains toss on the field of play. The
captain for the first named team tosses a coin and the other captain
calls (unless specified otherwise by the event organiser).
b. The winner of the toss decides whether to have the first centre pass or
to choose a goal end. If the winner of the toss decides to choose the
first centre pass, the opposing captain must choose a goal end and
vice versa.
c. The captains will notify the official bench and umpires of the result of
the toss.
d. During an interval, clarification of any Rule may be sought from
the umpires by the captain and/or any other player concerned.
The umpires must provide such clarification in a way that is clearly
understood.
e. In the event that the captain is not on the court, an on-court captain
will be advised to the umpires.
f. The on-court captain must wear identification as specified by the
event organiser (for example an arm band or patch on their playing
uniform).

21
 RULE 3: TEAM

TEAM OFFICIALS
14. A team may have up to five team officials. These will include a coach and
at least one primary care person.
15. A team may have a sixth team official only if that role is a team doctor.
16. A primary care person and team doctor:
a. Must wear identification as specified by the event organiser (for
example an arm band).
b. May enter the court during a stoppage for injury/illness of a player
or blood.
c. In extreme circumstances where player safety is endangered, may
enter the court while play is in progress.
d. Must advise the umpires if a player is too ill/injured to be removed
from the court within 30 seconds and/or if further assistance is
required.
e. May advise the reserve umpire that they wish to stop play to
facilitate the substitution of any on-court player due to a suspected
concussion.
17. A team official from either team may request to observe the umpires’ toss
[Rule 4.5].

22
RULE 4: MATCH OFFICIALS

UMPIRES
1. The umpires control a match according to the Rules of the Game and
decide any matter not covered by them. The umpires work co-operatively
and may appeal to each other for decisions.
2. The umpires wear clothing that is distinct from the teams’ playing uniforms
and suitable sports footwear.
3. Before a match starts, both umpires must:
a. Check the field of play, goalposts and all match balls conform to
[Rule 1].
b. Check the players off the court to ensure they meet the requirements
of [Rule 3.9] and [Rule 3.12].
4. The umpires ensure that [Rule 4.3] is maintained throughout the match
to provide a safe environment for play. If a player fails to meet these
requirements at any time during play, they will be penalised as a late
player [Rule 3.8].
5. 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 and the other umpire controls
the opposite side line and goal line. Each umpire controls the same half of
the court throughout the match.
6. An umpire’s whistle:
a. Notifies the players when there are 30 seconds and 10 seconds
remaining before the start of a period of play.
b. Starts and ends each period of play.
c. Restarts play after a goal has been scored.
d. Indicates when an infringement is penalised.
e. Is only required to indicate when the ball or a player is out of court if
it is not clear.
f. Signals when the timekeepers are to hold time and when to restart
timing play.
g. Notifies the players when 10 seconds remain prior to the end of a
stoppage.

23
 RULE 4: MATCH OFFICIALS

7. When penalising an infringement, the umpires blow the whistle, state the
infringement using the correct terminology, use the relevant hand signal (if
applicable) and indicate where the sanction or action is to be taken. The
sanction or action may also be stated if clarification is required.
8. Each umpire controls and gives decisions for one half of the court
including the goal line except as provided for in [Rule 4.11], [Rule 4.12]
and [Rule 8.6]. For this purpose, the length of the court is divided in half
across the centre from side line to side line.
B’s side line

A’s goal line

B’s goal line

B’s area of control A’s area of control

A’s side line

9. The umpires move along the side line and behind the goal line to view
play and make decisions. Ideally, they should keep off the court during
play.
10. If the ball strikes the umpire while on the court during play, or if an
umpire interferes with the movements of the on-court players, play does
not stop unless one team has been unfairly disadvantaged, in which
case possession is awarded to that team where the ball was when play
stopped.
11. 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.
12. Either umpire may hold time for injury/illness of a player or blood, an
emergency or other extreme circumstances, or for foul play. If a player
is shooting for goal the shot may be completed before this occurs unless
circumstances require time to be held urgently.
24
RULE 4: MATCH OFFICIALS

RESERVE UMPIRE
13. The reserve umpire:
a. Replaces an umpire who becomes ill/injured during a match. Before
replacing an umpire, the reserve umpire must be aware of any game
management action that has already been taken and the reasons for
that action.
b. May assist the umpires with any procedures prior to the match or
during intervals including observing the captains’ toss and umpires’
toss.
c. Is seated at the umpires’ bench during a match and remains during
an interval if both umpires choose to leave the playing enclosure.
d. Supervises a suspended player during the suspension period and
advises the player when the suspension period has elapsed.
e. Supervises an ordered-off player during the ordered-off period and
advises the player when the ordered-off period has elapsed.
f. Signals the centre pass direction, with a hand.
g. Checks any late player/s who have not previously been checked
[Rule 3.8] prior to reporting for entry to the court.
h. Advises the umpires if the independent concussion observer, team
doctor or primary care person wishes to stop play to facilitate the
substitution of any on-court player due to a suspected concussion.

25
 RULE 5: TECHNICAL AND EVENT OFFICIALS

DETAILED DUTIES
1. Umpires must be aware of the specific duties and applicable detail
of technical official responsibilities as outlined in the World Netball
Technical Officials Manual. This includes the recording of any warning,
suspension or ordering off.
2. Umpires should also be familiar with the relevant aspects of both the
World Netball Event and Commercial Operations Manual and World
Netball Event Disciplinary Regulations.

SCORERS
3. The scorers are jointly responsible for keeping an accurate record of the
score.
4. Before the start of play the scorers record the names of all players
(including playing positions for the start of play) and team officials.
5. During the match the scorers:
a. Record any team changes and/or substitutions.
b. Record goals scored for each team as they occur as well as any
unsuccessful shots.
c. Keep a record of the centre passes taken by each team.
d. Call the correct 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.

TIMEKEEPERS
6. The timekeepers are jointly responsible for ensuring that each period of
play and each interval is of the correct length of time.
7. During the match the timekeepers:
a. Notify the umpires when there are 30 seconds and 10 seconds
remaining before the start of a period of play.
b. Start timing when the match is started by the umpire’s whistle.

26
RULE 5: TECHNICAL AND EVENT OFFICIALS
c. When the playing time specified for a quarter/half has elapsed,
simultaneously notify both umpires by electronic and/or audible
means; the controlling umpire then immediately ends play
(the co-umpire ends play if the controlling umpire is unaware).
d. Hold time when signalled to do so by the umpire and restart timing
when the umpire signals for play to resume.
e. Notify the umpires when 10 seconds remain prior to the end of a
stoppage for injury/illness, blood, or emergency.
f. Time the suspension period of two minutes playing time for a
suspended player and advise the reserve umpire when the time has
elapsed.
g. Time the ordered-off period of four minutes playing time for an
ordered-off player and advise the reserve umpire when the time has
elapsed.

