Netball Rules
Rules of Indoor Netball
To be read in conjunction with the A.A.N.A Rules.
Contents
Foreword
Section 1 – Equipment
Section 2 – Officials
Section 3 – The Team & Areas Of Play
Section 4 – Duration Of The Game
Section 5 – Late Arrivals
Section 6 – Substitution
Section 7 – Qualifications
Section 8 – Stoppages
Section 9 – Offside
Section 10 – The Nets
Section 11 – The Game
Section 12 – Conducting Penalties & Hand Signals
Section 13 – Discipline
Section 14 – Schedule Of Fines
Section 15 – Finals Formats
Section 16 – Match Points
Foreword
Dear Player,
This is your guide to the Rules of Indoor Netball. A fast skilful and exciting game for Women and Men of all ages.
The game of Indoor Netball is based on Outdoor Netball with 7 players and 3 interchange players. The added attraction of interchange players and the nets which keep the ball in play creates a fast and most exciting game.
These are the Official Rules of Indoor Netball Australia which have been adopted by all States.
As with most sports the majority of the Rules are easy to follow but some need interpretation and expert adjudication. That’s where the Umpire comes in.
Remember each rule is framed with a spirit of intent and should be read with this in mind.
Your Umpire is well versed in these rules and their application. Remember the Umpire is in sole control of your game and while even Umpires arc human and may make an error their decision is final.
If you have a question or require a ruling your Team Captain should speak for the team at all times, at the same time you should know the rules and standards of on court behaviour expected in competitions.
A sound knowledge of the rules will improve your enjoyment of the game. Remember the most important thing is to enjoy yourself.
These Rules are subject to change without notice.
Contact your local W.A.I.N.A. centre for rule changes.
SECTION 1 – Facilities & Equipment
Centre
Any indoor sports centre may become a member of the W.A.I.N.A., provided that the centre is privately owned and not controlled by any government department agency.
An indoor sports centre must have a minimum of two playing courts to eligible to participate in any competition run by the W.A.I.N.A.
Court
The court shall be rectangular in shape measuring a minimum 28.5 metres long and 11 metres wide. The long lines shall be called side lines and the short lines, end In Two transverse lines parallel to the end lines shall divide the court into a centre third and two goal thirds. A semi circle (3.66 metres in radius) shall be drawn with centre the midpoint of the end line. These shall be the goal circles. The court may fully enclosed on all sides and ceiling. Existing members excluded.
Goal Rings
A steel ring 380mm in diameter shall be attached to a post or other wall mount outside the court. The goal ring must be 3.05 metres above the floor and shall project horizontally onto the court at the central point of each end line. The ring shall be fitted with a net which shall be open at each end. Any post used to support the goal ring may be inserted into a socket in the floor, or may be supported by a metal base which shall not protrude onto the court.
Ball
The ball shall be a universally accepted netball or Association football Size 5.
Players
Players must wear a form of rubber-soled sport shoe or boot suitable for indoor competition (white soled or non-marking soles).
Teams must wear a uniform which must be registered as the official centre uniform. It shall consist of matching shirts / tops and matching skirts / shorts. If shorts are worn they must be all the same colour and design. If short cycle pants are worn underneath a sports skirt the length of shorts must not extend the hem line of the skirt. All white uniforms are not allowed. It should be noted that in all “same sex” teams, uniforms must be identical, and in “mixed sex” teams, the same sex uniforms must be identical. A fine of $20 and a two goal penalty will result for any and all players not in correct uniform.
Each team shall be responsible for supplying its own set of bibs or hiring a set. The initials must be a minimum of 200mm in size and clearly visible above the waist when the bibs are worn.
Advertising by team sponsors is permitted on the playing bibs but shall in no way encroach upon the initials on the bibs. The advertising shall be a maximum of 5cm in height and 20cm in length.
No jewellery shall be worn with the exception of a flat wedding ring or stud earrings, which must be taped to the satisfaction of the umpires.
Medic Alert bracelets may be worn on court provided that they are covered by a sweat band or tape. The umpire must ensure that bracelets are satisfactorily covered.
Fingernails must be cut or taped.
No slide combs or similar may be worn with the exception of bobby pins in the hair.
Gloves are allowed to be worn, provided they are of a smooth texture.
Caps are not to be worn at any time whilst playing netball. Bandannas can be worn, but the colour must be consistent with uniform colour.
