Marion Smith Competition Regulations 2017
1.
Overview
The Marion Smith Competition (hereinafter called “The Competition”) is a national competition organised
by England Netball to enable teams and clubs with participants with a learning disability to compete
against each other to determine a winner, whilst encouraging participation and development in netball
through an open, fair, progressive and transparent competition structure.

The regulations set out below outline the Rules and regulations (The Regulations) upon which
the Competition should be run

The Regulations must be followed by all teams, players, officials, spectators and administrators
in the management, administration and operation of the Competition
2.
Competition Structure
2.1
The Competition is an open entry competition. Therefore any team meeting the eligibility criteria
outlined in Section 5 can enter the competition. As the competition is open entry the structure
and format will be determined once all entries have been received. The focus of the structure will
be to ensure that participation is maximised for all teams, this will most likely be a round robin,
with an eventual winner determined across the 2 age group categories.
The two age group categories shall comprise of an Under 16 years category and an Over 16
years category as set out in regulation 5.2.1
2.2
The Competition is known as the England Netball Marion Smith Competition. The name shall be
preceded by the name of such sponsor as England Netball may direct from time to time.
3.
Competition Organisation
3.1
The Competition and all rights and properties associated with it shall be owned, controlled and
managed by England Netball.
3.2
England Netball is responsible for the organisation and management of the Competition.
4.
Competition Referees
4.1
A Competition Referee will be appointed by England Netball for the Competition
4.2
The Competition Referee will have the authority and jurisdiction to make decisions on
any matters arising during the Competition Day including, but not limited to:
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altering or amending the playing schedule as necessary;
determining if teams and/or players are in breach of these Regulations and
imposing an appropriate penalty (including disqualification of any individual or
team)
maintaining and being responsible for a confidential Competition Referees Log
Book (if appropriate);
upholding the decision by any medical advisor, including but not limited to the
Competition doctor or physiotherapist, regarding the participation of a player.
instances of unsportsmanlike behaviour including instances of teams
predetermining the outcome of a match:
any matter not covered by the Regulations
4.3 Consult with additional people to assist with the Competition, but the final decision and
accountability will lie with the Competition Referee
4.4 If a player is suspended from a game, or ordered to leave the court and take no further part
in the game, that player, Team Manager / Coach may be required to appear in front of the
Competition Referee immediately after the end of the match. At the end of the match the
Team Manager / Coach and the player concerned must report immediately to the
Competition Referee, who will decide what action should be taken.
5.
Pre Competition Management and Administration
5.1
Team Entry and Eligibility
5.1.1
Entry to the Competition shall be through the completion of the Competition entry form and
payment of appropriate entry fees.
5.1.2
England Netball is entitled to charge an entry fee to the Competition and this will be
determined on the entry form
5.1.3
By entering a team in the Competition, teams agree that:
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They will abide by these rules and regulations
They are able and willing to fulfil the costs and commitments of participation in the
Competition.
5.2
Player Eligibility
5.2.1
All players must play within their appropriate age group as at 31st August/1st September
immediately prior to The Competition
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Under 16 - All players must be under 16 and over 12 years old at 11.59pm on 31st August
immediately prior to the Competition
Over 16 - Players should be aged 16 years or over at 11.59pm on 31st August immediately prior
to the Competition – (however Over 16 teams may include two players that are Under 16 and
over 12 years at 11.59pm on 31st August immediately prior to the Competition)
5.2.1.1
All players must carry with them some form of proof of age as random checks may be
carried out. (Acceptable forms of Proof of Age would include; copies of a birth certificate
or passport, if these are not available then either a copy of a medical card, or a letter of
authorisation signed by a school’s Head Teacher)
5.2.2
England Netball recommends that individuals (player, coach, umpire) if pregnant should only
participate with approval from their doctor and in accordance with any guidelines issued by itself.
The England Netball Personal Accident cover excludes any loss or expense due to pregnancy,
childbirth, miscarriage or any consequence thereof. However if for example, a member who is
pregnant is involved in an accident not related to the pregnancy, subject to the conditions of the
policy, the relevant benefits would be payable. However if any situation (such as hospitalisation)
was prolonged as a direct result of pregnancy, pregnancy complications or even early childbirth,
then this portion of any claim is not covered.