EVENT ORGANISER
8. Prior to a match, the event organiser:
a. Issues accreditation to those persons who may enter the playing
enclosure during a match.
b. Prepares the playing enclosure, the goalposts and match balls to the
specifications stated.
c. Arranges and designates an independent concussion observer.
d. Stipulates how the match balls may be rotated during the match.
e. Confirms the procedures to be followed if blood is on the court or
ball.
f. Confirms the length of the half-time interval.
g. Determines if extra time is to be played if the scores are tied at
full-time (and the length of each half).
h. Confirms the identification to be worn by the on-court captains,
primary care personnel and team doctors.
i. Advises the umpires of the means of notification by the scorers in the
event both umpires indicate the centre pass incorrectly.

27
 RULE 5: TECHNICAL AND EVENT OFFICIALS

9. During a match, the event organiser:

a. Decides on the length of a stoppage for any emergency in
conjunction with the umpires and whether or not the players may
leave the court.
b. Removes any team official and/or bench player from the playing
enclosure following a request by the umpire.
c. Invokes any event delay, postponement or cancellation policy, if
required.
d. Instructs the umpires to abandon a match if the safety of players
and/or officials is considered to be at risk.

28
RULE 6: SANCTIONS AND ACTIONS

TYPES
1. During a match the umpires may penalise an infringement and award
either a sanction or action to the non-infringing team.

Type Awarded for Position awarded

Minor Where the infringement

Free pass
infringements occurred

Where the infringer was

Sanction standing (unless this places
Major the non-infringing team at a
Penalty pass infringements disadvantage, in which case the
penalty will be taken where the
infringed player was standing)

Where the ball went out

Thrown-in Out of court
of court

Simultaneous infringements,
Action
mutual infringements and
Where the ball was when
Possession [Rule 3.2],
play stopped
[Rule 3.8], [Rule 4.10]
and [Rule 6.17]

2. Sanctions and actions are awarded to a team and may be taken by any
player allowed in the area, except as provided for in [Rule 6.17]. The
player taking the sanction or action must take up the position indicated by
the umpire.
Sanction: If the infringement occurred on court, free pass.
Action: If the infringement occurred off court, throw-in to the opposing
team.
Terminology: Not set.

29
 RULE 6: SANCTIONS AND ACTIONS

CONDITIONS FOR FREE PASS

3. A player taking a free pass may not shoot for goal.
Sanction: Free pass and no goal is scored.
Terminology: Shooting from free pass.

CONDITIONS FOR PENALTY PASS

4. 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
[Rule 18.17].
Terminology: Participating.
5. 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 and all
infringers stand out of play.
Terminology: As outlined in [Rule 16] and [Rule 17].
6. 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
has not been taken when the timekeeper signals the end of a period of
play, the umpire will blow the whistle to end the period of play and advise
the players that time is being extended for the penalty pass to be taken
including any subsequent infringements at that penalty pass or under
[Rule 9.7].
7. A player who is correctly positioned to take a penalty pass may choose to
play the ball before the sanction has been set.
a. The umpire may call “taken” sparingly where it is necessary to clarify
that a player has chosen to play the ball immediately (for example
when a shot has been released after the whistle has been blown to
penalise a major infringement).

30
RULE 6: SANCTIONS AND ACTIONS

b. If the player chooses to play the ball immediately, the infringer may
not take part in play until the ball has been released or make any
attempt to intercept the penalty pass.
Sanction: A further penalty pass is awarded which may be advanced
[Rule 18.17].
Terminology: Participating.
8. 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
out of play.
9. If a player is suspended or ordered off, a penalty pass is awarded to the
non-infringing team and no player from the infringing team is required to
stand out of play for the penalty pass.

CONDITIONS FOR THROW-IN

10. A player who goes out of court to retrieve a ball or to take a throw-in
must be allowed back on the court at the point where the player left the
court or took the throw-in.
Sanction: Penalty pass on court near where the player left the court.
Terminology: Preventing re-entry.
11. 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 landing foot).
b. May not step behind any offside area while holding the ball.
Action: Throw-in to the opposing team where the infringement occurred.
Terminology: Incorrect throw-in.
12. 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.
Terminology: Over a third.
13. The player taking the throw-in may not enter the court (including the lines
bounding the court) until the ball has been released.
Action: Throw-in to the opposing team from the same position.
Terminology: Incorrect throw-in.
31
 RULE 6: SANCTIONS AND ACTIONS

14. The ball from a throw-in must enter the court.

Action: Throw-in to the opposing team from the same position.
Terminology: Incorrect throw-in.

POSSESSION
15. During a match the umpires may award possession of the ball to a team.
If this is in the goal circle, a Goal Shooter or Goal Attack may either pass
or shoot for goal.
16. In the case of simultaneous or mutual infringements, possession will be
awarded to the team who last had possession of the ball immediately
prior to that infringement, where the ball was when play stopped.
17. If two opposing players gain possession of the ball in quick succession
during play, the umpire may allow play to continue by calling
‘possession’ and indicating the team and playing position of the player
who gained possession of the ball first so they can play the ball. The
hands of the opposing player must be quickly removed, or they will be
penalised for contact [Rule 17.1].

CONDITIONS FOR ALL SANCTIONS AND ACTIONS

18. Any player taking a sanction or action must also observe the rules for
playing the ball and passing distances as outlined in [Rule 11] and
[Rule 12] once it has been set.
Sanction: If the infringement occurred on court, free pass.
Action: If the infringement occurred off court, throw-in to the opposing
team.
Terminology: As outlined in [Rule 11] and [Rule 12].
19. Any player taking a sanction or action must obey the footwork rule
[Rule 13] once it has been set. The foot placed at the point indicated is
considered as equivalent to a ‘one foot landing’.
Sanction: If the infringement occurred on court, free pass.
Action: If the infringement occurred off court, throw-in to the opposing
team.
Terminology: Footwork.

32
RULE 6: SANCTIONS AND ACTIONS

INFRINGEMENTS DURING A BREAK IN PLAY

20. 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 of, and the taking of a sanction or an action.
This does not include a player entering an offside area to retrieve a
ball to set a sanction or action.
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).
For a and b, the infringement is immediately penalised.
For c and d, the whistle is blown to restart play then the infringement is
penalised.

33
 RULE 7: ADVANTAGE

PRINCIPLES
1. A team should not be disadvantaged when an opponent infringes. The
umpire will refrain from blowing the whistle for an infringement when
by so doing, the non-infringing team would be disadvantaged, and will
instead apply advantage and allow play to continue.
2. Advantage will be applied where the non-infringing team has a clear
and real opportunity to play the ball:
a. To a territorial advantage (towards the non-infringing team’s goal
end).
b. To a tactical advantage (the non-infringing team is free to play the
ball as they wish).
c. To a combination of territorial and tactical advantage.
3. The umpire will indicate that an advantage is being applied by:
a. Calling “advantage” and stating the infringement and playing
position of the infringer/s and
b. Using the umpire hand signal for advantage.

NOT TO BE APPLIED
4. Advantage must not be applied:
a. To any incident of unfair play, unsporting behaviour or dangerous
play.
b. To any other incident that would result in the immediate suspension or
ordering off of the infringer.
c. To any incident resulting in head and/or neck contact or contact
of the head and/or neck with any part of the playing enclosure
including the goalpost.
d. To any other incident where it is suspected that a player is seriously
injured.

IF GOAL SCORED
5. 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. In signalling the
goal, the umpire will call “advantage” and state the infringement and
playing position of the infringer.
34
RULE 8: CENTRE PASS

PRINCIPLES
1. Play is started at the beginning of each period of play and after each goal
is scored by a centre pass. The centre pass is taken alternately by the Centre
of each team.
2. Both umpires should check the correct centre pass with the scorers at the
start and end of each period of play. Either umpire may hold time during
play to check the correct centre pass with the scorers.
3. The first centre pass in each period of play is started by the umpire
controlling the goal end of the team taking the centre pass. The umpire
crossing the court takes the ball to the centre of the court before moving to
the side line.
4. During a period of play, the centre pass is started by the umpire controlling
the goal end where the last goal was scored.
5. Immediately a goal is signalled, both umpires and the reserve umpire
indicate the direction of the next centre pass, and the controlling umpire
calls the name of the team to take the centre pass:
a. If they disagree or are in any way unsure, the umpires must seek
clarification from the scorers.
b. If both umpires indicate the centre pass direction incorrectly, the scorers
notify the umpires by electronic and/or audible means prior to the
centre pass being taken.
c. On appeal from an on-court player prior to the centre pass being
taken, the umpires will check with the scorers and confirm the correct
team to take the next centre pass.
6. For any infringement at a centre pass, the whistle is blown for the centre
pass and then the whistle is blown again to penalise the infringement.
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 the sanction is awarded in the co-umpire’s half, the
co-umpire assumes control once it is set).

35
 RULE 8: CENTRE PASS

7. At a centre pass, before the whistle is blown to end a period of play, the
centre pass will be ruled not to have been taken if:
a. The ball is still in the Centre’s hands and no player from that team has
been penalised.
b. The ball is knocked out of the Centre’s hands by an opponent.
c. Any infringement by the opposing team has been penalised and the
sanction has not been taken.

POSITION OF PLAYERS
8. The Centre in possession of the ball stands with at least one foot wholly
within the centre circle.
Sanction: Free pass in centre circle.
Terminology: Incorrect position.
9. The opposing Centre is in the centre third and free to move.
Sanction: Free pass in the goal third by the transverse line where the
opposing Centre was in contact with the ground in the goal third.
Terminology: Incorrect position.
10. Players must be positioned on the court and in their correct thirds when
play is due to start.
Sanction: Free pass on court near to where the player was positioned
incorrectly.
Terminology: Incorrect position.
11. Apart from both Centres, all other players must not enter the centre third
until the whistle has been blown to start play.
Sanction: Free pass in the centre third by the transverse line where the
player entered the centre third.
Terminology: Breaking.

CONTROLLING THE CENTRE PASS

12. 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
[Rule 13]. If when the whistle was blown:
a. Only one foot was wholly inside the centre circle, this foot will be
considered the landing foot.

36
RULE 8: CENTRE PASS

b. Both feet were wholly inside the centre circle, the foot not moved first
will be considered the landing foot.
Sanction: Free pass in centre circle.
Terminology: Footwork.
13. The Centre must release the ball within three seconds.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Held ball.
14. 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 in goal third by the transverse line where the player
was in contact with the ground in the goal third.
Terminology: Untouched.
15. The ball from a centre pass may not go untouched over the side line
bounding the centre third.
Action: Throw-in.
Terminology: Out of court.
16. 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 air then land either wholly or partly
outside the court, or
c. Touch or catch the ball in the goal third if it has not been touched as
in [Rule 8.14].
Sanction: Free pass in goal third by the transverse line where the player
was in contact with the ground in the goal third or nearest to where the
player landed out of court.
Terminology: Untouched.
17. The umpire may apply advantage [Rule 7] 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).

37
 RULE 9: SCORING A GOAL

REQUIREMENTS
1. A goal is scored when the ball is thrown or batted above and completely
through the ring by Goal Shooter or Goal Attack from any point within
the goal circle including the lines bounding the goal circle.
2. If the whistle to end a period of play or hold time is blown after the ball
has left the hands of the Goal Shooter or Goal Attack and the shot is
successful, the goal will be scored. If the shot is unsuccessful but there is
an infringement under [Rule 9.7]:
a. If this occurs at the end of a period of play, play will be extended for
the penalty pass to be taken including any subsequent infringements
at that penalty pass or under [Rule 9.7].
b. At all other times, play restarts with a penalty pass.
3. 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.
4. If a defending player touches a shot for goal and the ball then passes
above and completely through the ring, a goal is still scored.
5. The umpires signal a goal has been scored by raising one arm vertically.

TAKING A SHOT
6. In taking a shot at goal the player must:
a. Have no physical 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.
Sanction: Free pass where the player made physical contact with the
ground outside the goal circle. No goal is scored.
Terminology: Incorrect shot.
b. Shoot within three seconds of catching the ball.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Held ball.
c. Obey the footwork rule [Rule 13].
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Footwork.

38
RULE 9: SCORING A GOAL

7. A defending player may not:

a. Cause the goalpost to move to interfere with a shot at goal.
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.
Terminology: Interference with shot.

39
 RULE 10: STOPPAGES

SUBSTITUTIONS AND TEAM CHANGES

1. 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.
2. Both teams may also make substitutions and/or team changes
immediately after a goal has been scored following a request from an
on-court player to hold time for this purpose, ensuring that:
a. The umpire is clear the request is for a substitution and not for
injury/illness or blood.
b. Any on-court players must leave the court or change playing
positions without delay.
c. Any substitutes must take up their position on court without delay.
d. All team officials including primary care persons remain at the team
bench.
e. The umpire is able to restart play quickly so the momentum of the
match is not affected.
If undue time is taken by either team to complete substitutions and/or
team changes, the infringing team will be penalised for delaying play
[Rule 19.1] and [Rule 19.2] immediately following the whistle for the next
centre pass.
3. The number of substitutions and/or team changes is unlimited during a
match provided the players used are those named for the match. If the
number of requests under [Rule 10.2] becomes frivolous, the umpires may
refuse the request and/or penalise the infringing team for delaying play
[Rule 19.1] and [Rule 19.2].

