Because we offer a few different styles of Netball, The easiest way to view rules is to go to your chosen league to see the rules for that location! 
STREET NETBALL RULES:

This style of Netball is basically the gateway sport for people who are new to the sport, and want to learn more. We take away all the intimidating factors. No bibs, fewer positions, and in some cases, fewer hoops (wow). The same principals apply, and the basics of netball remain, but this is netball re-imagined, and re-purposed for people that truly want to play a simplistic and non-intimidating version of the game. Expect to see a lot more of this style game popping up, and opportunities for you to learn and play this style of Netball. 

FAST5 NETBALL RULES: 

This is a league suited for players who want to get involved and play Netball, but they  don’t want all the snooty behaviour that can go along with Netball. This league calls for a lot less stoppage in game play, and a few adaptations to make the game a bit more unpredictable and fun.

7’S NETBALL RULES: 

This is the style of Netball you have come to know and love. It’s proper 7-aside, and a more traditional version of the game. There is a bit more structure, and if you are a Netball purist, you should probably start here. HOWEVER. This is not some horrible and scary comp with faceless umpires, this is still Urban Rec style, meaning you will use fun points, and always play with a fun first attitude. We will continue to offer some more of these leagues across Sydney, but we are conscious that there’s plenty of other people doing it, and we don’t want to saturate the market!

THE TEAM (FAST FIVE)

5-aside

  • The number of players shall be five (5) players.
  • The team must include a minimum of two (2) male, two (2) female and all remaining players can be any gender including gender diverse people. There can only be a maximum of three (3) males on the court at one time.
  • To start the game, this league requires your team to have a minimum of four (4) players participating, including one (1) male, one (1) female or one (1) gender diverse person, unless discussions pre game between teams allow no females.
  • Please consider our Default, Forfeit, and Substitute Policy
  • Substitutes can be used as long as they have created an account and signed the most up to date Urban Rec waiver. During game play, substitutes can be made at any point in the game.
GAME SPECIFICS

GAME TIME The game is played in four (4) 8 minute quarters with a few minutes break at half/quarter time.

COURT BOUNDARIES A standard Netball court is used however some variations may vary depending on the venue.

STARTING THE GAME Captains will Scissors, Paper, Rock to determine who starts with the ball and what quarter their team has their Double Points Round.

SCORING Each goal scored within the goal circle is worth one (1) point and each goal scored outside the goal circle within the goal third is worth three (3) points. All goals scored in teams designated Double Points Round, are doubled (1 point is 2 points & 3 points is 6 points).

RULE SPECIFICS

POSITIONS:

  • GOAL SHOOTER (GS) & GOAL KEEPER (GK): Can use two (2) thirds of the court (Attacking Goal Third & Centre Third). GS can shoot from within and outside their teams goal circle.
  • GOAL ATTACK (GA) & GOAL DEFENCE (GD): Can use all three (3) thirds of the court but not the opposing goal circle. GA can shoot from within and outside their teams goal circle. GD can shoot three (3) pointers from outside their teams goal circle.
  • CENTRE (C): Can use all three (3) thirds except both goal circles. Can shoot three (3) pointers from outside their teams goal circle.
  • No more than one male player can play in GS & GA, or GK & GD at the same time.

STARTING PLAY: The play is started with a pass from the centre circle – this is called the centre pass. There is a centre pass at the beginning of each quarter and half, and after each goal is scored. The person making the centre pass must stand in the centre circle and wait for the Event Hosts whistle to commence play. The opposing centre can stand anywhere in the centre third but all other players must start in the goal thirds (behind the middle third lines) until the Event Host blows the whistle to start play. All other Centre Passes get rotated between teams after each goal. The ball must be caught in the centre third once the whistle has been blown before making its way down the court.

SHOOTING:

  • 3 POINT SHOTS: Must be taken from outside the goal circle only, within the goal third.
  • 1 POINT SHOTS: Must be taken from within the goal circle by the GS or GA only.
  • NO dunking is permitted and jump shots are at your Event Hosts discretion.