5.2.3
Alongside the Team Registration Form (see 5.3.1) teams must provide evidence that all named
players have a recognised intellectual (learning) disability. Evidence can be a letter from a
medical professional or Head Teacher confirming this. A person is considered to have an
intellectual (learning) disability if that person satisfies any one of the following requirements:

The person has been identified as having an intellectual (learning) disability:
o
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Which is defined as ‘a condition of arrested or incomplete development of mind,
which is characterized by impairment of skills manifested during the developmental
period, which contribute to the overall level of intelligence, i.e. cognitive, language,
motor and social abilities’ (World Health Organisation ICD-10)
In other words:
o
o
‘A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn
new skills (impaired intelligence) with a reduced ability to cope independently
(impaired social functioning) which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect
on development’ (Department of Health (2001) Valuing People)
“Before Adulthood” means before the age of 18.
5.2.3.1 If it is found that a player does not have a learning disability the team in which that
player is playing in will be disqualified.
5.3
Registration of Teams
5.3.1
Team Registration Forms for each participating team must be completed fully for each
player and lodged with England Netball prior to the commencement of the
Competition.
5.3.2
Teams may only use up to twelve (12) players in the competition whose names appear
on their Team Registration Form held by England Netball.
5.3.3
Any additions or amendments to the Team Registration Form prior to the competition,
must be lodged with England Netball’s Competition and Events Officer prior to the start
of the competition.
5.3.4
Team Registration Form will be made available on the Competition Day for the Team
Manager to sign and return to the Competition Referee during the Registration Period
5.3.5
No changes may be made to the Team Registration Form once the Team Manager has
signed it during the Registration Period of the Competition Day, even if the Registration
Period has not closed.
5.4
Competition Venues
5.4.1
Matches will be played wherever possible on a court with adequate surrounds and
surface and with ancillary facilities for participants, including changing and showering
facilities for teams and officials, unless otherwise agreed by England Netball (If not
possible all officials and teams will be made aware before arrival)
5.4.2
England Netball is responsible for arranging the venue.
5.4.2.1 It is the responsibility of England Netballs Organising Committee(s) to
conduct a risk assessment.
5.4.2.2 For all ‘incidents’ on or off the court at the selected venue an England Netball
Accident Report form must be completed by England Netballs Organising
Committee(s), and a copy sent to the Competition and Events Department
with the England Netball results sheet which will be stored for insurance
purposes. Using Standard issued forms.
If an accident occurs at any round where a player, coach, spectator, volunteer or staff member is injured,
the
accident
reporting
procedure
should
be
followed
as
detailed
on
http://www.englandnetball.co.uk/competitions
This procedure should be followed for ALL injuries and accidents, regardless of whether or not medical
treatment is given.
5.5
Competition Scheduling
5.5.1
England Netball must provide the teams and the umpires with confirmation in writing of
the date of the competition, (email is the preferred method), its start time, and travel
directions (including postcode) ten (10) days prior to the date of the competition.
5.5.2
All matches must be played as the schedule published by England Netball and take
place on the date stated, unless otherwise agreed by England Netball.
5.5.3
Teams will be responsible for arranging their own travel, and for the costs of this, and
should allow sufficient travelling time to cover any unexpected delays. Any team
which fails to arrive on time must arrive at the event within 30 minutes of the agreed
registration time.
5.5.4
If a fixture is postponed or cancelled, it is the responsibility of the Competition Referee
to ensure that the teams and umpire are informed immediately when the postponement
or cancellation is known.
5.5.5
In the event that a match is abandoned for any reason, e.g., because of serious injury,
the result of that match will be determined by the Competition Referee having regard to
the score at the time at which play was suspended.
6.
Playing and Competition
6.1
Match Rules and Format
6.1.1
All matches shall be played to The International Netball Federation (2016) Rules of the Games
(the INF herein) currently in force in England at the time of the competition, except where specific
regulations may apply for this competition (i.e. modified for players with Learning Disability)
6.1.2
All rounds shall be played in a format as decided by England Netball
6.1.3
There can be a maximum of three male players on the court at one time.
6.1.3.1 The male players must play one of the following:
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Either Goal Attack or Goal Shooter
Either Wing Attack, Centre or Wing Defence
Either Goal Defender or Goal Keeper
6.2
Umpires
6.2.1
Umpires who actively hold a Netball Europe Award (‘B’ or above for the National Finals, or who
hold a Netball Europe C who have been identified by England Netball), will be allocated for the
Competition by England Netball and their appointment will be notified to the teams in advance
of the fixtures.