PROCEDURES
4. The umpires must hold time:
a. For injury/illness following a request from an on-court player,
primary care person, team doctor or independent concussion
observer.
b. When they notice active bleeding or an open wound.
5. The umpires may hold time for an emergency or in other extreme
circumstances.

40
RULE 10: STOPPAGES

6. During a stoppage:
a. For injury/illness of a player or blood: all players not affected or
being substituted remain on the court. Both umpires remain on their
respective side lines.
b. In an emergency or in other extreme circumstances: the event
organiser decides whether the players and/or umpires leave the
court or not.
c. Team officials are not permitted on the court other than as specified
in [Rule 10].
Sanction: Free pass on court where the ball was when play was stopped.
Terminology: Incorrect stoppage procedures.
7. 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 signalled before play was held play restarts
with the sanction awarded.
c. If a player was in possession of the ball when time was held by the
umpire, any player from that team allowed in the area may have
possession of the ball for the restart of play.
d. If the ball was on the ground or the umpire is unable to say which
team had possession of the ball, possession of the ball is awarded to
the team who last had possession of the ball immediately prior to the
stoppage and any player from that team allowed in the area may
restart play.

INJURY/ILLNESS OR BLOOD
8. The umpires hold time for injury/illness following a verifiable request by
an on-court player or without a request in the event there is an obvious
and/or serious injury.
9. A primary care person, team doctor or independent concussion observer
may advise the reserve umpire to ask the umpires to hold time to facilitate
the substitution of any on-court player due to a suspected concussion.
10. In extreme circumstances where player safety is endangered, a primary
care person, team doctor or independent concussion observer may enter
the court while play is in progress. Either umpire will then immediately
hold time. If this safety precaution is misused by a primary care person or
team doctor, they may be disciplined as outlined in [Rule 18.44].
41
 RULE 10: STOPPAGES

11. The umpires hold time if they notice any player who is actively bleeding
or has an open wound.
12. In all circumstances above, 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.
13. Only primary care person/s are permitted on the court to assess the
player’s medical condition. They may ask for further assistance from the
team doctor or independent concussion observer before assisting the
player from the court.
14. If the primary care person/s, team doctor or independent concussion
observer 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 and notify the official bench accordingly.
15. The umpires may authorise other persons (including team officials) to
assist the player to leave the court if needed.
16. Any other player with blood on their body or clothing who is not actively
bleeding may leave the field of play to have this cleaned within the
time allowed for the stoppage by the umpires without the need to be
substituted. However, any clothing that becomes blood-stained must be
replaced within the time allowed for the stoppage by the umpires and this
may occur away from the playing enclosure.
17. If there is blood on the ball it should be swapped and any blood on the
court must be cleaned as directed by the event organiser before play
restarts.
18. 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.
19. If no substitution is made for the injured/ill player, or for a player who
is actively bleeding or has an open wound, 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.
20. If the position has been left vacant the player concerned or a substitute
may not enter the match while play is in progress or they will be treated
as a late player [Rule 3.8].

42
RULE 10: STOPPAGES

21. If the position has been left vacant the player concerned or a substitute
may return to the court at the next break in play. If the player concerned
was originally the Centre at the time of the stoppage, the umpire will hold
time so they can return to the Centre position and any player who moved
to play as Centre can return to the previous playing position.

EMERGENCIES
22. The umpires may hold time or extend an interval in the event of the serious
injury/illness of a player, injury/ illness of a match official or technical
official, an issue with the court, goalposts or ball, the weather or technical
equipment or in other extreme circumstances.
23. The umpires in conjunction with the event organiser decide the length of
such a stoppage and ensure play restarts as soon as possible.
24. The umpires may sparingly hold time if there is going to be a material
loss of playing time (for example the ball leaving the playing enclosure).
Otherwise, playing time should not be stopped including when an umpire
is awarding an infringement that is not foul play, or where the court or
ball has incidental moisture on it which is not impacting play.
25. If required, the event organiser may invoke any delay, postponement or
cancellation policy. In extreme circumstances they may also instruct the
umpires to abandon a match if the safety of players and/or officials is
considered to be at risk.

43
 RULE 11: PLAYING THE BALL

GAINING POSSESSION
1. To gain possession of the ball 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.
d. Bat the ball once, then catch it.
e. Bounce the ball once, then catch it.
f. Touch the ball in an uncontrolled manner once or more than once,
then catch it.
2. A player may not fall on the ball to gain possession or gain possession of
the ball while lying, sitting or kneeling on the ground.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Playing ball on ground.
3. A player may not use the goalpost as a support, including to gain or
retain possession of the ball.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Using the goalpost.

WHILE IN POSSESSION
4. A player in possession of the ball must pass or shoot for goal within three
seconds.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Held ball.
5. Any player in possession of the ball may pass it with one or both hands.
A Goal Shooter or Goal Attack in possession of the ball in the goal circle
may pass the ball or shoot for goal.
6. After having possession and releasing the ball, a player may not touch
the ball again before it touches another player or it rebounds from the
goalpost.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Repossession.

44
RULE 11: PLAYING THE BALL

WITHOUT HAVING POSSESSION

7. Without having possession of the ball, a player may:
a. Bat or bounce the ball to another player.
b. Bat the ball once, and then either bat or bounce the ball to another
player.
c. Bounce the ball once, and then either bat or bounce the ball to
another player.
d. Touch the ball in an uncontrolled manner once or more than once,
and then either bat or bounce the ball to another player.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Replayed ball.

PROHIBITED ACTIONS
8. A player may not:
a. Kick the ball.
b. Strike the ball with a fist.
c. Roll the ball to another player.
d. Pass the ball or shoot for goal while lying, sitting or kneeling on the
ground.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Incorrect playing of the ball.

45
 RULE 12: PASSING DISTANCES

SHORT PASS
1. When a player passes the ball there must be sufficient space on the court
for an opposing player to be able to deflect or intercept the ball as it
moves from the hands of the passer to those of the receiver.
Sanction: Free pass where the ball is caught or touched by the receiving
player of the same team.
Terminology: Short pass.
2. If two players from the same team gain possession of the ball in quick
succession, the player who gained possession of the ball first must remain
in possession and the hands of the player who gained possession of the
ball second must be removed. If the player who gained possession of the
ball second finishes in possession of the ball, the pass will be deemed to
be a short pass.
Sanction: Free pass where the player who gained possession second has
sole possession of the ball.
Terminology: Short pass.

OVER A THIRD
3. The ball must be caught or touched by a player in each third of the court.
4. 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.
Action: If the ball goes out of court over the goal line a throw-in is
awarded.
Terminology: Over a third.
5. 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.

46
RULE 12: PASSING DISTANCES

6. 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.
Terminology: Over a third.

