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🥅 Netball — Rules of the Game

Positions, scoring, fouls, key terms and junior game durations — the same rules reference built into the Squaddie app.

Fast-paced, non-contact team sport played across three thirds of a court.

Netball New Zealand Netball Australia World Netball (global law book)

Based on the World Netball Rules of Netball, as adopted by Netball NZ and Netball Australia. Match length and squad rules often vary at school/club grade — check your competition handbook.

Two teams of seven try to score goals by passing the ball down the court into their shooting circle. Players are confined to set areas of the court based on their position, and contact with an opponent is not allowed.

7 per side

Players on court

4 × 15 min quarters (international)

Match format

30.5m × 15.25m, 3 thirds

Court size

Up to 12, rolling subs

Squad size

Free pass

Awarded for a minor infringement (footwork, held ball, offside). Taken from where the infringement occurred; opponents must retire the required distance.

Penalty pass/shot

Awarded for contact or obstruction. The offending player must stand out of play until the ball is passed or the shot is taken.

Advantage

When an umpire allows play to continue because stopping play would disadvantage the non-offending team.

Sanction / Warning

The official punishment given by the umpire for an infringement. A warning is a formal reminder that further infringements may lead to stronger action (e.g. suspension).

Toss-up

Restarts play between two opposing players when the umpire can't award the ball to either side, or after a simultaneous infringement.

Circle edge

The boundary line of the goal circle — where the shooter's feet or the ball must be for a valid shot at goal.

Replay

The ball is put back into play the same way it left, used for simultaneous infringements or out-of-court balls with unclear responsibility.

Landing foot / Pivot

The landing foot is the first foot to touch the ground after receiving the ball. Moving around while keeping this foot grounded is called a pivot.

Lead / Drive

A lead is a quick attacking movement into space to receive the ball. A drive is a strong movement toward space, often used to beat a defender.

Turnover / Intercept

A turnover is when a team loses possession. An intercept is when a defender gains possession by reading and stopping a pass.

Rebound

Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot.

Rules are just the start.

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