6.3
Match Bench Officials
6.3.1
The match bench officials are the Scorers and Timekeepers (depending on the competition
format). The two (2) scorers shall constitute the Officials Match Bench. As matches are
centrally timed, no timekeepers will be required.
6.3.2
Scorers will be required for all fixtures. Each team must provide a competent scorer, either an
Umpire, Match Bench Official or a person who has either attended a Match Bench Course or
has a working knowledge of scoring. A simple scorecard will be used.
6.3.3
It will be the responsibility of England Netballs Organising Committee(s) to provide a minimum
of one (1) timekeeper, who will be responsible for timing all matches centrally (see 6.3.1). The
timekeeper should have a working knowledge of the INF (2011) rules.
6.4
Team Officials
6.4.1
The Team Officials are: Coach, Manager and up to three (3) other personnel, at least one (1)
of whom must be a primary Carer who is qualified to diagnose and treat injury and/or
illness for example doctor or physiotherapist. The Team officials and up to five (5) players, not
on court shall constitute the Team Bench.
6.5
Kit and Equipment
6.5.1
England Netball will provide each team with a size five (5) netball, which must be clearly
marked for identification purposes and used for all matches.
6.5.2
All teams must bring and wear positional bibs and teams must have a spare set in a different
colour in case of a clash of colours.
6.5.3
In the event of a clash of colours, a toss of a coin between the two captains will decide which
team retains their original colours.
6.6
Match Timings
6.6.1
All matches shall be 14 minutes in duration (two halves of 7 minutes each), with a 5-minute half
time period, and 6 minutes between matches. England Netball reserves the right to amend the
match timings, if timings are amended all teams will be notified.
6.6.2
Central timing, normally sounded by a hooter, will be used, but matches will start and finish on
the Umpires whistle
6.6.2.1 Central Timers will commence timing when the game is started by the ’hooter’.
6.6.2.2 Central Timers will signal the end of each half to the Umpire (either by hooter or
electronic umpire device), whose whistle shall end each half.
6.6.2.3 Play will be stopped when instructed by the Umpire who shall blow the whistle to stop
play. To restart play the Umpire shall signal and blow the whistle for play to be
resumed.
6.6.2.4 The hooter will sound at the beginning and end of an interval.
6.6.2.5 A warning will be given before play is due to commence 2 minutes prior to the start of
the competition day and then 30 seconds for the teams to take court before the start
of the game.
6.6.3
Team officials must ensure:
a) Captains do the coin toss for centre pass well before the start of each game.
b) All teams are on court, in position and ready to play, at the time according
to the central timing on the court stated in the playing schedule.
c) No team may start a game with less than five (5) players.
6.6.3.1 Any team not on court as detailed in 6.5.3 a) to c) above will concede the
match. 0 points will be awarded to the team conceding the match.
6.6.3.2 In instances of 6.5.3.1 the match points for a win (5) will be awarded to the
team on court, in position and ready to play at the correct time.
6.6.3.3 The Umpires must record on the Score Card, the name and arrival time of
the team who arrived late.
6.7
Substitutes and Team Changes
6.7.1
Only substitutions for injury or illness will be allowed during play; however opposition teams
may change playing positions at any time. During half time normal substitution rules apply.
Teams are requested to make substitutions without delaying the restart of the game.
Modification: Substitution - in addition to normal substitutions, each team may make one
additional substitution in each period of play, after a goal is scored or when the ball goes out to
play, to bring off a player whose concentration or behaviour has broken down.
6.8
Injuries and Accidents
6.8.1
Play may be stopped if the umpire deems it necessary due to the injury or illness of a player.
6.8.2
Team Officials are required to take great care in moving an injured player or ill player from the
court.
6.8.3
Should the Primary Carer feel that an injury is critical (e.g. head, neck or back) and that the
injured Player should not be moved without the Medical Staff. The Match Officials should note
the time lost during treatment and report to the Competition Referee who will adjudicate.
6.8.4
For all accidents or injuries on or off the court at the Competition, where any player, coach,
spectator, volunteer or staff member is injured, the Competition Referee must complete an
England Netball Accident Report form and return this to England Netball.