47
 RULE 13: FOOTWORK

ONE-FOOT LANDING
1. 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:
a. Step with the second foot in any direction, lift the landing foot and
pass or shoot before the landing foot is regrounded.
b. 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 pass or shoot before regrounding it.
c. Jump from the landing foot onto the second foot and jump again but
must pass or shoot before regrounding either foot.
d. Step with the second foot and jump but must pass or shoot before
regrounding either foot.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Footwork.

TWO-FOOT LANDING
2. 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:
a. Step with one foot in any direction, lift the second foot and pass or
shoot before the second foot is regrounded.
b. 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
pass or shoot before regrounding it.
c. Jump from both feet onto one foot but must pass or shoot before
regrounding the second foot.
d. Step with one foot then jump but must pass or shoot before
regrounding either foot.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Footwork.

48
RULE 13: FOOTWORK

OTHER FOOT MOVEMENTS

3. A player in possession of the ball may not:
a. Drag or slide the landing foot.
b. Hop on either foot.
c. Jump from both feet and land on both feet while still in possession of
the ball.
d. Fall to the ground and reground the landing foot.
Sanction: Free pass.
Terminology: Footwork.

49
 RULE 14: OFFSIDE

REQUIREMENTS
1. A player is offside when the player enters a court area not designated
for that player’s position except when solely to retrieve a ball to set
a sanction or action [Rule 6.20]. This applies whether the player has
contact with the ball or not. A player is not offside, if any part of their
body is in contact with, but not over, the line bounding the court area
designated for that player’s position.
Sanction: Free pass where the player entered the offside area.
Terminology: Offside.
2. If two opposing players enter an offside area, one before the other, the
first player is penalised.
Sanction: Free pass where the player entered the offside area.
Terminology: Offside.
3. 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.

50
RULE 15: OUT OF COURT

BALL OUT OF COURT

1. 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.
c. A player on court is holding the ball which is in contact with the
ground, an object or a person outside the court.
Action: Throw-in to the team that did not touch the ball last on court, to be
taken in line with where the ball went out of court.
Terminology: Out of court.
2. The ball from a throw-in must not go out of court without being touched.
Action: Throw-in to the opposing team where the ball goes out of court
after the original throw-in is taken.
Terminology: Out of court.
3. The ball is put out of court by a player who:
a. Catches the ball in the air and lands 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 to the team that did not catch or touch the ball, to be
taken in line with where the player landed or is standing outside the court.
Terminology: Out of court.
4. A ball is not out of court when:
a. It hits any part of the goalpost and rebounds into the court.
b. It lands on but not over any part of the goal line or side line.

51
 RULE 15: OUT OF COURT

PLAYER OUTSIDE THE COURT

5. A player is not out of court when any part of their body is on but not over
any part of the goal line or side line.
6. A player may jump from a position inside the court and pass or shoot the
ball before landing outside the court.
7. A player having no contact with the ball, whether attacking or defending,
may move into the court surround provided this is solely for the purpose of
repositioning back onto the court.
Sanction: Penalty pass taken on the court in line with where the infringer
was standing.
Terminology: Leaving the court.
8. 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 to the opposing team in line with where the player last
had contact with the court surround before playing the ball.
Terminology: Out of court.
9. A player who leaves the field of play without the permission of the umpire
will be treated as a late player [Rule 3.8].

DEFENDING FROM OUT OF COURT

10. 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.
Sanction: Penalty pass taken on the court close to where the infringer was
standing.
Terminology: Defending from out of court.

52
RULE 16: OBSTRUCTION

Sanction for obstruction infringements: Penalty Pass where the infringer was
standing unless this places the non-infringing team at a disadvantage, in which
case the penalty will be taken where the obstructed player was standing.
Terminology: Obstruction.

PLAYER IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL

1. An opposing player may attempt to deflect or intercept the ball or defend
a player in possession of the ball, provided there is a distance of not less
than 0.9 m (3 ft) measured on the ground from the nearest part of the
landing foot of the player with the ball to the nearest part of the opposing
player’s nearer foot in contact with the ground.
2. An opposing player may attempt to deflect or intercept the ball or defend
a player in possession of the ball while being lifted by another opposing
player, provided there is a distance of not less than 0.9 m (3 ft) measured
on the ground from the nearest part of the landing foot of the player with
the ball to the nearest part of either opposing player’s nearer foot in
contact with the ground.
3. If the player with the ball has a one-foot landing, this distance is
measured on the ground as follows:
a. If the player remains in the landing position: from the nearest part of
the landing foot to the nearest part of the nearer foot of the opposing
player.
b. If the player lifts the landing foot: from the point where the nearest
part of the landing foot was grounded to the nearest part of the
nearer foot of the opposing player.
4. If the player with the ball has a two-foot landing, this distance is
measured on the ground as follows:
a. If the player does not move either foot: from the nearest part of
the foot that is closer to the nearest part of the nearer foot of the
opposing player.
b. If the player moves one foot: from the nearest part of the foot that
remains grounded to the nearest part of the nearer foot of the
opposing player.

53
 RULE 16: OBSTRUCTION

5. If the player with the ball pivots on the landing foot, the nearest part of
the landing foot may change and the opposing player must adjust so that
the nearest part of their nearer foot is not less than 0.9 m (3 ft) from the
nearest part of where the landing foot is now grounded.
6. 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 (3 ft) provided this does not interfere with the
passing or shooting action.
b. If the player with the ball reduces the distance between them.
7. A defending player may be within 0.9 m (3 ft) of an opponent with the
ball provided there is no interference with the passing or shooting action
of this player. The defending player may not make any effort to deflect
or intercept the ball or defend the player with the ball including by lifting
another player from their team for this purpose.

PLAYER NOT IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL

8. A player who is within 0.9 m (3 ft) of an opponent (measured between
the nearest part of the nearer foot 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.
9. A player who is within 0.9 m (3 ft) of an opponent (measured between
the nearest part of the nearer foot on the ground) may not, whether
attacking or defending, use movements that take the arms away from
the body to limit the movement of an opponent, except as required for
natural body stance.

54
RULE 17: CONTACT

Sanction for contact infringements: Penalty Pass where the infringer was
standing unless this places the non-infringing team at a disadvantage, in which
case the penalty will be taken where the obstructed player was standing.

INTERFERENCE
1. When attacking, defending or playing the ball, a player must not engage
in physical contact with an opponent that unfairly interferes with the
opponent’s play, whether accidental or deliberate. This may include, but
is not limited to:
a. Pushing, tripping, grabbing, holding or leaning on an opponent.
b. Knocking or hitting an opponent, including when shooting for goal.
c. Hitting or placing hand/s on a ball held by an opponent.
d. While holding the ball, pushing it into an opponent.
Terminology: Contact.
2. To be penalised as contact, the physical contact must result in:
a. Loss of the ball by an opponent in possession.
b. Interference with the passing or shooting action of an opponent in
possession.
c. A change or changes in the body position of an opponent,
regardless of whether the opponent is in possession, which limits their
ability to move freely and places them at an unfair disadvantage in
attacking, defending or playing the ball.
Terminology: Contact.
3. Incidental physical contact between opposing players in attacking,
defending or playing the ball which does not cause interference as
described in [Rule 17.2] will be deemed fair contest, and should not be
penalised.