A medical certificate must be produced to game officials, if anything is to be worn, that is not covered by the above.
SECTION 2 – Officials
It is the duty of the umpires to report and/or act on the following:-
Incorrect uniforms must be reported on back of official scoresheet. It is also the umpires duty to declare that the offending team is to be penalised two (2) goals for each player not in official centre uniform. This must be done at the commencement of the game, or when an offending player takes court.
Bleeding – Stop game, and offending player/s to leave court. Offending player not allowed on court until blood has been cleaned to satisfaction of both umpires. If offending player has blood on the playing uniform, it is to be replaced by the official centre uniform.
Injury time is not allowed for re-taping of nails
Umpires must be on court at least five (5) minutes prior to scheduled game commencement time. Players are to sign the official scoresheets in front of the umpires. No player is to sign the scoresheet, unless they are part of the starting seven players. A player substituting must also sign the score sheet whilst the umpire is present.
Umpires are to note on the back of the scoresheet if a player has been sent off court, and reason for doing so. Name of the offending player must be noted also.
Umpires to write “All Clear” and sign their name on the score sheet, providing no reports are to be made. If a report is made, the content and circumstances of the report must be agreed to, and signed by BOTH umpires.
Fairest and Best voting to be completed by both umpires (cohesively), in space provided on scorebook.
Timer clocks are to be started at the first whistle.
Umpires must wear a white skirt/shorts (for men) and white shirt. Track pants or shorts (ladies) are not permitted. Penalty to the offending centre is $20.
Umpires
There shall be two umpires to officiate at each competition match, who shall have control of the game and give decisions and shall umpire according to W.A.I.N.A rules. Any other matter not covered by these rules, shall be refferred to the A.A.N.A rules.
The umpire’s whistle shall stop and start the game.
The umpires shall re-start the game after each goal is scored and after each interval or stoppage.
The umpires shall officiate inside the court and shall keep to one side as close possible to the side net so as to not interfere with play, except when necessary to move into the playing area to indicate where a penalty is to be taken or to take a toss-up, or to gain uninterrupted view of play. If the ball strikes Umpire or the Umpire interferes with the progress of play, play will not cease unless either of the teams has been unduly penalised. The decision shall be a Free Pass to that team. If at the Umpires discretion a team is not disadvantaged when the ball hits an umpire then the call shall be play-on.
The Umpires shall at all times endeavour to move into position to enable Umpires to see play and make decisions.
The Umpires shall call “advantage” to indicate that an infringement has been noted whenever possible to ensure that play is continuous and to avoid unnecessary stoppages in play and to avoid unduly penalising the non-offending team. If the whistle is blown for any infringement the penalty must be taken.
The Umpires shall not criticise or coach any team whilst umpiring.
The Umpires will ensure the players remain inside the court during any stoppage for injury or illness and will ensure that there is no coaching during such stoppage.
The Umpires will state the infringement and penalty and it is preferable that Umpires use hand signals to clarify the decisions.
DOUBLE UMPIRING
Each umpire Shall:-
Control and give decisions only in one half of the Court unless appealed to by the other umpire for a decision in the other half and be ready for such appeal at all times. For this purpose the length of Court is divided in across the centre from side line to side line;
Umpire in the same half of the court throughout the game;
Re-start the game after all goals scored in the half being controlled.
All umpires to communicate with each other prior to the start and throughout the match.
Liaise with the scorer upon conclusion of the game to verify the scoresheet is in order i.e. substitutes, reports, player uniforms etc.
Scorer
There shall be one scorer who shall:-
Operate the electronic scoreboard, if available. Keep a written record of the score.
Keep a record of the centre pass.
Record each goal as it is scored unless the goal is disallowed by the umpire. The written record is the official score of the game.
Keep a record of all unsuccessful shots for goal if required.
Call the centre pass if appealed to by the umpire.
If the umpire and scorer disagree on the centre pass the umpire shall call for time out to be taken while they both consult the scoresheet.
Note on the official scoresheet the use of any substitutes if required. Substitutes do not sign the scoresheet until they are required to take court.
Note on official scoresheet any player sent off during the game.
Scorer to liaise with umpire on conclusion of game to verify use of substitutes or otherwise.