6.8.5
This procedure should be followed for ALL injuries and accidents, regardless of whether or not
medical treatment is given.
6.8.6
In the event that a match is abandoned for any reason, e.g., because of serious injury, the
result of that match will be determined by the Competition Referees having regard to the score
at the time at which play was suspended.
6.9
Scoring
6.9.1
The Competition will be run in 2 sections – Under 16 and Over 16. Each section will be run in a
group format, but teams may also play friendly matches against teams from the other age
group (pending the number of entered teams)
6.9.2
Teams will be awarded league points as follows:
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5 points for a win
3 points for a draw
1 point for more than 50 per cent of the winners’ score
0 points for a loss
6.9.3
The final standings will be determined by the Competition tables, after all fixtures have
been played
6.9.4
Where two teams are level on points:
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Goal average (goals for divided by goals against) shall be used to determine their relative
positions, i.e., the team with the higher average score over the course of the competition
stage shall take precedence
In the event that goal average does not differentiate between the teams, then goal difference
shall be applied, i.e., precedence shall be given to the team with the greater difference
between goals scored and goals conceded
In the event that goal difference does not differentiate between the teams, then the result of
the group match(es) between the two teams will be the decider.
In the event that the group match result does not differentiate between the teams, then the
team with the greatest number of goals scored shall take precedence
In the event that neither goal average nor goal difference nor the group match result nor
goals scored can differentiate between the teams, the winner will be decided with extra time
process between the teams as outlined below for Placing Matches
Note - Where one of the teams has its goal average, goal difference or total number of goals scored
affected by conceded fixtures, then all goals scored by and against conceding team(s) in all
fixtures shall be omitted from the calculations of teams level on points. Except where one of the
teams level on points is the conceding team, at which point they assume a goal average of 0 and
will be the lowest ranked team of those level on points.
For example, in the event that one team received 5 points for a conceded fixture, then the goals
scored by and against both teams level on points, in all games against the offending team, will not
be included when its goal average, goal difference or total number of goals is calculated
6.9.5
In the event that neither goal average nor goal difference nor head to head nor goals scored
can differentiate between the teams, the winner will be decided with the extra time process
between the teams as follows: Extra time of 2 minutes each way will be played, changing over
at half time without a break. Teams will toss for centre pass and change ends. In the event of a
draw at full time, play will continue without a break, until the next goal is scored
6.10
Registration of Results
6.10.1
Both teams are required to complete England Netballs official Score card after each
match.
6.10.2
Scorecards must be checked and signed by the Scorer(s) and both Team Managers. Once the
official scorecards have been signed no dispute can be logged, unless it is marked
‘Under Protest’ as in 7.1.2.
6.10.3
If the final score is not in agreement, the process outlined in Section 7 (Competition Complaints
Procedure) should be followed.
6.10.4
A legible copy of the scorecard must be received by England Netball immediately after the
match from both teams.
7.
Competition Complaints Procedure
7.1
On the Competition Day, all queries and complaints (a Complaint) should be directed to the
Competition Referees in the first instance, which will be dealt with as follows:
7.1.1
Where the Complaint relates to the competition format or management, including (but
not limited to) the schedule, the opposing team, playing surface or other playing
arrangements, a protest must be made, before the start of the match (or as soon as
possible after the issue becomes apparent during the match) to the Competition
Referee by the relevant Team or Match Official. The Complaint must then be
acknowledged by the Competition Referee who will decide what action should be
taken; or
7.1.2
Where the Complaint relates to the playing of a match, the scoring, and/or its result,
the relevant team or match official, must do the following:
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7.1.3
Inform their opponents and the umpires of their complaint;
Mark the score card with the words “Under Protest”;
Take the marked score card to the Competition Referee, straight after the match;
Explain the issue in full to the Competition Referee;
And the Competition Referee will decide what action should be taken.
The Competition Referee’s decision in relation to decisions taken under clauses
7.1.1 or 7.1.2 is binding apart from where parties to the complaint have the right
to appeal the decision under Section 8 below.
7.2
Where a Complaint relates to the governance or administration of the Competition by England
Netball, such complaints will be dealt with under the Complaints Procedure of England Netball
7.3
Where a Complaint relates to the behaviour of an individual or team participating, volunteering
or attending the Competition which could be considered as a disciplinary offence under England
Netball’s Safeguarding Disciplinary Regulations, such complaints will be dealt with in accordance
with the processes set out in England Netball’s Safeguarding Disciplinary Regulations.