SANCTIONS There are two types of penalties in netball, Free Pass & Penalty Pass.

  • FREE PASS is awarded for infringements on the court involving one player. The pass is taken where the infringement occurred by any player who is allowed in the area. The offending player does not have to stand beside the thrower taking the pass. If a free pass is awarded in the goal circle, the shooter may only pass the ball – not shoot for goal.
  • PENALTY PASS/SHOT is awarded for contact, intimidation and obstruction infringements. The pass is taken where the infringer was standing, except if it places the non-defending team at a disadvantage. Any player who is allowed in the area can take the pass. The penalised player must stand “out of play”. That is, beside and away from the player taking the pass and make no attempt to take part in play. This includes directing play, until the ball has left the throwers hands. However, the player taking the penalty has the option to either pass the ball immediately, or to wait for the infringer to stand out of play. If a penalty is given to a Goal Attack or Goal Shooter in the goal circle they are awarded a “penalty pass or shot”, meaning they can pass or take the shot from where the penalty was awarded.

OFFSIDE Each player is allowed in only a certain area of the court. If a player steps into an area or any part of their body touches the ground in an area their playing position is not allowed to go, will be ruled offside. This is ruled even if the player does not have the ball or is not active in the play.

STEPPING Once a player has landed with the ball, the first landed foot is called the grounded foot and must either stay on the ground or in the air until the ball is passed on. Re-grounding that same foot a second time while still in possession of the ball is a step which will result in a free pass to the opposition. Similarly, a hop, slide or drag of the grounded foot is not permitted.

PLAYING THE BALL Once the ball has been caught; the player must pass it or shoot for goal within three seconds.

OBSTRUCTION A player with arms extended cannot defend a player with the ball closer than 0.9m (3 feet). This distance is measured from the first landed foot of the attacking player to the nearer foot of the defending player. A player may stand closer to an opponent without the ball provided their arms are not extended, but a player may not use intimidating actions against an opponent with or without the ball. If the defending player has their defensive stance and the attacking player lessens the distance in their throwing or shooting action, then the defending player is not considered to be obstructing because it was the attacking player and not the defending player who shortened the distance.

CONTACT A player cannot accidentally or deliberately come into contact with another player in a way which impedes their play. For example, pushing, charging, tripping, throwing the body against an opponent or using the ball to push or contact an opponent. Players must not hold an opponent, nor keep their elbows against another player. Players must not run with the arms extended across any player.

PLAYING THE BALL (REPLAY) A player who has possession of the ball may not bounce the ball and re-gain possession of the ball (replay it). If a player does not catch the ball cleanly, it may be allowed to bounce once to gain possession or batted or bounced to another team mate. After throwing the ball, a player cannot play it again until it is touched by another player, or rebounds off the goal post. A player cannot:

    • punch, roll, kick or fall on the ball;
    • gain or pass the ball in any way while lying, sitting or kneeling on the ground;
    • use the goal post as a way to regain balance or as a support while stopping the ball from going out of court.
    • When shooting, the ball must touch the goal ring before the player who shot the ball can re-gain possession again (replay).

THROW IN When the ball goes out of court, the Event Host will try to see who made the last touch on the ball. In the circumstance when the Event Host does not see who touched the balls, players should make an honest call themselves. The throw in is then taken by a player from the opposing team close to where the ball went out of court. Standing close to the line from the outside of court, the player has three seconds to get the ball back in play.

OVER A THIRD The ball must be touched in each third. If a third is missed, the turnover is taken from where the ball crossed the over the last third. If the ball is being taken as a throw in from the baseline, it must be caught in the goal third. If the ball is being taken from the sideline, it can be caught in the next third.

