About Netball

Netball is a fast, skilful team game based on running, jumping throwing and catching it is an attacking and a defensive game. Teams may include up to 12 players but only 7 may take the court at any one time.

Each player has a playing position determined by the areas on the court where they may move the 7 playing positions are shown by identification letters worn above the waist, on both the front and the back of the player. (The playing positions are marked on the diagram of the court)  Each team is made up of the following players.

GS. = Goal Shooter

GA. = Goal Attack

WA. = Wing Attack

C.    = Center

WD.= Wing Defence

GD. = Goal Defence

GK. = Goal Keeper

When on court each team member stands next to her/his opposite. i.e. team A goal shooter stands with team B goalkeeper etc.

The major aim of the game is to score as many goals as is possible from within an area called the Goal  D.

History of Netball

It all started in 1891 Springfield Massachusetts James Naismith (Canadian immigrant to the USA) was told to invent an indoor game for young men at the school for Christian workers (YMCA) what he actually invented was basketball. Women’s basketball began 2 days later when 2 female teachers saw the game but it wasn’t really until 1895 that Netball was established it was first played in 1895 in England at Madame Ostenburgs College. There were no standard rules at that time it was played with either 9 or 5 players in each team. The beginning of the 20th century the game started to become popular in the British Commonwealth countries. In 1957 Australia toured England and discussions took place about standardizing the rules of the game. In 1960 England Australia New Zealand South Africa and the West Indies met in Sir Lanka to establish the International Federation of Women’s Basketball and Netball. It was then decided to hold world championship tournaments every four years. The first was in Eastbourne England

Australia has dominated the sport by winning the tournament in 1971.75.79.83.91.95 and 99.

In 1988 in Canberra as part of the Australian Bicentenary the first Youth Tournament took place for under 21s. It’s now held every 4 years.

Australia won in 1988, 1996 and 2000 but New Zealand won in 1992.

In 1995 Netball was recognized as an OLYMPIC sport

1998 Netball was played in the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpa and yes Australia won Gold New Zealand Silver and England Bronze

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Rules of the Game

Rules can shape the game in many ways.

Netball is a pretty straightforward game, and it can fall into two basic categories: Minor (or “technical”) rules and Major rules.

Minor rule=held ball, stepping, breaking offside and over a third.

Major rule=obstruction, intimidation, contact and discipline.

If a player breaks a minor rule the opposition is awarded a free pass, which is a pass taken from the same spot where the rule was broken.

Breaking a major rule is more serious, and results in the opposing team being awarded a penalty pass.

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