8.
Appeal of the Competition Referees Decision
8.1
A party to a complaint submitted under Sections 7.1.1 or 7.1.2 shall have the right to appeal
a decision made by the Competition Referee in relation to that complaint; If:
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the decision has a potential impact on a match result, a league table, or the outcome of the
Competition; AND
there has been a failure by the Competition Referee to follow these Regulations or the
Competition Referee reached a decision on the basis of an error of fact.
These are the only grounds of appeal and any appeal must be submitted in accordance with the
appeals process set out in Section 8.
8.2
An appeal should be forwarded in writing from the Team Manager of the objecting party to the
Competition and Events Delivery Manager at England Netball
Netball House, 1-12 Old Park Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 2JR. within 72 hours of the
match.
8.3
The appeal shall be accompanied by a cheque for £100 which shall be returned if the appeal is
upheld or if there are any other extenuating circumstances. The Competition Appeal
Committee (CAC) will decide whether the extenuating circumstance warrant the cheque being
returned.
8.4
The Competition and Events Manager will establish a CAC which will consist of individuals that
are independent of the Competition; one of whom will be appointed as the Chair. For England
Netball, this will usually but not exclusively be 3 members of staff.
8.5
The Chair of the CAC will send the appeal to the opposing team and any other team that they
believe could be impacted by the outcome of the appeal. These teams will be permitted 72
hours, from the date the appeal is sent from the CAC, to submit any evidence or submission
that they wish the CAC to consider.
8.6
All submissions and evidence must be submitted in writing. No parties involved in the appeal,
including the appellant, will be able to make a verbal representation to the CAC.
8.7
The CAC shall meet and conclude the matter within 72 hours of receiving the evidence and
submissions.
8.8
The CAC will notify all the parties who presented submissions and evidence of their decision
and any penalties imposed within 24 hours of the matter concluding. The CAC shall have the
discretion to publish the decision through whatever media it considers appropriate.
8.9
The CAC shall have the power of England Netball to make all decisions and impose any
penalties (including but not limited to, reprimands, the deduction of points, fines, suspensions
and expulsions from the competition) relating to the appeal.
8.10
The decisions of the CAC shall be considered to be the decisions of England Netball and shall
be final and binding on all participants in the Competition. For the avoidance of doubt, there
shall be no further right of appeal under England Netball’s Disciplinary Procedures Manual or
otherwise.
8.11
The procedures in this Section 8 shall be governed by the Arbitration Act 1996 and amounts
to a binding arbitration agreement for the purposes of Section 6 of that Act. The seat of the
arbitration shall be England.
8.12
If the circumstances require a decision to be taken sooner than permitted by this Section 8,
and all parties to the appeal agree, the timetable with which an appeal is raised, submissions
made and the decision taken can be shorter than the 72 hours stated in this Section. In such
cases the CAC shall issue a revised timetable which shall be binding on all parties.
9.
Miscellaneous Provisos
9.1
It is the responsibility of England Netball and each team to provide adequate first aid cover for
its players, volunteers and officials.
9.2
England Netball will not be liable to any person, whether in contract, tort (including negligence)
or otherwise for any direct or indirect loss or injury of any nature, howsoever caused and
howsoever arising from the matters covered by these Regulations, provided that nothing in
these Regulations excludes or restricts England Netball’s liability for any personal loss or injury
caused by England Netball’s own negligence, the negligence of its employees, or for fraud.
9.3
All participants acknowledge that participating in the sport of netball involves a risk of personal
injury and by taking part in the Competition, whether as a player, team member, volunteer, team
official, other official or spectator, each participant does so at their own risk.
9.4
If any of these Regulations are held by any competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable,
the remainder of the Regulations shall not be affected thereby.
9.5
These Regulations shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with English law.
9.6
Any questions regarding these Regulations can be addressed to; England Netball Community
Competition and Events Delivery Manager, England Netball, Netball House, 1 – 12 Old
Park Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 2JR
9.7
England Netball will be entitled to amend these Regulations each year in advance of the
Competition and such amendments will take effect from the first date of publication of the
completed amended procedure on the England Netball website.
10.