FOOTWORK

  • ONE-FOOT LANDING – When a player lands on one foot they may step with the other foot, lift the landing foot, but must throw the ball before re-grounding the lifted foot. They may use the landing foot as a pivoting foot, stepping in any direction with the other foot as many times as they wish. Once the pivoting foot is lifted they must pass or shoot before re-grounding this foot.
  • TWO-FOOT LANDING – If a player catches the ball and lands on both feet simultaneously, they may step in any direction with one foot, lift the other foot but must throw or shoot before re-grounding this foot. They may pivot on one foot, stepping in any direction with the other foot as often as they wish. Once the pivot foot is lifted they must throw the ball before re-grounding this foot. They may jump from both feet onto either foot, or step and jump but must throw or shoot before re-grounding either foot.

THE TEAM (NETBALL 7S)

7-aside

  • The number of players shall be seven (7) players.
  • The team must include a minimum of two (2) male, two (2) female and all remaining players can be any gender including gender diverse people. There can only be a maximum of three (3) males on the court at one time.
  • To start the game, this league requires your team to have a minimum of five (5) players participating, including one (1) male, one (1) female or one (1) gender diverse person, unless discussions pre game between teams allow no females or no males.
  • Please consider our Default, Forfeit, and Substitute Policy
  • Substitutes can be used as long as they have created an account and signed the most up to date Urban Rec waiver. During game play, substitutes can be made at any point in the game.
GAME SPECIFICS

GAME TIME The game is played in four (4) 8 minute quarters with a few minutes break at half/quarter time.

COURT BOUNDARIES A standard Netball court is used however some variations may vary depending on the venue.

STARTING THE GAME Captains will Scissors, Paper, Rock to determine who starts with the ball and what quarter their team has their Double Points Round.

SCORING Each goal scored within the goal circle is worth one (1) point and each goal scored outside the goal circle within the goal third is worth three (3) points. All goals scored in teams designated Double Points Round, are doubled (1 point is 2 points & 3 points is 6 points).

RULE SPECIFICS

POSITIONS:

  • GOAL SHOOTER (GS) & GOAL KEEPER (GK): Can use one (1) third of the court (Attacking Goal Third). GS can shoot from within and outside their teams goal circle.
  • GOAL ATTACK (GA) & GOAL DEFENCE (GD): Can use two (2) thirds of the court (Attacking Goal Third & Centre Third) GA can shoot from within and outside their teams goal circle.
  • CENTRE (C): Can use all three (3) thirds except both goal circles.
  • WING ATTACK (WA) & WING DEFENCE (WD): Can use two (2) thirds of the court (Goal Third & Centre Third). Cannot enter the goal circles.
  • No more than one male player can play in GS & GA, WA/WD & C, or GK & GD at the same time. Think of it as one (1) male player per third. Using an extra male player is at the Event Hosts discretion and must be discussed with the opposition at the beginning on the game.

STARTING PLAY: The play is started with a pass from the centre circle – this is called the centre pass. There is a centre pass at the beginning of each quarter and half, and after each goal is scored. The person making the centre pass must stand in the centre circle and wait for the Event Hosts whistle to commence play. The opposing centre can stand anywhere in the centre third but all other players must start in the goal thirds (behind the middle third lines) until the Event Host blows the whistle to start play. All other Centre Passes get rotated between teams after each goal. The ball must be caught in the centre third once the whistle has been blown before making its way down the court.

SHOOTING:

  • 3 POINT SHOTS: Must be taken from outside the goal circle only, GS or GA only.
  • 1 POINT SHOTS: Must be taken from within the goal circle by the GS or GA only.
  • NO dunking is permitted and jump shots are at your Event Hosts discretion.

SANCTIONS There are two types of penalties in netball, Free Pass & Penalty Pass.

