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Junior Netball Division

JUNIOR NETBALL (year 4 to year 9)

The Free Reformed Soccer League has adopted the following custom rules that apply in addition to the official International Netball Federation Rules of the Game.  

  1. Every player must observe the rules of the game as detailed in the International Netball Federation Rules of the Game as accessed from  www.netball.com.au. The official rules governing the game of netball. The version of the rules published at the commencement of the season will apply for the duration of that season. Every player is expected to maintain good conduct both on and off the field.  
  1. The umpire is in full control of a team’s game. Their decision is final. Only the team captain may approach the umpire at half time and speak on behalf of the team.  
  1. Goal Post; 2.4metres in height  
  1. Time to Pass the Ball; up to 5 seconds  
  1. Stepping; Shuffling on the spot to regain balance allowed without moving down the court.  
  1. Defending; Strict one on one defence. Players may defend a shot at goal.  
  1. Obstruction; A player must defend from a distance no less than 1.2mtr (4 feet)

TEAM AND SUBSTITUTIONS:  

  1. At the start of a match, the names of all players, coach, umpires and scorers are recorded on the score sheet.  
  1. All players (this includes registered team players and pool players) must be present to start play 15 minutes before their starting time.  
  1. All teams must have a coach present before the start of the game. If a coach is not present a parent should fill in.  
  1. During a match a minimum of five and maximum of seven players from a team may be on the court at any one time, one of whom must play as centre.  
  1. The initial centre pass will be taken by the first team on the score sheet, all other centre passes shall be alternated by each team.  
  1. Up to 9 players can participate in the game, 7 players and 2 reserves. The game time should be evenly distributed amongst all players no matter their skill level.  All players are to participate for at least two quarters and players are to rotate positions at the completion of each quarter. This provides all the children with equal playing opportunities and gives them the chance to play all positions.  
  1. Any team with less than 5 registered players (whether they be team players or pool players) at the scheduled start of the match will forfeit the match. If a scratch match is played, no records will be kept.  
  1. Consequence: Lack of players leading to forfeiture of the match awards the match points in favour of the opposing team.  
  1. A coach may make up to 9 players from the pool and her own team ONLY, provided the arrangements are concluded prior to 8.00pm Thursday night. All arrangements are to be made through the Netball Coordinator.
  1. Each week the coach must advise the coordinator of how many pool players they want. The coordinator is to organise the substitute players for each team.  
  1. The pool players will then be divided as equally and proportionally as possible with the emphasis on teams having 7 players before the rest of the pool players are distributed.  
  1. For example, if team 1 asks for 4 and another for 2, and 4 players are available, the first team will receive 3 and the other 1. However, if the team that asked for 4 has 7 players of its own players, and the team that asked for 2 only has 5 of its own players, then the team with 5 will get 2 and the team with 7 will get 2.  
  1. The coordinator will inform the coaches who the pool players are and who will play for them.  
  1. Due to the lack of pool players for the netball league; players from bye teams are allowed to sub for other teams, this will be organised through the netball coordinator.  
  1. Both teams have the right to make substitutions and or team changes during an interval or when play is stopped for injury/illness or blood. The number of substitutions is not limited provided the players used are those names for the match.  
  1. If a team plays a registered or non-registered player that is not part of their team, and has not been arranged with the coordinator, the team will lose 1 point for every player who has illegally played. (NOTE: the umpire cannot make any decisions with regards to pool players on game day.)  
  1. Players must have played a minimum of four games to qualify for finals.  

UNIFORM

  1. Each member of a team and pool players shall wear a black shirt and suitable sports footwear (spiked soles are not allowed).  
  1. Each team will receive a set of coloured bibs displaying the playing position initials which must be clearly visible and worn above the waist.  
  1. The coach must ensure all bibs are returned to the coordinator at the end of the match and the coordinator will ensure that the bibs are launder and ready for use the following week.  

SAFETY

  1. Players may not wear anything that could endanger themselves or other players.  
  1. Players must remove all jewellery before the start of a match to avoid injury. This rule includes all piercings. The only exception is a wedding ring and/or medical alert bracelet. If either or both are worn, each shall be taped. Tape must be supplied by the player and attached during the whole game.  
  1. Nails must be kept short and smooth. As a guideline, nails should not be seen from the underside of the finger. Gloves are acceptable.  
  1. Hair must be suitably tied back so as not to interfere with play.  
  1. Coaches and Umpires will check all players for nail length and jewellery prior to the match if this does not meet the umpire’s satisfaction you will be asked to remedy this before you may enter the court.  
  1. Wet weather; in order to preserve the safety of players, there are occasions where the committee needs to cancel games due to bad weather. On such occasions; the committee will assess the situation in the proceeding days and make a final inspection of the grounds before or early on game day. Players will be notified of any cancellation as soon as possible via email, the website, social media and/or by informing the captains and coaches of the teams. Where possible, the FRSL, will seek to reschedule missed matches and will inform all relevant parties as soon as this has been arranged.

MATCH LENGTH:  

  1. In normal circumstances, the standard match duration will be 40 minutes. This consists of four quarters of 10-minutes playing duration with an interval of 2 mins between the first-second and third-fourth quarters. The half time interval is 5 minutes.  

GAME MANAGEMENT:

  1. Umpires should;
  1. Use simple language and explain decisions  
  1. Umpire according to the skill level of the players  
  1. Adopt the role of the teacher/umpire rather than a rule enforcer  
  1. Adopt an encouraging manner to ensure the game is free flowing
  1. Use common sense to ensure the spirit of the game for children is not lost by overcalling the game  
  1. The umpire will find they spend the majority of the game on the court with the players
  1. Temporary dismissals will not be used in this division.

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