55
 RULE 17: CONTACT

CAUSING CONTACT – PLAYER IN THE AIR

4. Regardless of whether the ball is touched or caught, a player who has
jumped into the air from an on-court position must be permitted to land:
a. In the same place on court.
b. In any other place on court, provided that an attacking player may
not intentionally move into a stationary opponent when jumping and
catching the ball.
Terminology: Causing Contact.
5. Where two or more opposing players jump into the air together in an
attempt to touch or catch the ball, the player who is successful in gaining
possession has priority and must be permitted to land in accordance with
the trajectory of the pass, and any opponent/s must yield this landing
place.
Terminology: Causing Contact.
6. An opponent must not:
a. Move into the landing place of a player after that player has jumped
in the air as described in [Rule 17.4] and [Rule 17.5].
b. Fail to yield the landing place of a player who has jumped into the
air and gained possession after an unsuccessful attempt to touch or
catch the ball as described in [Rule 17.5].
Terminology: Causing Contact.

CAUSING CONTACT – MOVING PLAYER

7. A player must not take up a position so near to and/or so quickly in the
path of a moving opponent, that the opponent does not have sufficient
time or distance, either to stop or change their direction. The time and
distance that must be allowed by the player is directly proportional to the
speed of the opponent.
Terminology: Causing Contact.

56
RULE 17: CONTACT

INEVITABLE CONTACT
8. Player/s, whether moving or stationary, must not position so closely to an
opponent that the opponent is unable to move at all without contacting.
Terminology: Inevitable Contact.

CONTACT ENDANGERING PLAYER SAFETY

9. In the application of this Rule, player safety is the paramount
consideration. In particular, an infringement of this Rule will normally be
considered as dangerous play requiring the additional delivery of game
management action under [Rule 19.11] if it involves:
a. A player who pushes, grabs, holds, knocks or hits the arms, legs or
body of an airborne opponent in a manner that puts safe landing at
risk.
b. A player who moves into the landing place of an opponent who has
jumped into the air.
c. A player who fails to yield the landing place of an opponent in
possession after an unsuccessful attempt to touch or catch the ball.
d. Any action, either unnecessarily forceful, careless, reckless or
dangerous that affects the safety of another player and results in
either head and/or neck contact or contact of the head and/or neck
with any part of the playing enclosure including the goalpost.

57
 RULE 18: GAME MANAGEMENT

PRINCIPLES
1. The umpires apply the Rules of the Game fairly, communicate clearly
and maintain a calm, decisive control while ensuring that player safety
is the paramount consideration. In all interactions with players and team
officials during the match, umpires will act respectfully in accordance with
standards of good sporting behaviour and must not criticise or coach any
player or team.
2. Players on the court are responsible for complying with the Rules of the
Game and are expected to respond to rulings by the umpires and adjust
their play accordingly. Similar requirements apply to team officials and
bench players.
3. The requirement of players, team officials and bench players to behave
in a manner consistent with good sporting behaviour extends throughout
the entire match including intervals, stoppages and when the ball is both
in and out of play.
4. A player who infringes any part of the foul play rule [Rule 19] must be
specifically disciplined with the prescribed game management action.
5. The game management action applied will be proportionate to the
seriousness of the behaviour concerned, having regard to the principles
of fair play and sporting behaviour and the paramount consideration of
player safety.

GAME MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

6. To manage a match the umpires will, in addition to the sanction for any
infringement, use any of the following actions:
a. Proactive advice: a player is provided with specific feedback to
change their behaviour.
b. Advance and/or escalate a sanction: a sanction may be advanced
up to half a third (this may be to inside the goal circle if the
infringement was in the goal third) and/or a free pass escalated to
a penalty pass.
c. Issue a warning to a player: a player is warned that suspension will
follow if the player continues to infringe any of the foul play rules.

58
RULE 18: GAME MANAGEMENT

d. Suspend a player: a player who is suspended takes no part in play

for two minutes playing time.
e. Order a player off: a player who is ordered off takes no further
part in the match. A team may replace this player after four minutes
playing time.
7. During a match both the co-umpire and reserve umpire must be alert to
any game management action taken by the controlling umpire and the
reasons for it, specifically in the case of a warning, suspension or ordering
off as identified by the relevant umpire hand signal. The controlling umpire
may also verbally confirm any game management action taken and the
reasons for it at the next interval.
8. Normally an umpire will work through these game management actions in
the order indicated unless an offence is serious enough to require a higher
level of game management to be applied immediately.
9. Any game management action must be applied in the same period of
play that the infringement occurred. If the infringement occurred during an
interval, the game management action must be applied immediately the
next period of play starts.
10. To give a warning, suspension or ordering off, the umpire will:
a. Hold time and signal to the official bench, using the appropriate
umpire hand signal.
b. Use the specific term “warning”, “suspension” or “ordering off”.
c. Advise the player of the behaviour for which the game management
action is being applied.
11. A decision to give a warning, to suspend a player or order a player off
will be considered to have been made jointly by both umpires and is
binding on the co-umpire.
12. The co-umpire may hold time if an act of foul play is observed that is
not seen by the controlling umpire and a sanction has not already been
awarded for an infringement. Such cases should be limited to serious
actions which require a warning, suspension or ordering off:
a. The co-umpire will immediately blow the whistle to hold time.
b. The controlling umpire will make the final decision about any game
management action to be taken and will restart play.

59
 RULE 18: GAME MANAGEMENT

PROACTIVE ADVICE
13. For low-level incidents that do not compromise player safety, an umpire
may provide a player with specific feedback to change their behaviour
without the need to hold time.
14. The language used should be succinct and provide the player with the
necessary information to adjust their behaviour.
15. The umpire may also hold time and inform the on-court captain that a
player’s behaviour is causing concern and needs to change and may
request the on-court captain to speak to the player involved.
16. If a player needs to be spoken to more than once (including where a
player has been spoken to by their captain at the umpire’s request), the
umpire must treat this as repeated infringing [Rule 19.1] and [Rule 19.4].