Keeper
During all matches the keeper shall act as timekeeper and shall:-
Start the time clock by the umpires whistle and shall signal the end of each quarter to the umpire. The game will also finish on the umpires whistle not the hooter/siren.
In the event of injury, or any other stoppage, start and stop the clock according to the umpires instructions.
Captains
The captains shall:-
Toss for the first centre pass; the losing captain to choose the end of wI: herihis team shall play in the first quarter.
Fill in the registration card with the players’ names and obtain signatures from the first seven to take court.
Notify the umpire, scorer and opposing captain of any changes in position substitution of players which may take place during any interval or after stoppage for injury or illness.
Have the right to approach the umpire during an interval or after the 8’ for clarification of any rule or interpretation.
Penalty for failure to comply with ©: Free pass to the opposing team immediately any player enters an area that was offside prior to that player being changed or substituted.
The free pass shall be taken:-
From the place in the offside area where the player was first deemed to offside.
By any player allowed in the area.
After the opposition captain has been given the opportunity to re-arrange her/his team if desired. The offending player is allowed to remain in position now being played.
Centre Management / Coordinator
The W.A.I.N.A. will provide each centre with a self carbonating scoresheet (in triplicate). One copy is to be despatched within 24 hours to the W.A.I.N one copy to be given to the opposition management, and one copy retained.
If the umpires have reported a player, the report must be in to the association secretary within 24 hours.
Ensure score books are filled out correctly e.g. players names to be printed scorebooks – players must not sign the scorebooks until they are on court and umpire is present.
SECTION 3 – The Teams
A team shall consist of seven players and their positions will be GOAL SHOOTER (GS), WING DEFENCE (WD), GOAL ATTACK (GA), GOAL DEFENCE (GD), WING ATTACK (WA), GOAL KEEPER (GK), CENTRE ©.
Mixed Netball: One male player is to play in each third of the court – one male either G.K. or G.D., one male W.A., W.D. or CENT and one male either G.A. or G.S. There must be at least two males on court at any one time, but not more than three.
Ten players per team – seven playing and three reserves. All players must be registered with the home centre.
Three interchange players are permitted in any game. These may be used to replace players on court during an interval or in the event of injury or illness.
Teams must have five players present in order to commence the game.
SECTION 4 – Duration of the Game
MATCHES
All matches shall be played at a time, date and location as printed in the programme unless otherwise varied by the committee.
Match durations shall be:
4 × 12 minute quarters
1 minute break between quarters, 3 minute break between half time
Time out period allowed for injury or illness shall be 3 minutes. the clock will be stopped for the three minutes. Should a serious injury occur, time shall re-start at the umpires discretion.
Late Arrivals: In the event of a team not being present and checked by the umpire at the scheduled time the following penalty shall apply:
3 minutes late one goal
3 – 5 minutes late two goals
5 – 7 minutes late three goals
7 – 8 minutes late four goals
8 – 9 minutes late five goals
9 minutes and above The umpires will check with the counter staff for a decision to be made on the game. The clock will start running at the scheduled time, so if a team is late they will be penalised accordingly and the game will go on.
Teams shall change ends at the end of each quarter.
Teams shall be permitted to leave court at intervals provided it is within the time allowed. Players returning to court late cannot enter court until a goal has been scored.
Extra time shall be allowed to take a penalty shot in any game.
FORFEITURE OF MATCHES
When a team forfeits a match, five (5) points for a win and ten (10) goals shall be credited to the opposing team. Then ten (10) goals and five (5) points shall be debited against the forfeiting team. In the event of a forfeit , the commencement of a game, goals scored shall be retained.
SECTION 5 – Late Arrivals
No late arrival may replace a player who has filled the position of latecomer except at one of the intervals.
Latecomers may not enter the court after the game has started until:
After a goal has been scored or
Immediately after an interval or
Play is stopped for injury or illness.
The latecomer must notify the umpire and sign the scoresheet before entering the court. Penalty for infringement of any of the above: Free pass to opposing team where the infringer entered the court unless this disadvantage to the non-offending team in which case the free pass shall taken where the ball was at the time of the infringement.
The infringer shall leave the court until able to comply with rules 2 and 3.
SECTION 6 – Substitution
Substitution up to 3 players and/or change of any positions is allowed at any interval. The original player may re-enter the game , sub. in the event of injury or illness or at any interval.
In the event of injury or illness a substitution may be made:
Playing positions may be changed and time must be allowed the opposing captain to make positional changes or subs if desired.
A player who leaves the court because of injury or illness and is replaced by a sub may take further part in the game.
An injured player who is not removed from court may change positions with another team member. In the event of this happening the umpire must ensure both teams are given the option of changing positions.
The team captain must notify umpires, scorer and opposition captain of all substitutes and positional changes. Penalty for failure to comply free pass to the opposing team is awarded immediately any player enters an area that was offside prior to that player being changed or substituted. The free pass shall be taken from the place where the player was first deemed to be offside by any player allowed in the area, and after the opposing captain has been given the opportunity to re-arrange her/his team if desired. The offending player is now allowed to remain in the new position.
SECTION 7 – Player / Grade Qualifications
A player is not allowed to play more than one game per fixture.
A player must play five games in any particular grade to qualify to play in the final of that grade.
Once a player has played their fifth game in a higher grade, then that player is no longer eligible to play in any lower grades, be it qualifying or finals games
For the purpose of qualification, the Super League competition has three seperate categories e.g. Ladies, Mixed and Men. Therefore a player can only qualify in one category, and in the highest grade in which a player has played five games – See grid at back of Rule Book.
INELIGIBLE PLAYERS.
If an ineligible player plays for a team the offending team shall forfeit the match. Any goals scored by the non-offending team shall be retained by the team. Any player playing under a false name shall be deemed that they have not played and will incur for the team forfeiture of the game. Repetition of such an offence will result in suspension of the player for the remainder of the match fixtures and finals.
A player may be cleared from one centre to another, providing a letter consent is forthcoming from the original centre. A clearance is only allowed within the first five weeks of a season.
In the event of a new centre joining the W.A.I.N.A. players who have played the previous season for an existing centre, are now allowed to represent I new centre for one full season.
Any qualified player from within the W.A.I.N.A., is eligible for selection play in the Indoor Netball Australia National Tournaments. If a player has not qualified (five games) within the W.A.I.N.A., that player is not eligible selection for the I.N.A. Tournaments.
SECTION 8 – Stoppages
Play may be stopped for injury or illness. A time limit of 3 minutes will be allowed while team officials decide whether the player is fit continue.
Play may be stopped for any emergency relating to the equipment, nets and openings or interference by outside agencies, a player’s person or clothing or officials in charge of the match.
To stop play the umpire shall blow the whistle and, instruct the timekeeper to hold time.
Play will be re-started when the umpire blows the whistle after first notifying the timekeeper of intention to do so.
Play is continued with the same player and from the position where ball was when play was stopped except:
When the umpire is unable to say who was in possession of the ball or the ball was on the ground, or in flight when play was stopped. Decision: A toss-up between any two opposing players allowed in that area and as near as possible to where the ball was when play was stopped.
When the stoppage was due to an infringement in which case the infringement shall be penalised and play continued.
During any stoppage for injury or illness players must remain inside t court and no coaching is permitted.
After stoppage for injury and illness, when no substitute has been made for player unable to continue when play resumes, that player may return to 1 vacant position at any time later in the match, abiding by all the substitution rules, and after notifying the umpire.
SECTION 9 – Offside
A player shall be offside any area other than the playing area for the designed position of the bib that said player wears.
A player shall be offside, despite positional bib, if the notify officials of positional changes or substitution. deemed to be still in the original playing position captain fails to That player IS
A player may take the ball from the offside area or lean on the ball to gain balance but shall not be deemed offside unless body contact is made with the floor. This includes retrieving a ball from an offside area for a free pass or penalty pass.
Penalty : Free pass to the opposing team where the offside occurred.
When two players are simultaneously offside:
If neither is in contact with the ball and no advantage is gained by either side play continues with no penalty.
If one or both is in possession of the ball or touches it a toss up is taken between the two players in their own third.
If in different areas and either is in contact with the ball, a toss up between any two opposing players will be taken in the centre third
Should any player having been first warned by the umpire continue to deliberately break the “offside rule” in the goal circle shall then be penalised under the advantage rule, or disciplinary action may be taken by the umpire.
SECTION 10 – The Nets
The Nets: The Side line, and ceiling nets shall limn part of the court and the ball shall be in playoff any net.
Use of the Nets:
Players may use the nets to direct the ball to another player. They may bounce the ball off any of the side nets or the ceiling and at all times obeying the “over a third” ruling.
The one exception is the centre pass. The centre pass must be directed to a player allowed in the centre third. It may not be bounced off the nets, or in any circumstance touch my of the nets before being touched or caught by a player.
Penalty : Free pass to the opposing team at the point where the ball first touched the net.
Players must not deliberately fall into the nets to gain possession of the bailor in any way to gain their balance by supporting themselves on the nets. They may not deliberately hold the nets or use the nets to "push off’ to gain advantage over an opponent. Deliberate moving or shaking of the net by an opponent during a shot for goal will be intimidation and penalised by a penalty pass or shot.
The ball shall be “live” off all nets, except the back net. Once a player has released the ball that player may not regain possession until it is first touched by another player. This includes balls off the nets. The net must not be construed as “another player”. Players deliberately jumping into the net even when not in the possession of the ball may be penalised as net abuse.
Penalty : Free pass to the opposing team where the infringement occurred.
A player may defend an opponent against the Net provided the defending player does not touch the opponent or the Net or obstruct the opponent.
Penalty : Free Pass or Penalty Pass or shot from the point where the infringer was standing unless this places the non-offending team at a disadvantage when the penalty will be taken from where the attacking player was standing.
The Nets may not be used to ‘pin’ a player in such a manner as to prevent movement by said player.
Penalty : Same as for (v).
SECTION 11 – Conduct Of The Game
Positioning of players for start of game.
The attacking centre player, with the ball, shall stand in the circle. The centre may stand on either one or both feet provided the centre in possession of the ball shall stand in the centre circle. The centre may stand on either one or both feet provided no part of this players body is in contact with the ground outside the circle. The line is considered part of the circle.
The opposing centre player shall be in the centre third and shall be permitted to move freely.
All other players shall be in whichever goal third is part of their playing area and shall be permitted to move freely.
No other player shall enter the centre third until the whistle has been blown to start the match.
Penalty: Free pass the opposing team where the player entered the centre third. If two opposing players simultaneously enter the centre third before the whistle, the simultaneous offside rule applies.
Start of play.
The umpire shall blow the whistle to start and re-start play.
The pass made by the centre player is the centre pass.
Play shall be re-started after the scoring of every goal and after each interval and shall be taken alternately by the opposing centre players throughout the game.
The centre pass is not deemed to have been taken until the ball is released from the centre player’s hands.
The centre pass.
When the whistle is blown the centre player will throw the ball within three seconds, obeying the footwork rule.
The centre pass must be caught or touched wholly in the centre third.
A player who lands with the first foot, or on both feet simultaneously wholly in the centre third is deemed to have received the ball in the Centre third.
An attacking person who lands both feet simultaneously astride the transverse line shall be deemed to have taken the ball in the goal third
Penalty : Free pass to the opposing team where the ball was taken in the goal third.
If a member of the opposing team touches or catches centre pass in the centre third or in the goal third or with feet astride the transverse line, the advantage rule will apply.
If the ball touches the net (side or ceiling) before being caught or touched by a player a free pass shall he awarded to the opposing team as near as possible to the point where the ball touched the net
Playing the ball.
A player may -
catch the ball with one or two hands.
catch the ball if it rebounds from the goalring.
bat or bounce the ball to another player without first claiming possession.
tip the ball in an uncontrolled manner any number of times in an effort to gain control or to direct the ball to another player.
bat the ball once and then catch it or direct it to another player.
bounce the ball once and then catch it or direct it to another player.
roll the ball to oneself to gain possession.
fall while holding the ball but must regain footing and dispose of the ball in a legitimate manner within three seconds.
lean on the ball to gain possession or balance.
lean on the ball in an offside area.
bounce the ball off any of the legal nets to another player.
A player may not -
deliberately kick the ball.
deliberately punch the ball with a fist.
deliberately fall on the ball.
attempt to gain possession of the ball whilst lying, sitting, kneeling or in contact with the nets.
throw the ball whilst lying, sitting, kneeling or using the nets to gain advantage.
Regain possession of the ball after it has rebounded from the nets unless it has been touched by another player either before or after striking the net.
Penalty : Free pass to the opposing team where the infringement occurred.
A player in possession of the ball must dispose of it in a legitimate manner within three seconds.
A player in possession of the ball may not -
roll the ball to another player
throw the ball and regain possession before it has been touched by another player.
toss the ball in the air, drop the ball, or bounce the ball, and then replay it.
regain possession of the ball after an unsuccessful shot at goal unless it has touched some part of the goalring.
regain possession of the ball after it has rebounded from the net.
Penalty : Free pass to the opposing team where the infringement occurred.
Short Pass.
When the ball is passed there must be room on the court for a third player to move between the hands of the thrower and the receiver, this includes a bounce pass.
Penalty : Free pass to the opposing team where the infringement occurred.
Over a third.
The ball may not be thrown completely over a third of the court without being touched or caught by a player who is deemed to be in that third. The player must be wholly in that third or must land in that third to be deemed to be correctly in that third. A ball thrown from the Centre Third which hits the End Net of the Goal Third shall be deemed to be in the Goal Third.
Penalty: Free Pass to the opposing team just beyond the second line that the ball has crossed except where the ball thrown from the Centre Third hits the End Net of the Goal third when the Free Pass shall be taken where the ball hit the Net.
Footwork.
A player may -
catch the ball with one foot grounded or jump to catch and land on one foot. This is the landed foot.
pivot on the landed foot.
step with the other foot but must release the ball before the landed foot is regrounded
step or jump from the landed foot and jump again, but must release the ball before either foot is regrounded.
A player who catches the ball with both feet grounded or who lands after receiving the ball simultaneously on both feet may -
step with either foot in any direction, lift the other foot but must release the ball before this foot is regrounded
step with either foot any number of times whilst pivoting on the other jump from both feet landing on either foot but must release the ball before regrounding the other foot
step with either foot, then jump releasing the ball before either foot is regrounded
The player in possession of the ball may not -
drag the landed foot.
hop
jump from both feet and land on both unless the ball is released whilst the player is still in the air.
Penalty: Free Pass to the opposing team where the infringement occurred.
Scoring a goal.
A goal is scored when the ball is thrown or batted or rebounded from any of the Nets through the Goalring by either the Goal Attack or the Goal Shooter who must be wholly in the Goal Circle.
The Goal Attack or the Goal Shooter may shoot for Goal after winning the ball in a Toss Up in the Goal Circle. When taking a shot for goal a player shall shoot within three seconds of receiving the ball and obey all footwork rules
By “wholly in the Goal Circle” is meant that the ball must be received by the Goal Attack or the Goal Shooter who must be wholly in the Goal Circle at the time i.e. the landed foot must be in the Goal Circle. The player must have no contact with the ground outside the circle whilst catching the bailor whilst holding the ball. Any attempt to score a goal by a player whose landed foot is outside the Goal Circle or whose body comes into contact with the ground outside the Circle whilst the player has the ball is to be considered an illegal attempt at goal and is to be penalised by awarding a “Free Pass” to the opposing team at the point where contact with the ground was made.
By “through the Goal Ring” is meant that the ball must pass over and through the Goal Ring. If a ball passes up and through the Goal Ring, the decision is “Play On”.
A defensive player may not touch the ball when it is on its downward flight and above the level of the ring and is directly above the restricted area, whether it is a shot for goal or a pass. This restriction applies only until the ball touches the ring.
A penalty pass or shot is to be awarded in the event of goal tending. The offending player is to stand out of play.
A goal will not be scored when -
a player other than the Goal Attack or Goal Shooter throws or bats the ball and it passes completely through the Goalring in which instance play shall continue uninterrupted.
the whistle for time or an interval has sounded before the ball has passed completely through the Goalring.
an infringement occurs by a player from the attacking team before the ball passes completely through the Goalring.
A goal shooter or goal attack touches the Goalring or net when in the process of shooting.
A defending player may not cause the Goalring to move so as to interfere with the shot at goal.
Penalty: Penalty Pass or Shot to the opposing team to be taken from where the infringer was standing unless this places the non-offending team at a disadvantage.
If whistle for an interval or “time” is blown after a penalty pass or shot has been awarded to goal shooter or goal attack in the Goal Circle, a penalty shot shall be completed.
Obstruction.
A defending player must not be within 0.9 metres of the player with the ball when an attempt to intercept or defend is made. The distance is measured from the landed foot or in the case of a simultaneous landing from the nearer foot of the attacker to the nearer foot of the defender.
