Competition Rules

Spirit of the Game

Play by the rules, play fair and "in the spirit of the game of Netball".
 
Contesting the ball is fine. Rough play will be penalised.

The spirit of the game dictates that players make sure they give others on court, often opponents, a fair chance. We encourage Festival players to be good sports and applaud good plays, for your team and the opposition. 

Umpires are to be respected. Positive feedback only on the courts. If there are no umpires, there are no games. Spectators and players, please remember that our umpires are human beings and may miss from time to time. They will do their best. If the umpires are hassled verbally, their umpiring deteriorates. Please try and an boost their confidence. 
 
We hope that this will encourage everyone to play in the true spirit of the game.
 
 
RULES

Registration

A player must be registered and paid for, to play in the International Netball Festival BEFORE TAKING THE COURT. 

Playing in a Division

Players are not permitted to play down a Division. 

Playing in more than one team

Players must not play in more than one team.
 
Once players are registered in a team, they must stay in that team.

Scorecards and Points

Scoreboards will be placed in the centre of the court. A scorer from each team must be supplied.
 
Scorecards are to be returned to the control desk by the winning team after Umpires have awarded points for 'Fair Play' and signed the sheet.
 
Scorers must stand next to each other while scoring.
 
Points table will be positioned outside the clubhouse.
 
 
Remember to fill in the Umpire Award at the bottom of the Score Sheet for each game.

Stoppages

Blood Policy

Play shall cease immediately when blood is noticed. The player must leave the court immediately and may be replaced. The injured player may return to the court at the next centre pass if the blood flow has ceased, the wound cleaned and covered. If a shooter is injured, the team may change one other player one the court to take that position. Stoppages are to be kept to a minimum. 

Injuries

There will be 30 seconds for minor injury. The player may be replaced. If a shooter or centre is injured, the team may change one other player on the court to take that position. Stoppages are to be kept to a minimum. They may re-enter the court after the next centre pass off.
 
If someone has asked to leave the court, they have to be off the court for a minimum of 2 minutes. They can go back on the court after 2 minutes at anytime the whistle is blown or there is a stoppage.

Wet Weather

The Tournament Director will make wet playing decisions. Games may be played in the rain unless a decision is made by the Tournament Director to postpone play. On the Gold Coast, it can be pouring one minute and fine for the rest of the day.

Competition Points

Four (4) points for a win, two (2) points for a draw and one (1) point for a loss.

Tie in Competition Points

If there is a tie with competition points at the end of competition, the team's placing in the ladder will be determined by the following, in this order:

  1. The result of the game between the 2 teams - if that was a draw then,
  2. A count back of goal difference - Goals For vs Goals Against. The team with the biggest goal difference will qualify ahead in the ladder - if that is equal then,
  3. Fair play points as awarded by the umpires - if this is equal then,
  4. A toss of the coin by the Tournament Director with the 2 team captains. (The team who has travelled furthest to the Festival will call the toss.)

Draw at the End of a Final

Three (3) minutes extra time each way. If it is still a draw then it will be the first team to reach a two (2) goal lead.