  • FREE PASS is awarded for infringements on the court involving one player. The pass is taken where the infringement occurred by any player who is allowed in the area. The offending player does not have to stand beside the thrower taking the pass. If a free pass is awarded in the goal circle, the shooter may only pass the ball – not shoot for goal.
  • PENALTY PASS/SHOT is awarded for contact, intimidation and obstruction infringements. The pass is taken where the infringer was standing, except if it places the non-defending team at a disadvantage. Any player who is allowed in the area can take the pass. The penalised player must stand “out of play”. That is, beside and away from the player taking the pass and make no attempt to take part in play. This includes directing play, until the ball has left the throwers hands. However, the player taking the penalty has the option to either pass the ball immediately, or to wait for the infringer to stand out of play. If a penalty is given to a Goal Attack or Goal Shooter in the goal circle they are awarded a “penalty pass or shot”, meaning they can pass or take the shot from where the penalty was awarded.

OFFSIDE Each player is allowed in only a certain area of the court. If a player steps into an area or any part of their body touches the ground in an area their playing position is not allowed to go, will be ruled offside. This is ruled even if the player does not have the ball or is not active in the play.

STEPPING Once a player has landed with the ball, the first landed foot is called the grounded foot and must either stay on the ground or in the air until the ball is passed on. Re-grounding that same foot a second time while still in possession of the ball is a step which will result in a free pass to the opposition. Similarly, a hop, slide or drag of the grounded foot is not permitted.

PLAYING THE BALL Once the ball has been caught; the player must pass it or shoot for goal within three seconds.

OBSTRUCTION A player with arms extended cannot defend a player with the ball closer than 0.9m (3 feet). This distance is measured from the first landed foot of the attacking player to the nearer foot of the defending player. A player may stand closer to an opponent without the ball provided their arms are not extended, but a player may not use intimidating actions against an opponent with or without the ball. If the defending player has their defensive stance and the attacking player lessens the distance in their throwing or shooting action, then the defending player is not considered to be obstructing because it was the attacking player and not the defending player who shortened the distance.

CONTACT A player cannot accidentally or deliberately come into contact with another player in a way which impedes their play. For example, pushing, charging, tripping, throwing the body against an opponent or using the ball to push or contact an opponent. Players must not hold an opponent, nor keep their elbows against another player. Players must not run with the arms extended across any player.

PLAYING THE BALL (REPLAY) A player who has possession of the ball may not bounce the ball and re-gain possession of the ball (replay it). If a player does not catch the ball cleanly, it may be allowed to bounce once to gain possession or batted or bounced to another team mate. After throwing the ball, a player cannot play it again until it is touched by another player, or rebounds off the goal post. A player cannot:

    • punch, roll, kick or fall on the ball;
    • gain or pass the ball in any way while lying, sitting or kneeling on the ground;
    • use the goal post as a way to regain balance or as a support while stopping the ball from going out of court.
    • When shooting, the ball must touch the goal ring before the player who shot the ball can re-gain possession again (replay).

THROW IN When the ball goes out of court, the Event Host will try to see who made the last touch on the ball. In the circumstance when the Event Host does not see who touched the balls, players should make an honest call themselves. The throw in is then taken by a player from the opposing team close to where the ball went out of court. Standing close to the line from the outside of court, the player has three seconds to get the ball back in play.

OVER A THIRD The ball must be touched in each third. If a third is missed, the turnover is taken from where the ball crossed the over the last third. If the ball is being taken as a throw in from the baseline, it must be caught in the goal third. If the ball is being taken from the sideline, it can be caught in the next third.

FOOTWORK

  • ONE-FOOT LANDING – When a player lands on one foot they may step with the other foot, lift the landing foot, but must throw the ball before re-grounding the lifted foot. They may use the landing foot as a pivoting foot, stepping in any direction with the other foot as many times as they wish. Once the pivoting foot is lifted they must pass or shoot before re-grounding this foot.
  • TWO-FOOT LANDING – If a player catches the ball and lands on both feet simultaneously, they may step in any direction with one foot, lift the other foot but must throw or shoot before re-grounding this foot. They may pivot on one foot, stepping in any direction with the other foot as often as they wish. Once the pivot foot is lifted they must throw the ball before re-grounding this foot. They may jump from both feet onto either foot, or step and jump but must throw or shoot before re-grounding either foot.