From the correct distance of 0.9m a player may -
attempt to intercept or defend by jumping towards the player with the ball but if the landing is within 0.9m and interferes with the throw this shall be deemed to be obstruction.
maintain position if the player with the ball steps towards the defending player.
A player may be within 0.9m of the player with the ball if no attempt is made to defend or intercept the ball and no interference is made to the players throwing action.
A defending player may not shorten the correct distance of 0.9 metres in an attempt to intercept or defend the throw.
Obstruction of a player not in possession of the ball occurs -
when a player makes any movements which takes the arms away from the body except as an attempt to catch or intercept the ball, to gain a rebound or to signal for a pass.
when a player uses an intimidation movement or sound.
when a player “pins” an opponent against the Net or in the comer of the Court in such a manner as to prevent the opponent from moving in any direction without causing contact.
Penalty: Penalty Pass, or Penalty Pass or Shot where the defending player was standing unless this places the non-offending team at a disadvantage when the penalty will be taken from where the obstructed player was standing.
Contact.
No personal contact with an opponent – shall be allowed, deliberately or accidentally if it interferes with an opponent’s play.
No player shall push, knock, tip, elbow or bump an opponent in an attempt to get free
No player shall hold an opponent, feel for an opponent or charge an opponent.
No player shall deliberately move into the path of an already moving opponent. When airborne and possession of ball a player must have room to land.
No player shall push the ball into an opponent or touch an opponent with it in order to interfere with that opponent’s play.
No player shall touch the ball held by another player.
Penalty for infringement of Contact Rules: Penalty Pass or Penalty Pass or Shot to the opposing team where the infringement took place, except where this places the non-offending team at a disadvantage, in which case the penalty will be taken where the contacted player was standing.
SECTION 12 – Conducting Penalties
The penalties awarded are Free Pass, Penalty Pass, Penalty Pass or Shot and Toss Up.
The penalties are taken where the infringement occurred unless the Advantage Rule is applied.
All penalties are awarded to the team except the Toss-Up.
When taking any penalty the footwork rule will apply.
Free pass is awarded for all infringements except Obstruction and Contact.
Penalty Pass is awarded for all obstruction and contact offences.
Penalty Pass or Shot is awarded for all Obstruction and Contact offences which occur against any Goal Shooter or Goal Attack player.
A player penalised for Obstruction or Contact must stand beside and away from the thrower taking the penalty and must make no attempt to take part in the play until the ball has left the throwers hands. The penalty shall be re-taken unless the pass or shot is successful.
An attempt to intercept the Penalty Pass or Shot may be made by any opposing player other than the offender If an opponent obstructs or contacts the thrower during the taking of the Penalty Pass or Shot, a Penalty Pass or Shot shall be awarded at the spot -..here the second infringement was standing unless this places the non-offending team 8t a disadvantage.
Both the original and second offenders must stand beside and away from the thrower taking the penalty and make no attempt to take part in the play until the ball has left the thrower’s hands.
Toss-Up. A Toss-Up is necessary when -
two opposing players gain possession simultaneously.
opposing players are simultaneously offside and one player gains possession or touches the ball
opposing players make simultaneous contact
after a stoppage and the Umpire is unable to say where the ball was prior to the stoppage
The Toss Up is taken on Court between the two opposing players concerned as near as possible to the place where the incident occurred.
The two players shall stand facing each other and their own goal ends with arms straight and hands to sides, but feet in any position. There shall be a distance of 0.9 (3 feet) between the nearer foot of one player and that of her opponent. They shall not move from that position until the whistle is blown. If one player moves too soon, a Free Pass is awarded to the opposing team.
The Umpire shall release the ball midway between the two players from just below the shoulder level of the shorter player’s normal standing position.
Momentarily, the Umpire shall be stationary and shall hold the ball in the palm of one hand and shall throw it vertically not more than 600mm (2 feet) in the air as the whistle is blown. The ball may be caught or it may be batted in any direction except directly at the opposing player. All other players may stand or move anywhere within their playing area as long as they do not interfere with the Toss Up .
Goal Shooter and Goal Attack may shoot for goal or pass, if the ball is won at a Toss Up in the Goal Circle.
When the Toss Up cannot be taken where the incident occurred because of the boundaries involved, the following applies:-
where the incident involves two opposing players across a line dividing areas one of which is common to both players, the Toss Up is taken between those two players in the common area.
where the incident involves two opposing players from adjoining playing areas across a transverse line and no area is common to both, the Toss Up is taken in the Centre Third between any two opposing players allowed in that area.