Modifications to the Official Netball Rules for Players with a Moderate
Learning Disability
ALL COACHES SHOULD HAVE A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL NETBALL RULES. The following
modifications must be read in conjunction with the Official Netball Rules published by the INF
and adopted by England Netball as per 2011.
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Players aged 12 and over should play 7-a-side Netball with the modifications as summarised
below. Rule Book references and additional guidance for coaches and umpires are shown in
Appendix A.
Games will be of 4 quarters of 8 minutes with breaks of 3 minutes except at half-time when it will
be 5 minutes;
Tournament play will consist of matches of 2 halves of 10 minutes with 5 minutes at half time.
PLEASE NOTE, however, that for the Marion Smith Competition 2017, matches will be of two
halves of 7 minutes, not 10 (subject to the number of entries);
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The direction of play will change at half time only;
Held ball - 4 seconds replaces 3 seconds throughout these rules;
Footwork – players may pivot on either foot. Players may shuffle their feet to stop and / or to
regain balance, as long as no progress is made down the court;
Throw–in – the umpire must ensure that all players are on court and say ‘Play’;
Repossession - if the ball is dropped, the same player will be allowed to regain possession of
the ball once;
Offside – the offside rule will only be used if it affects play, irrespective of who is in possession
of the ball.
Substitution – in addition to normal substitutions, each team may make one additional
substitution in each period of play, after a goal is scored or when the ball goes out of play, to
bring off a player whose concentration or behaviour has broken down;
Coaches do not have to stay in their designated technical area throughout the game but may
give reminders and support to their players from just outside the court as long as they do not
restrict the umpires movement along the side and goal lines
Contact – some players may be restricted in observing the rule because of their disability; if this
is the case, umpires should demonstrate practical understanding (common sense) whilst
ensuring the health and safety of other players is observed.
The use of padded posts is recommended.
Appendix A
MODIFICATIONS TO THE OFFICIAL NETBALL RULES for Players with a Moderate Learning Disability
Details for Coaches and Umpires
Rule Ref:
2.1
Duration of the Game
4 quarters of 8 minutes with intervals of 3-5-3 minutes.
Change ends at half time only
ABOVE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS EVENT – 17th JUNE 2017
2.2
2 halves of 7 minutes with 5 minutes at half time and 6 minutes between rounds for tournament
play.
3.1.6
Officials: Each Umpire:
(v) should keep outside the Court except when it is necessary to take a Toss Up;
If the ball strikes the Umpire during play, or if an Umpire interferes with the movements of the
players, play does not cease unless one team has been unduly penalised, in which case a
Free Pass shall be awarded to that team;
Additional guidance: However at all penalties the Umpires must be prepared to assist the
player preparing to take the penalty.
(xi) shall state the infringement and penalty and use hand signals to clarify decisions.
(Guidelines for appropriate signals for some of the Rules are listed in the Appendix);
Additional guidance: and, if considered necessary, may remind players taking the penalty rules
concerning the Penalty, eg “Free Pass – pass the ball – don’t wait for a whistle”
3.2
Umpires should call the team having the next centre pass and call the score unless Scorers
are provided. If Scorers are provided then they will stand together and one will call the score
whilst the umpire will still call and indicate the Centre Pass
3.4
Team Officials may assist the Umpires by reminding their players to get back on-side if they
move to a prohibited court area but are not affecting play. Team Officials must ensure that
they do not restrict the umpires movement along the side and goal lines when giving advice to
their team players
3.4.2
Coaches do not have to stay in their designated technical area throughout the game and may
give reminders and support to their players from just outside the court but they must ensure
that they do not restrict the umpires movement along the side and goal lines
3.5.2
The Captains have the right to approach an Umpire during an interval or after the game for
clarification of any rule.
Additional guidance: A designated Team Official – Manager or Coach (rather than the Team
Captain) – may approach an Umpire at an interval and request that an explanation of the
interpretation of any rule which is obviously causing players concern is given to the teams.
6.
Substitution and Team Changes
6.1
Substitution is when a player leaves the Court and is replaced by another player.
Changes are when players on Court change playing positions.
6.1.1
Both teams have the right to make substitutions and/or team changes either:
Team
(i) at an interval; or
(ii) when play is stopped for injury or illness. However, in this case the injured or ill
player for whom play was stopped must be involved in that team’s substitutions
and/or team changes (refer Rule 6.7)
6.1.2
There is no limit to the number of substitutions which can be made by a team provided that
players used do not exceed the twelve (12) named for the match (refer Rule 4.4).
