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Spirit of the Game

Play by the rules, play fair, and play in the spirit of the game of netball.

• Contesting the ball is encouraged; however, rough play will be penalised.

• The spirit of the game requires players to give everyone on court — including opponents — a fair chance.

• Festival players are encouraged to be good sports and to applaud good play from both their own team and the opposition.
   

Respect for Umpires

• Umpires must be respected at all times.

• Positive feedback only is permitted on the courts.

• Without umpires, there are no games.

• Spectators and players are reminded that umpires are human and may occasionally miss calls.

• Verbal harassment negatively impacts umpiring performance — please help boost their confidence instead.

We hope this encourages everyone to play in the true spirit of the game.

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Rules

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Registration

• A player must be registered to play in the International Netball Festival before taking the court.
   

Play Only

• Players must be fully registered and fully paid before taking the court.
   

Playing in a Division

• The minimum age to register in the Opens Division is 15 years old.

• Players are not permitted to play down a division.

• Boys aged 13 years or under may play in the 13/U Division only.

  • A maximum of three (3) boys may be on the court at any one time.

  • Only one boy per third of the court is permitted.
     

Playing in More Than One Team

• Players may not play in more than one team.

• Once registered to a team, players must remain with that team for the duration of the Festival.
   

Scorecards and Points

• Scoreboards will be located at the centre of each court.

• Scorecards must be returned to the control desk by the winning team after:

  • Fair Play points have been awarded by the umpires, and

  • The scorecard has been signed.

• Each team must supply a scorer.

  • Scorers must stand next to each other while scoring.

• The points table will be displayed outside the clubhouse.
   

Stoppages

Blood Policy

• Play must stop immediately if blood is visible.

• The injured player must leave the court immediately and may be replaced.

• The player may return at the next centre pass once:

  • Bleeding has stopped, and

  • The wound has been cleaned and properly covered.

• If a shooter is injured, the team may change one other player on court to take that position.

• Stoppages should be kept to a minimum.
   

Injuries

• There will be no time off for minor injuries.

• The injured player must leave the court immediately and may be replaced.

• If a shooter is injured, one other player may be repositioned to that role.

• Stoppages should be kept to a minimum.
   

Injuries – Finals

• A two (2) minute injury timeout will be allowed.

• If a player is substituted due to injury, player positions may be changed on court.
   

Wet Weather

• All wet weather decisions will be made by the Tournament Director.

• Games may continue in the rain unless postponed by the Tournament Director.

• Please note: on the Gold Coast, weather conditions can change quickly.
   

Competition Points

• Win: 3 points

• Draw: 2 points

• Loss: 1 point
   

Tie on Competition Points

If teams are tied at the end of competition, ladder positions will be determined in the following order:

1. Result of the game between the tied teams

2. Goal difference (Goals For vs Goals Against)

3. Fair Play points awarded by umpires

4. Coin toss conducted by the Tournament Director

   • The team that has travelled the furthest will call the toss
      

Draw at the End of a Final

• Three (3) minutes of extra time each way.

• If still tied, the first team to achieve a two (2) goal lead will be declared the winner.
   

Insurance Recommendation for Teams

• Travelling teams will be offered travel insurance prior to departing their home town.

• Local teams must ensure their club or private insurance covers major injuries.

• The Netball Festival Insurance Program provides a minimum level of cover only and is not comprehensive.

• All participants are strongly encouraged to review their individual needs and consider:

  • Private Health Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Income Protection Insurance
     

It is each participant’s responsibility to ensure they have adequate insurance coverage for their personal circumstances.

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