THE TEAM (STREET NETB)

5-aside

  • The number of players shall be five (5) players.
  • The team must include a minimum of two (2) male, two (2) female and all remaining players can be any gender including gender diverse people. There can only be a maximum of three (3) males on the court at one time.
  • To start the game, this league requires your team to have a minimum of four (4) players participating, including one (1) male, one (1) female or one (1) gender diverse person, unless discussions pre game between teams allow no females or no males.
  • Please consider our Default, Forfeit, and Substitute Policy
  • Substitutes can be used as long as they have created an account and signed the most up to date Urban Rec waiver. During game play, substitutes can be made at any point in the game.

GAME SPECIFICS

GAME TIME The game is played in four (4) 8 minute quarters with a few minutes break at half/quarter time.

COURT BOUNDARIES A standard Netball court is used however some variations may vary depending on the venue & a tennis court can be used.

STARTING THE GAME Captains will Scissors, Paper, Rock to determine who starts with the ball and what quarter their team has their Double Points Round.

SCORING Each goal scored within the goal circle is worth one (1) point and each goal scored outside the goal circle within the goal third is worth three (3) points. All goals scored in teams designated Double Points Round, are doubled (1 point is 2 points & 3 points is 6 points).

RULE SPECIFICS

POSITIONS: In Street Netball there are no set positions and no bibs. This means that all players can go everywhere, however, only two (2) shooters and two (2) defenders are allowed in the goal circle at one time. Players need to be aware of their team and how many are in the circle at one time.

COURT The game is played on either a Netball court or depending on the venue can be played on a Tennis court. There is one goal area, in a half court style of playing area with an activation line. Goals can be shot by any attacking player from within the goal area for one (1) point or outside for three (3) points. Only two (2) attacking and two (2) defending players are allowed in the goal area at any one time. Venue dependant, all games will be played on a netball court, however, if games are played on a tennis court, please see below diagram of how the court will be set out.

STARTING PLAY: (Using a Netball Court) The team starting with the ball at the beginning of each quarter starts play at the half way point (centre circle). Once the Event Host blows the whistle game will commence and the ball can begin to be passed down the court.

SCORING A GOAL Each team has to cross the activation line (half way), before they become eligible to score. Once the ball has crossed half way they become the attacking team, and they can begin to try and make their way back down the court to score.

CHANGE OF POSESSION When possession of the ball is turned over the team in possession need to play the ball back over the activation line (half way) before they can try and go for a goal.

  • A team member must catch or land with the ball with both feet on the ground past the activation line (half way) before continuing to play the ball back towards the goal.
  • There will be no stop in play; the team having completed the crossing of the activation line immediately continues playing the ball.
  • If a defending player tips or deflects the ball it is not a turnover unless the other team gets possession.

TURN OVERS OR SCORED GOALS Once a team scores a goal the opposing team starts with the ball behind the end goal line. They are required to take the ball down the court and across the activation line (half way) before they can attempt to score themselves. This also applies to an intercept, as you can only score once you have crossed the traverse line and gained possession of the court.

SHOOTING:

  • 3 POINT SHOTS: Must be taken from outside the goal circle only, within the goal third.
  • 1 POINT SHOTS: Must be taken from within the goal circle.
  • NO dunking is permitted and jump shots are at your Event Hosts discretion.

SANCTIONS There are two types of penalties in netball, Free Pass & Penalty Pass.

  • FREE PASS is awarded for infringements on the court involving one player. The pass is taken where the infringement occurred by any player who is allowed in the area. The offending player does not have to stand beside the thrower taking the pass. If a free pass is awarded in the goal circle, the shooter may only pass the ball – not shoot for goal.
  • PENALTY PASS/SHOT is awarded for contact, intimidation and obstruction infringements. The pass is taken where the infringer was standing, except if it places the non-defending team at a disadvantage. Any player who is allowed in the area can take the pass. The penalised player must stand “out of play”. That is, beside and away from the player taking the pass and make no attempt to take part in play. This includes directing play, until the ball has left the throwers hands. However, the player taking the penalty has the option to either pass the ball immediately, or to wait for the infringer to stand out of play. If a penalty is given to a Goal Attack or Goal Shooter in the goal circle they are awarded a “penalty pass or shot”, meaning they can pass or take the shot from where the penalty was awarded.

