VUW

Netball Leagues
Rules and Format

Teams:

 Only 7 players per team are allowed on the court at any one time.
 Teams are allowed as many substitute players as they want and there is no
restriction on the amount of substitutions a team can make. Players may
rotate on and off during the game (Must ensure the ball is dead first, tell
referee).
 Players can only play for one team in the league. Exceptions will be
granted under special circumstances on one off occasions if a team is short
of players. Breach of this rule may lead to point deduction or bans from
league for repeat offences.
 Teams may introduce new players during group/round robin play where
necessary but we ask that during playoffs/finals that team members used
have played for your team during pool play.
 Teams can have a mix of genders; however there is no compulsory ratio of
males to females.
 Teams who are struggling to field a team in any week can contact Rachel
O’Connor on 463 5399 or email rachel.oconnor@vuw.ac.nz who may
have some reserve players to allocate to teams. Please give notice if you
must default for any reason.

Game Rules:

 Every game will be played under normal outdoor netball rules. Games are
played on a wooden gym floor with taped markings (no nets or carpet like
normal indoor).
 As per normal outdoor Netball positions needing to be filled are; Goal
Keep, Goal Defence, Goal Attack, Goal Shoot, Centre, Wing Attack &
Wing Defence (Where these positions are allowed on the courts can be
explained by the umpires’ before the game). Bibs and ball are provided.
 The umpires’ decisions are final and any backchat may result in a 2-minute
sinbinning – another player may replace a sinbinned player. If any player
is sent off for any reason the team may also replace the sent off player with
a substitute (if this is constant, further action will be taken against team).
 Please make sure your teams players wear soft soled court shoes for
indoor, do not have long or sharp fingernails, and that they take off rings
and watches etc. Umpires may also check for this.
League Format:

 Group play will consist of one game per week of round robin.
 Depending on team numbers in the league there may be a required ‘bye’
round.
 Games will last for 28 minutes, with a short 2 minute half time.
 Three points will be awarded for a win and one point for a draw during
pool play.
 In the case of a default a 10-0 score will be recorded to make the goal
differential opportunity loss fair.
 At the end of pool play there will be playoffs/finals. The format of this will
be outlined nearer the end of pool play.
 Group placing will be decided on points. If teams are even on points then
placing’s will be decided on goals scored, and then goal differential (goals
scored minus goals conceded) If teams are still tied at this point then the
winner of the game played between the tied teams in pool play will place
higher. If they didn’t play against each other it will be the team with the
most goals scored throughout pool play.
 In the finals matches – if teams are tied at the end of the game then the
winner will be decided by a penalty shootout. Each team will take three
penalty shots from the top of the shooting circle – if teams are still tied
after the three penalty shots then sudden death penalty shots will be taken
until a winner is found.
 For the final an extra time period will be played of 5 minutes if the teams
are tied, and then penalties will be taken if the teams are still tied as
outlined above.

Game Times

 Due to the tight nature of time, games will need to start on time. Therefore
teams must be at the gym or courts 10 minutes before their scheduled start
time.
 During finals play there may be delays in start times due to penalty
shootouts and we ask that you be patient with us in these circumstances.

Prizes/Other Info

 Game results, points tables and draws will be posted on our website,
noticeboard, as well as emailed to team captains.
 Prizes will be awarded to the winning team.
 Teams in the final will receive a certificate of placing.
 Photos may be taken from matches throughout the league and will be
displayed on Rec Centre website and notice boards.

A Final Word

We ask that all teams compete, and conduct themselves in the spirit of fair play. The
umpires are there to do a tough job so please respect them and if you have any issues
have a chat with them or us. Also remember it is not about the winning or losing but
the participating – have a great time and enjoy yourselves.