Netball Hutt Valley

Rules of the Game at year 5&6

Before the game starts umpires should have a conversation to make sure they are both comfortable in how to make the below calls.

Umpires will need to assess the level of players to ensure they are applying the rules correctly and at times will need to help players to understand: why they are being penalised/ possession given to the opposition, what they need to do next time, where they need to stand/ take the FREE or PENALTY pass from.

Education and support is required at this level of play.

A FREE module is available on Sport Tutor to learn the rules of the game. Head to NNZ "Learn to umpire" module.

Held Ball	Players are allowed up to five seconds with the ball.	FREE PASS awarded to opposition if player holds ball for longer than 5 seconds.
Repossession (replayed ball)	Possession: A player has possession when they are holding the ball with one or both hands or have one or both hands on the ball while it's on the ground. Repossession (or replayed ball): This occurs when a player has possession and releases the ball, and then touches it again before it has been touched by another player or the goalpost. Example: A player drops the ball, and instead of another player getting it, the same player picks it up again. This is a repossession. What is NOT a repossession Uncontrolled tip: A player can bat or tip the ball in an uncontrolled manner, and then either catch it or pass it to another player. Rebound off body: A player who catches the ball after it has touched another part of their body (other than their hand) should not be penalized. Controlled touches: A player is allowed two controlled touches of the ball, but the second one must be a bat or a bounce to another player, or a catch after an uncontrolled tip. (Tip & Catch ok, Tip, tip, catch Not ok).	FREE pass awarded to opposition where the replayed ball took place.
Footwork	Player CANNOT drag, hop or walk with the ball. The first foot to touch the ground when player has the ball is called the grounded foot. This foot cannot be moved and placed on the ground in a different position (the player may pivot on this foot to turn). If a player lands on both feet at the same time they can choose which foot is deemed the grounded foot.	FREE PASS awarded to opposition if player breaks this rule.
Obstruction	Players defending should stand 1m away from the person with the ball. Players must keep their arms in (not wrapped around/ holding a player back from moving etc.) without the ball.	PENALTY PASS awarded where the obstruction took place. If in the goal circle A'S/GA/GS can shoot for goal.
Contact	A player must not push, trip, knock, bump or hold an opponent accidentally or deliberately.	PENALTY PASS awarded where the contact took place. If in the goal circle A'S/GA/GS can shoot for goal.
Over a third	The ball must touch a player in each third.	FREE PASS awarded to opposition where the ball is caught/crosses the line.
Breaking	A player may not enter the centre third (except C's) before the whistle is blown to start play/ at a centre pass.	FREE pass awarded to the opposition where the break happened.
Offside	A player is offside if they step into an area of court they are not allowed in. i.e. C stepping into goal circle. A player can be on but not over the line when the ball is on the court.	FREE pass awarded to opposition where player stepped offside.
Incorrect throw in	Occurs when the player takes the throw-in from the wrong position, stepping on or inside the court, or fails to release the ball within five seconds	THROW IN awarded to opposition (outside of the court)

Rules of the Game at year 7&8

Before the game starts umpires should have a conversation to make sure they are both comfortable in how to make the below calls.

Education and support is required at this level of play.

Minimum of five players required to start a game.

A FREE module is available on Sport Tutor to learn the rules of the game. Head to NNZ "Learn to umpire" module.

Held Ball	Players are allowed up to three seconds with the ball.	FREE PASS awarded to opposition if player holds ball for longer than 5 seconds.
Repossession (replayed ball)	Possession: A player has possession when they are holding the ball with one or both hands or have one or both hands on the ball while it's on the ground. Repossession (or replayed ball): This occurs when a player has possession and releases the ball, and then touches it again before it has been touched by another player or the goalpost. Example: A player drops the ball, and instead of another player getting it, the same player picks it up again. This is a repossession. What is NOT a repossession Uncontrolled tip: A player can bat or tip the ball in an uncontrolled manner, and then either catch it or pass it to another player. Rebound off body: A player who catches the ball after it has touched another part of their body (other than their hand) should not be penalized. Controlled touches: A player is allowed two controlled touches of the ball, but the second one must be a bat or a bounce to another player, or a catch after an uncontrolled tip. (Tip & Catch ok, Tip, tip, catch Not ok).	FREE pass awarded to opposition where the replayed ball took place.
Footwork	Player CANNOT drag, hop or walk with the ball. The first foot to touch the ground when player has the ball is called the grounded foot. This foot cannot be moved and placed on the ground in a different position (the player may pivot on this foot to turn). If a player lands on both feet at the same time they can choose which foot is deemed the grounded foot.	FREE PASS awarded to opposition if player breaks this rule.
Obstruction	Players defending should stand 1m away from the person with the ball. Players must keep their arms in (not wrapped around/ holding a player back from moving etc.) without the ball.	PENALTY PASS awarded where the obstruction took place. If in the goal circle A'S/GA/GS can shoot for goal.
Contact	A player must not push, trip, knock, bump or hold an opponent accidentally or deliberately.	PENALTY PASS awarded where the contact took place. If in the goal circle A'S/GA/GS can shoot for goal.
Over a third	The ball must touch a player in each third.	FREE PASS awarded to opposition where the ball is caught/crosses the line.
Breaking	A player may not enter the centre third (except C's) before the whistle is blown to start play/ at a centre pass.	FREE pass awarded to the opposition where the break happened.
Offside	A player is offside if they step into an area of court they are not allowed in. i.e. C stepping into goal circle. A player can be on but not over the line when the ball is on the court.	FREE pass awarded to opposition where player stepped offside.
Incorrect throw in	Occurs when the player takes the throw-in from the wrong position, stepping on or inside the court, or fails to release the ball within five seconds	THROW IN awarded to opposition (outside of the court)