Additional guidance:
In addition to the normal substitutions, each team may make
additional substitutions in each period of play, after a goal is scored, when the ball goes out of
play or by the coach alerting the umpire to call ‘time’, to bring off a player whose concentration
or behaviour has broken down. Also if an umpire deems that a player’s behaviour or
concentration is waning then are they able to take time and speak to the appropriate person
within the team
Stoppages - Injury or Illness
(i) Play may be stopped for injury or illness, after a call for time by an on Court player.
Additional guidance: A designated team Official may also call for time.
(ii) The decision to stop play and when to stop play shall be at the discretion of the Umpire.
Additional guidance: Umpires are allowed to stop play whether play is in their half or not
9.1.1
Offside
(see rule 3.4 above) An Umpire should not penalise a player if there is no advantage to the
non-offending team but 3.4 allows a Team Official to tell players to move to a ‘correct’ area of
the court.
11.1
Positioning of Players at Start of Play
In the following ways, the players are responsible at the start and restart of play: The Centre in
possession of the ball shall stand wholly within the Centre Circle, on either one or both feet
(refer Rule 8.2).
Additional guidance: If necessary, Umpires may remind Centres to stand wholly within the
centre circle at the start of play.
11.3
All other players shall be in the Goal Third which is part of their playing area and free to move,
but none of these players is allowed in the Centre Third until the whistle has been blown to
start or restart play.
Additional guidance: If necessary, Umpires may give one reminder to other players that they
must be in the appropriate goal third. Thereafter Team Officials can be ‘on hand’ to remind
players, who are liable to forget this rule.
12.2.1
Start of Play
… 4 seconds and obeying the modified footwork rule (see rule 14)
Additional guidance: All references to 3 seconds in the official rule book have been adapted to
4 seconds
13.1 and 13.3 Playing the Ball
A player may
(viii) fall while holding the ball, but must regain footing and throw within three (3) seconds of
receiving the ball;
Additional guidance: All references to 3 seconds in the official rule book have been adapted to
4 seconds
13.4
A player who has caught or held the ball may not: (iv) drop the ball and replay it;
Additional guidance: A player may drop the ball and replay it, no more than once within 4
seconds without gaining ground
14.
Footwork
Umpires should allow players to move their landing foot once to regain balance but NOT to
make progress down the court. If a long stride is taken with the landing foot the player would
be expected to move this foot back nearer to the other foot before passing. Some shuffling on
the spot should be allowed and players may pivot on either foot.
Additional guidance: 1 – 2 -3 steps with shuffle (without gaining ground is permitted). 1 -2 – 3
– 4 steps is deemed to be footwork
When taking a penalty, the full footwork rule should be observed as these are taken from a
static position, so no assistance with balance should be required.
15.1
Scoring a Goal
(iii) If the ball is won at a Toss Up in the Goal Circle, the Goal Shooter or Goal Attack may
either shoot for goal or pass.
Additional guidance: Umpires should remind the Goal Attack or Goal Shooter that they may
shoot.
18.4.2
The player throwing the ball in shall: (i) ensure that all other players are on the Court before taking the Throw In;
(ii) stand outside the Court and place one or both feet immediately behind the point where the
ball crossed the line;
(iii) throw within three (3) seconds of taking up this position;
(iv) observe the rules governing footwork and methods of playing the ball;
(v) not enter the Court (which includes lines bounding the Court) until the ball has been thrown;
Additional guidance: The Umpire will be responsible for ensuring that all players are on court
and that the player taking the ‘Throw-in’ is at the correct place. Indication that play may
recommence is made by the Umpire calling ‘Play’.
All references to 3 seconds in the official rule book have been adapted to 4 seconds
21.1.1
Failure to take the Court
A team (refer Rule 4.3) must take the Court when requested to do so by the Umpires.
The Umpire shall notify the teams when there are thirty (30) seconds and ten (10) seconds
remaining prior to (a) the start of the game; and (b) the end of an interval.
21.1.2
At the ten (10) seconds notification the teams shall move to their playing positions for the start
or restart of play;
21.1.3
The teams must be on Court and be in position ready for the start or restart of play.
Additional guidance: Team Officials need to ensure that they respond to the start times and
take on board as appropriate the 30 and 10 sec whistles given by the umpires.