ADVANCE AND/OR ESCALATE A SANCTION

17. An umpire may:
a. Advance a sanction up to half a third (this may be to inside the goal
circle if the infringement was in the goal third) without the need to
hold time.
b. Escalate a free pass to a penalty pass, as a stand-alone action or in
combination with the sanction being advanced.
18. Where the sanction advanced is a penalty pass, 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.
19. In deciding whether it is appropriate to advance and/or escalate a
sanction, the umpire will have regard to all of the circumstances, including
the seriousness of the behaviour concerned and the principles of fair
play and sporting behaviour.
20. Advancing and/or escalating a sanction would not usually be
appropriate for infringements that endanger player safety unless the
infringement also involved the delaying of play. In this instance, the
umpire may advance and/or escalate the sanction in combination with
other appropriate game management action, again having regard to the
seriousness of the behaviour concerned, the principles of fair play and
sporting behaviour, as well as the paramount consideration of player
safety.
60
RULE 18: GAME MANAGEMENT

21. If an individual player has multiple advanced and/or escalated

sanctions, the umpire must issue a warning.
22. If a team has cumulative advanced and/or escalated sanctions, the
umpire must issue a warning to the next infringer for that team where this
game management action is required.

WARNING
23. If a player does not change their behaviour following proactive advice
from an umpire or an advanced and/or escalated sanction, the umpire
will issue a warning to the player.
24. Where appropriate a warning may be given in instances of unfair play,
even if no earlier game management actions have been taken.
25. A warning must be given in all instances of unsporting behaviour.
26. Only one warning may be given to a player in a match.

SUSPENSION
27. The umpire will suspend a player following a warning if the player
continues to engage in unfair play and/or unsporting behaviour.
28. Where appropriate the umpire may suspend a player for unfair play or
unsporting behaviour even if no warning has been given.
29. The umpire must suspend a player in instances of dangerous play unless
the action concerned involves intentional or highly reckless acts of
dangerous play that endanger player safety and are sufficiently serious
to warrant immediate ordering off.
30. Only one suspension may be given to a player in a match.
31. A player who is suspended must immediately leave the court and while
off the court the suspended player is seated at the umpires’ bench under
the supervision of the reserve umpire.
32. 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 period.
33. The suspension period of two minutes playing time begins when play
restarts.
61
 RULE 18: GAME MANAGEMENT

34. Once the suspension period has been completed, either the suspended
player or a substitute may return to the court at the next break in play.
Either the suspended player or a substitute returns to the original playing
position of the suspended player and any player who moved to play as
Centre during the suspension returns to the previous playing position.
35. A suspended player may join the team during any interval that occurs
during the suspension but must return to the umpires’ bench when play
restarts for the remainder of the suspension period.

ORDERING OFF
36. The umpire will order a player off the court following a suspension if the
player continues to infringe any of the foul play rules.
37. Where appropriate an umpire may order a player off the court even if no
suspension has been given. This must be the case for intentional or highly
reckless acts of dangerous play that endanger player safety.
38. A player who is ordered off must immediately leave the court and take no
further part in the match. The player reports initially to the umpire’s bench
and is seated under the supervision of the reserve umpire.
39. No substitute is permitted and the ordered-off 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 ordered-off period.
40. The ordered-off period of four minutes playing time begins when play
restarts.
41. Once the ordered-off period has been completed, a substitute may
return to the court at the next break in play. The substitute returns to the
original playing position of the ordered-off player and any player who
moved to play as Centre during the ordered-off period returns to their
previous playing position. The ordered-off player must now report to the
appropriate team officials on the team bench and may not re-enter the
field of play.
42. An ordered-off player may join the team during any interval that occurs
during the ordered-off period but must return to the umpires’ bench when
play restarts for the remainder of the ordered-off period.

62
RULE 18: GAME MANAGEMENT

DISCIPLINE OF TEAM OFFICIALS AND BENCH PLAYERS

43. 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 (for example to warm up).
Sanction: Free pass to the non-infringing team taken where the ball was
when play was stopped. If the ball was out of court the free pass is taken
on court in line with where the ball was out of court.
Terminology: Bench movement.
44. During a match (including intervals, stoppages and when the ball is both
in and out of play) team officials and bench players may not:
a. Criticise 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.
e. Enter the court other than in extreme circumstances where player
safety is endangered.
Sanction: Penalty pass to the non-infringing team taken where the ball
was when play was stopped or where play was due to restart. If the ball
was out of court the penalty pass is taken on court in line with where the
ball was out of court. No player is required to stand out of play for the
penalty pass.
Terminology: Bench behaviour.
45. Either umpire may penalise such behaviour. In addition, a warning may
be issued to a specific person or to all team officials and bench players of
the team concerned. A decision to give a warning will be considered to
have been made jointly by both umpires and is binding on the co-umpire.
46. In the event that team officials and/or bench players do not respond to a
warning, the umpire requests the event organiser to remove them from the
playing enclosure for the remainder of the match (including any contact
with the team during intervals and stoppages).
47. In a serious case, the umpire may request the event organiser to remove
a person from the playing enclosure for the remainder of the match
(including any contact with the team during intervals and stoppages)
without a previous warning.

63
 RULE 19: FOUL PLAY

UNFAIR PLAY
1. A player must not play unfairly even if player safety is not endangered.
This includes any instance of delaying play, intentional infringing,
repeated infringing, disputed ruling or intimidation.
Game management action: Penalty pass which is advanced.
Terminology: Specific description of unfair play (delaying play,
intentional infringing, repeated infringing, disputed ruling or intimidation).
2. Delaying play: A player or team may not intentionally waste time or
delay play.
3. Intentional infringing: A player must not intentionally infringe any rule.
4. Repeated infringing: A player must not persist in repeatedly infringing a
rule or a combination of rules. A team must not repeatedly infringe the
same rule or a combination of rules.
5. Disputed ruling: A player may not dispute a ruling given by an umpire.
If an umpire’s call is not clearly heard a player may ask the umpire
to repeat the infringement penalised or seek clarification of where a
sanction or action is to be taken.
6. Intimidation: A player, either with or without the ball, may not intimidate
an opponent by using behaviour designed to distract (including verbal
comments) to obtain an unfair advantage. Examples of intimidation
include (but are not limited to):
a. Covering an opponent’s eyes.
b. Swiping the ball directly at an opponent’s face.
c. Making unnecessary loud or sudden noises.
d. Stomping the ground.
e. A player waving their arms erratically.
f. Sledging an opponent.

64
RULE 19: FOUL PLAY

UNSPORTING BEHAVIOUR
7. A player must not act in any way that may add hostility to a match or
is contrary to accepted standards of good sporting conduct and to the
integrity or image of the game.
Game management action: Penalty pass where the infringement occurred
and the player is either given a warning or suspended. In a serious case
the umpire will order the player off.
Terminology: Specific description of unsporting behaviour (retaliation,
abusive behaviour, actions contrary to good sporting behaviour).
8. Retaliation: A player must not retaliate even if an opponent infringes the
Rules.
9. Abusive behaviour: A player may not use any offensive, insulting or
abusive language and/or gestures towards anyone in the playing
enclosure.
10. Actions contrary to good sporting behaviour: A player must not act in a
manner contrary to accepted standards of good sporting behaviour or to
the integrity and image of the game.

