Rules Changes that began in 2016

Snapshot of key rule changes:
  • Umpires no longer blow their whistle when goals are scored and if it is clear that the ball is out of court.
  • The use of the word ‘Penalties’ has been changed to ‘Sanctions’. Sanctions will include Free Pass or Penalty Pass. Throw Ins and Toss Ups are considered actions as opposed to Sanctions (or penalties under the current version).
  • When taking a centre pass, the Centre is required to now only have one foot wholly within the centre circle.
  • Once a player taking a penalty pass is in the correct position, the player may choose either to play the ball immediately or to wait for the infringer to stand out of play. However, it is important to note that the changes to the rule regarding the taking of the penalty pass do not remove the requirement for a player who is sanctioned for a major infringement to stand out of play.
  • All injury/illness stoppages, which include blood, will be 30 seconds, and the player must come off the court.
  • Goal tending will no longer be allowed. Players will not be able to deflect a shot once the ball is on a downward flight towards the ring, including touching the ball up through the net (Netball Australia, 2015).

Quick reference guide for umpires


WEEK BEFORE THE GAME

  • Read  your rule book

NIGHT BEFORE THE GAME

  • Re-read parts of the rule book that trouble you
  • Have your rule book, whistle, hair tie, watch, coin & drink bottle ready


BEFORE THE GAME

  • Arrive at court 10 minutes prior to game time
  • Introduce yourself to the other umpire & work out who is taking which side of the court (remember you control the court to your right hand side when standing on the sideline, in line with the centre circle)
  • Check that the court is clean, nails are short & smooth (have girls take off their gloves if they are wearing them- the nails still have to be short & smooth underneath), jewellery (none on- not even taped earrings are allowed), uniforms, scorecard filled in, scorer and timer are ready to go, you have a game ball from each team
  • Timer & scorer are to stand together (set timer for 15minutes each quarter, 3 minutes for minor breaks and 5 minutes for the half time break- 10 minute quarters for the JG & JH grades)
  • Make sure the teams have organized who has centre pass & which way they are shooting first
 

DURING THE GAME

  • Blow your whistle (double) and announce 30 seconds on court
  • Hold your arm out in the direction the centre pass is going & then blow a loud whistle (if the play is heading your end of the court) to begin the game
  • Make sure you stay 1-2 steps ahead of play at all times
  • After a goal is scored down your end of the court blow your whistle loudly to announce the goal and then again for the next centre pass
  • Do not run more than a couple of steps past the third line to your left hand side- you will become too tired!
  • Only call the ball out of court down the left hand side sideline- no matter what!
  • Watch for minor infringments (stepping, over a 1/3, held ball, replay, breaking, off side, short pass) & award a free pass- in your area of control
  • Watch for major infringments (obstruction or contact) & award either a penalty pass or a penalty pass/ shot in your area of control
  • Not sure what just happened on court? DO NOTHING or TOSS UP
  • Use your arms to indicate where penalties, free passes or throw- ins are to be taken & the direction the ball will travel
  • Be positive & remember- players make mistakes and so will you! It’s not the end of the world!
  • Check & sign the scorecard at the end of the game

Upcoming courses

New Umpire Rules Discussion Workshop
This workshop is for all Umpires and Coaches to discuss the new rules.
Date: To be confirmed for 2019
Time: 6.30pm - 8.00pm
Location: FNA courts
Cost: (no cost to FNA Members)
Register ​(link to be updated when 2019 dates released)

New Umpire Rules Discussion Workshop (Advanced)
This workshop is for or all Senior A Grade Coaches and National C Badge holders (min. 2 years) and designed for those with a good knowledge of the rules of the game.
Date: To be confirmed for 2019
Time: 7.30 - 9.00pm
Location: FNA courts (no cost to FNA Members)
Register (link to be updated when 2019 dates released)

Parent Umpiring Rules Discussion Workshop
This workshop is offered to anyone who is involved in Junior grades - parent, coach, team manager or umpire – covering new Rules of Netball and basic FNA modified rules.
Date: To be confirmed for 2019
Time: 6.00 - 7.00pm
Location: FNA courts
Cost: (no cost to FNA Members)
Register (link to be updated when 2019 dates released)

Train the Trainer – Umpiring Rules Discussion
For Club Umpire Co-ordinators, umpire coaches, player coaches. This workshop is designed as we work in developing umpires at Club level. The program will enhance knowledge overall and provide upskilling for umpire coaches to understand the application of the rules.

Date: To be confirmed for 2019
Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm
Location: FNA courts
Cost: (no cost to FNA Members)
Register (link to be updated when 2019 dates released)

Content accessed from the Fremantle Netball Association website
 

Resources

All of the resources below are direct links to the Netball WA website

Click here for good basic umpiring information regarding the Rules, it has videos, rule book online, FAQs:
​ https://netball.com.au/our-game/basic-rules-of-netball/
​
Click here to learn more about National Umpire Development Framework/Umpiring Accreditation
https://netball.com.au/get-involved/umpiring/accreditation/

Click here to learn more about  Rules of Netball Theory Exam:
https://netball.com.au/get-involved/umpiring/accreditation/rules-of-netball-theory-examination/

Click here to learn more about the Foundation Umpire Course 
https://netball.com.au/get-involved/umpiring/accreditation/foundation-umpire-course/ 

Click here to learn more about the Officiating General Principles Course – MyNetball Learning:
 https://netball.com.au/get-involved/e-learning-centre/    
 
Click here to learn more about the Mentoring for Umpire Coaches and Coaches – new cost for 2019 $10.48 on line through MyNetball:
https://netball.com.au/get-involved/e-learning-centre/