STEPPING Once a player has landed with the ball, the first landed foot is called the grounded foot and must either stay on the ground or in the air until the ball is passed on. Re-grounding that same foot a second time while still in possession of the ball is a step which will result in a free pass to the opposition. Similarly, a hop, slide or drag of the grounded foot is not permitted.

PLAYING THE BALL Once the ball has been caught; the player must pass it or shoot for goal within three seconds.

OBSTRUCTION A player with arms extended cannot defend a player with the ball closer than 0.9m (3 feet). This distance is measured from the first landed foot of the attacking player to the nearer foot of the defending player. A player may stand closer to an opponent without the ball provided their arms are not extended, but a player may not use intimidating actions against an opponent with or without the ball. If the defending player has their defensive stance and the attacking player lessens the distance in their throwing or shooting action, then the defending player is not considered to be obstructing because it was the attacking player and not the defending player who shortened the distance.

CONTACT A player cannot accidentally or deliberately come into contact with another player in a way which impedes their play. For example, pushing, charging, tripping, throwing the body against an opponent or using the ball to push or contact an opponent. Players must not hold an opponent, nor keep their elbows against another player. Players must not run with the arms extended across any player.

PLAYING THE BALL (REPLAY) A player who has possession of the ball may not bounce the ball and re-gain possession of the ball (replay it). If a player does not catch the ball cleanly, it may be allowed to bounce once to gain possession or batted or bounced to another team mate. After throwing the ball, a player cannot play it again until it is touched by another player, or rebounds off the goal post. A player cannot:

    • punch, roll, kick or fall on the ball;
    • gain or pass the ball in any way while lying, sitting or kneeling on the ground;
    • use the goal post as a way to regain balance or as a support while stopping the ball from going out of court.
    • When shooting, the ball must touch the goal ring before the player who shot the ball can re-gain possession again (replay).

THROW IN When the ball goes out of court, the Event Host will try to see who made the last touch on the ball. In the circumstance when the Event Host does not see who touched the balls, players should make an honest call themselves. The throw in is then taken by a player from the opposing team close to where the ball went out of court. Standing close to the line from the outside of court, the player has three seconds to get the ball back in play.

FOOTWORK

  • ONE-FOOT LANDING – When a player lands on one foot they may step with the other foot, lift the landing foot, but must throw the ball before re-grounding the lifted foot. They may use the landing foot as a pivoting foot, stepping in any direction with the other foot as many times as they wish. Once the pivoting foot is lifted they must pass or shoot before re-grounding this foot.
  • TWO-FOOT LANDING – If a player catches the ball and lands on both feet simultaneously, they may step in any direction with one foot, lift the other foot but must throw or shoot before re-grounding this foot. They may pivot on one foot, stepping in any direction with the other foot as often as they wish. Once the pivot foot is lifted they must throw the ball before re-grounding this foot. They may jump from both feet onto either foot, or step and jump but must throw or shoot before re-grounding either foot.

URBAN REC SPECIFICS

FAIRPLAY SYSTEM Each league night you will have an Event Host onsite, but these guys are not official referees. Urban Rec is proud to be the best non-competitive league which practices fair play, meaning you should be making your own calls during the game. The Event Host will be there to make calls at their discretion, keep time and help guide the games within the game rules. Urban Rec Event Hosts have the final say on any issue that cannot be self-resolved.

SPORTSMANSHIP If you are seen to be rude or not playing within the respect of the rules your Event Host has the right to ask you to sub and take a break. If your Event Host then has to warn you more times then they have the right to ask you to leave the field or court and an assessment will be made if you can return to play. We don’t tolerate idiots, play fair.

Note that the above details are generic Netball rules. The rules for each specific league may differ.



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