DANGEROUS PLAY
11. A player must not take any action, either unnecessarily forceful, careless,
reckless or dangerous that could affect the safety of another player. This
specifically includes (but is not limited to) any action that results in either
head and/or neck contact or contact of the head and/or neck with any
part of the playing enclosure including the goalpost.
Game management action: Penalty pass where the infringement occurred
and the player is either suspended or in a serious case ordered off. A
player must always be ordered off for intentional or highly reckless acts
of dangerous play.
Terminology: Dangerous play.

65
 RULE 19: FOUL PLAY

12. When umpires are considering whether a suspension or ordering off is

more appropriate, they should consider the following factors (which are
not exhaustive):
a. Was the action intentional, reckless or avoidable?
b. Did the action have a low or high impact on player safety?
c. Was the action at low or high speed, on the ground or in the air?
d. Was the action low or high force?
e. Did the action occur while stationary or moving?

66
f.RULE 20: SIMULTANEOUS AND MUTUAL INFRINGEMENTS

PROCEDURE
1. The umpire will award possession to the team who last had possession of
the ball immediately prior to that infringement in the following instances:
a. Two opposing players gain possession of the ball simultaneously
with one or both hands.
b. Two opposing players send the ball out of court simultaneously.
c. Two opposing players are offside simultaneously and one or both
touch or catch the ball.
d. At a centre pass, two opposing players enter the centre third before
the whistle and one or both touch or catch the ball.
e. Two opposing players contact each other simultaneously.
f. Any mutual infringement.
2. If two opposing players enter the centre third simultaneously before the
whistle is blown for a Centre Pass:
a. If neither player touches the ball they are not penalised and play
continues.
b. If one umpire blows the whistle for a sanction and the other umpire
indicates an advantage has applied, the sanction will stand.
3. If two opposing players enter an offside area simultaneously, if neither
player touches the ball they are not penalised and play continues.
4. If both umpires simultaneously blow their whistles to penalise opposing
teams for infringements, the infringement with the more significant
sanction or action will stand according to the following order:
a. Any act of foul play.
b. Major infringement.
c. Minor infringement or an infringement resulting in an action being
awarded.
If the infringements have the same sanction or action, the decision made
by the controlling umpire will stand.

67
 RULE 21: VARIATIONS FOR OTHER LEVELS OF PLAY

PRINCIPLES
1. The Rules are written for international play. Variations in some Rules may
be made for matches that are not for international play for players of
different levels or to meet other conditions.
2. For elite level competitions it is likely that few changes will be made, while
for matches at lower levels changes may be more extensive.
3. For primary school age children, who are just beginning to play the
game, it is likely more extensive modifications may be desirable to allow
for differences in stature, strength and skill level. For example, a lower
goalpost or a smaller ball may be used. A modified game with variations
to the playing rules may be developed to meet the needs of such players.
4. Decisions regarding variations will normally be made by the controlling
authority for the competition. Any variations should maintain the integrity
of the game on the court and should not change the way it is played. The
following are some examples of variations that might be used.

RULE 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

5. Courts may be outdoors where different surface materials may be used.
6. While international play uses 3-ply balls, a lower grade of ball (2-ply)
may be used at lower levels. 2-ply balls will usually have a lower
inflation level as will those used for matches played outdoors.

RULE 2: TIME
7. Time may be played in halves rather than quarters and these may vary in
length up to a maximum of 20 minutes.
8. Quarters may be of a shorter length.
9. Intervals may be of a shorter length.
10. Extra time requirements may be varied.

68
RULE 21: VARIATIONS FOR OTHER LEVELS OF PLAY

RULE 3: TEAM
11. Teams may be made up of players of the same gender or may be mixed.
12. Team officials may be fewer than specified and may therefore undertake
several duties. However, primary care person/s must not be players and
it is preferable that they do not hold any other role.

RULE 4: MATCH OFFICIALS

13. A reserve umpire may not always be appointed.
14. Umpires may use more specific terms if required for clarification (for
example the umpire may state ‘penalty pass or shot’ rather than ‘penalty
pass’.

RULE 5: TECHNICAL OFFICIALS

15. The number of technical officials may be fewer (at least one scorer and
one timekeeper should be appointed).

69
 UMPIRE HAND SIGNALS

1 Start/restart of play
Arm held high, angled
towards goal end of
team with centre pass

2 Hold time
Facing timekeeper,
one hand vertical and
other horizontal to
form ‘T’

70
UMPIRE HAND SIGNALS

3 Direction of pass
for centre pass, sanction
or action
Arm outstretched
to side pointing to goal
end of team with pass

4 Throw-in (goal line)

for attacking team
at its goal end
Arm angled down,
pointing to base of
goalpost

5 Advantage
Arm sweeps across body
towards goal end of team
with advantage

71
 UMPIRE HAND SIGNALS

6 Possession
Hands, palms inward a
short distance apart in a
catching motion

7 Goal scored
Arm held vertically

8 Goal not scored

Arms move from
side to side across each
other above waist

72
UMPIRE HAND SIGNALS

9 Centre positioned
incorrectly
Hand traces
horizontal circle

10 Incorrect position or
incorrect use of court areas
for offside, breaking, over a third,
untouched centre pass, not set,
preventing re-entry, defending
from out of court, leaving the court,
incorrect throw-in and incorrect shot
Hand traces medium upward arc in
direction of incorrect position or area

11 Interference with shot

or intimidation
Hand traces small arc
in front of face

73
 UMPIRE HAND SIGNALS

12 Substitution
Circular motion of both
forearms around each
other above waist

13 Held ball
Arm held vertically
with three fingers
displayed

14 Repossession
Hands, palms inward a
short distance apart, twist
from side to side in a
parallel motion

74
UMPIRE HAND SIGNALS

15 Incorrect playing the ball

also for playing ball on ground,
using the goalpost, replayed ball
One hand, palm down, move
vertically up and down in
a bouncing action

16 Short pass
Hands, palms inward a short
distance apart, one hand
moves towards the other
held stationary

17 Footwork
Hands, palms down,
move vertically up and down
in opposite directions

75
 UMPIRE HAND SIGNALS

18 Obstruction
(player in possession of the ball)
Hands, palms inward,
held short distance apart

19 Obstruction
(player not in possession of the ball)
Arms angled out from
body below waist

20 Contact
Hand, palm facing down,
taps opposite forearm

76
UMPIRE HAND SIGNALS

21 Warning
Arms crossed
above head

22 Suspension
Arm held vertically
with two fingers
displayed

23 Ordering off
Hand sweeps from
player towards their
team bench

77
 NOTES

78
World Netball | Suite 6.02 | Floor 6 | MediaCityUK | Salford | M50 2AB | United Kingdom
[email protected] | +44 (0) 333 102 0200 | www.netball.sport

Design and print by Mercer Design & Print - [email protected] Cover photography by Ashley Vlotman