Hand signals may be used to clarify decisions (see section 2.l-j Umpire). Guidelines for appropriate signals are given for some of the Rules as follows:-
Stepping Rolling Hands
Distance in Obstruction Hands apart in front of body
Personal Contact One Hand hits the other
Held Ball Fingers apart held up
Direction of Pass Arm pointed towards one Goal Line
Toss Up Palm of hand moved vertically upwards
Take Time Make a T with the fingers of one hand against the palm of the other
SECTION 13 – Discipline
The breaking of rules and/or the employment of any action not covered in the rules which is contrary to the spirit of the game is not permitted. This incudes:-
the breaking of rules between the scoring of a goal and the re-start of play and between the awarding and taking of any penalty on court.
deliberate delaying of play.
no player shall intimidate a player physically or verbally.
An Umpire may order a player to leave the Court but only after the player has been given a warning. In extreme cases a warning need not be given.
The Umpire may stand a player of the the Court for any length of time deemed appropriate by the Umpire.
Umpire must indicate the duration of suspension from play. When a player is removed from the Court no replacement is permitted.
When a player is removed from the Court no team changes are permitted unless the flayer is the Centre player in which case one player only may be moved to the Centre position. No coaching will be permitted from the sidelines and the Umpire has 1IJe authority to warn spectators and to award a penalty against that team if coaching continues.
Supporters of a team will not be permitted to heckle or intimidate the opposing teams players or the Umpire in any way whatsoever. The Umpire will warn the supporters and may penalise the team if this action is deemed necessary.
Penalty : By awarding penalty passes shots or goals to the opposing side.
If a player and/or a spectator is reported by an umpire, then the situation is reported to the Secretary of the W.A.I.N.A., whereupon, a Protests and Disputes committee will hear the report. This report ’W1ll be heard within 5 days of the offence, and the offending person(s) will be requested to appear at this hearing.
If a player is asked to leave the court on more than two occasions during one season, the offending player will be requested to appear before the Protests and Disputes committee.
SECTION 14 – Schedule Of Fines
Officials – e.g. scorer, timekeeper or umpires – $20.00 per official.
Umpire/s not in correct white uniform – $20.00 per official.
Players not in officially nominated uniform – $20.00 per player plus a two goal penalty per prayer.
Forfeiture of Games – $98.00 (To be paid to Home Centre).
Scoresheets are to be filled in completely. e.g. names to be printed then signed. $20.00 fine per scoresheet.
SECTION 15 – Finals Formats
Any centre/s wishing to host finals matches must make a submission to the W.A.I.N.A. in the form of a tender, no less than eight (8) weeks prior to the scheduled commencement of the first final.
Centres must submit to the W.A.I.N.A. secretary, a list of players who will be playing in a particular final, at least 48 hours prior to the day of the scheduled final. Only two changes will be allowed to that list of players on the day of the final.
Centres must submit to the W.A.I.N.A. treasurer, full payment of games that the centre’s team/s are to play in, at least 48 hours prior to the day of the scheduled final.
Players must be available to sign the official finals score sheet. at least 15 minutes prior to game commencement time. Scoresheet must be signed in the presence of a W.A.I.N.A. official or umpire. Failure to do so will result in immediate forfeiture of that final.
In the event of a drawn final, the teams shall play an extra two five minute quarters. If the final is still drawn, then the teams shall continue to play five minute quarters, until one team achieves a lead of two goals. In this event, the first centre pass must go to the team that was eligible to take the pass if the. game was a continuation from the previous quarter. In the event of the final being a draw after three extra times (including the first one), then the game shall be re-scheduled by the W.A.I.N.A. officials.
SECTION 16 – Match Points (Premiership Table)
4 Points for a Win
2 Points for a Draw
0 Points for a Loss
+ 1 Bonus Point for every 10 Goals scored (Win or Lose).
In the event of a forfeit the Non-offending Team will receive a total of 5 points and 10 goals. The offending team will receive a loss of 5 points and 10 goals.
5 points and 10 goals will be awarded for a bye.
Centre championship points are a combination of all premiership points. The centre finishing the season with the highest number of points, is awarded with the centre championship.