Autumn Netball-7s Berkeley [Wed] Rules
THE OBJECT OF THE GAME: Is to score more goals than the opposition. Goals are scored when a team member positioned in the attacking shooting circle shoots the ball through the goal ring. Netball is played on a rectangular court, which is divided into areas called thirds. There are two goal thirds and between them is the centre third. The centre circle is in the middle of the centre third and this is where play begins. At the end of each goal third is a `goal circle’, which is actually a semi-circle around the goal hoop. All goals must be shot by a player within the goal circle. The teams have a goal post each and can only score by shooting the ball through their own hoop. Each player is allowed in only a certain area of the court and the lines on the court are part of the playing area.
THE TEAM
- Only seven (7) players allowed on the field at any one time
- This is an open league, so there is not a minimum number of males on the court. However, the max number of males on the court at a given time is 3.
STARTING PLAY: Play is started with a pass from the centre circle – this is called the centre pass. There is a centre pass at the beginning of each quarter and half, and after each goal is scored. The teams take turns making the centre pass. The person making the centre pass must stand in the centre circle. The opposing centre can stand anywhere in the centre third but all other players must stay in the goal thirds (behind the middle third lines) until the umpire blows the whistle to start play. The centre pass has to be received in the centre third.
OFFSIDE: Each player is allowed in only a certain area of the court. If a player steps into an area or any part of their body touches the ground in an area their playing position is not allowed to go, will be ruled offside.
STEPPING: Once a player has landed with the ball, the first landed foot is called the grounded foot and must either stay on the ground or in the air until the ball is passed on. Re-grounding that same foot a second time while still in possession of the ball is a step which will result in a free pass to the opposition. Similarly, a hop, slide or drag of the grounded foot is not permitted.
PLAYING THE BALL: Once the ball has been caught; the player must pass it or shoot for goal within three seconds.
OBSTRUCTION: When a player is defending another player or trying to intercept the ball they must be at least 0.9 metres away from the grounded foot of the player who has the ball.
CONTACT: A player is not allowed to physically contact an opponent if it disrupts or stops that person from playing. Pushing the ball out of an opponent’s hands is also not permitted.
PENALTY PASS OR SHOOT: For contact, obstruction or moving the goalpost penalties, the offending player must stand down from play, away from the thrower and where the umpire has indicated. A goal shooter or goal attack taking the penalty pass or shot in the goal circle can either pass the ball or shoot for goal.
THROW IN: When the ball goes out of court, the umpire takes note of which team touched it last. The throw in is then taken by a player from the opposing team close to where the ball went out of court. Standing close to the line from the outside of court, the player has three seconds to get the ball back in play.
SUBSTITUTIONS: can be made in any of the three mid game breaks at quarter time. Players coming onto the field must wait until the player they are substituting with has come off the field.
GAME DURATION: 8 minute quarters with a 2 minute halftime. No clock stoppages will be made except under exceptional circumstances. Such circumstance will be at the sole discretion of the UR Rep.
WINNING TEAM: The winner is the team with the greater number of goals at the end of the game. A draw will be awarded if both teams have an equal amount of goals. For the competition ladder, the winning team receives 3 points, 1 point each for drawn game and no points for a loss
FAIRPLAY SYSTEM Each league night you will have an Event Host onsite, but these guys are not official referees. Urban Rec is a recreational league which practices a fair-play and fun-first policy, meaning you should be making your own calls on the game. The Event Host will be there to make the calls not made by individuals, keep time, and help guide the games within the game play rules. The Urban Rec Event Host has the final say on any issue that cannot be self-resolved.
SPORTSMANSHIP All Urban Rec participants have read and agreed to the Urban Rec Code of Conduct. We also exercise a strict Disciplinary Policy. If you are seen to be rude in any way or not playing within the respect of the rules and Code of Conduct, you will be asked by the Urban Rec Staff to sub out of the game. If after returning to the game your attitude does not improve you will be asked to leave the venue, and an assessment will be made if you can play again. We do not tolerate idiots. Play fair.