Facilities and Equipment
The World Netball Rules of Netball are written for International play and all World Netball Events (Netball World Cup, Netball World Youth Cup, Commonwealth Games, Fast5 NWS) are now played in indoor arenas on sprung wooden floors. Variations in some Rules may be made locally for players of different levels or to meet other conditions. Contact your national netball association for guidance on facilities and equipment in your country.
For FAST5 the court is modified with additional shooting areas that are described in the World Netball Rules of FAST5 Netball.
Court and related areas
Court
The court is rectangular in shape and is level and firm. The surface should be wooden (preferably sprung wooden) but may consist of other material provided it is safe to play on.
The two longer sides are called side lines and measure 30.5 m (100 ft).
The two shorter sides are called goal lines and measure 15.25 m (50 ft).
Two lines parallel to the goal lines divide the court into three equal areas. These lines are called transverse lines. The middle area is called the centre third and the two end areas are the goal thirds.
A circle 0.9 m (3 ft) in diameter is located in the centre of the court. This is called the centre circle.
A goal circle is located at each end of the court. This is a semi-circle of radius 4.9 m (16 ft) whose centre is the mid-point of the outside of the goal line.
All lines (preferably white) are 50 mm (2 in) wide and are part of the court area they outline.
Court Surround
The court surround is rectangular in its outer shape and it surrounds the court. The distance between the edge of the court surround and the goal lines and side lines is 3.05 m (10 ft).
Field of Play
The field of play is rectangular in shape and consists of the court and the court surround. During play only on-court players and umpires are permitted in the field of play.
Playing Enclosure
A bench zone is located immediately adjacent to the field of play. The official bench, umpires’ bench and team benches are all located on one side of the court in the bench zone.
The playing enclosure consists of the field of play and the bench zone. Entry to the playing enclosure during a match is limited to those persons with official event accreditation.
If desired, an equivalent zone on the opposite side of the court may also be included in the playing enclosure. This zone is to be used by media and other technical officials as needed.
Goalposts
A goalpost is placed at the mid-point of each goal line so the back of the
pole is at the outer edge of the goal line. It is inserted in the ground or
sleeved beneath the floor so when it is knocked there is a minimal amount of movement and it remains stable.
It consists of the following:
- A vertical metal pole 65-100 mm (2.5-4 in) in diameter and 3.05m
(10 ft) high that is covered with padding of uniform thickness not more than 50 mm (2 in) thick and extending the full length of the pole. - A curved horizontal metal ring made of steel rod 15 mm (5/8 in) in
diameter with an internal diameter of 380 mm (15 in). - A horizontal metal bar of length 150 mm (6 in), projecting from the
front edge at the top of the pole, to which the ring is attached. - A net (preferably white) fitted to the ring, clearly visible and open at top and bottom. The minimum length of the net is 380 mm (15 in) and maximum is 457 mm (18 in).
Ball
The match ball is spherical in shape:
Measures 690-710 mm (27-28 in) in circumference and weighs 400-450 g (14-16 oz)
Is made of leather, rubber or suitable synthetic material
Is inflated to a pressure as specified on the ball by its manufacturer
Match balls may be rotated throughout the match as stipulated by the
event organiser prior to the start of the match.
World Netball’s Official ball partner is Gilbert, and you can shop the full Gilbert netball range on their website here.
Players
During a match players must wear:
- Registered playing uniform that includes their name or allocated
team number, which is distinct from the opposing team’s playing
uniform. - Suitable sports footwear that is not spiked.
- Playing position initials 150 mm (6 in) high which must be clearly
visible and worn above the waist, front and back.
The playing positions and initials are:
Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Wing Attack (WA), Centre (C), Wing Defence (WD), Goal Defence (GD) and Goal Keeper (GK).
All players have specified areas of the court where they are allowed to play.
These are:
