Netball Rules Explained
Every core netball rule explained in plain English — footwork, contact, obstruction, held ball, offside, centre pass and more.
World Netball defines the rules; this site explains them. Every rule below states which official rules edition it was checked against — see our rules policy for how we keep these current. Think you know the rules? Test yourself with the legal-or-illegal quiz.
Ball control
The rules that govern how you may legally hold, move with and play the ball.
What Is Footwork in Netball?
The netball footwork rule explained: the landing foot, one-foot and two-foot landings, pivoting, and what counts as an infringement.
What Is a Held Ball in Netball?
The held ball rule in netball explained: the three-second limit, what counts as gaining possession, and how it's restarted.
What Is a Replayed Ball in Netball?
Replayed ball and repossession explained: why you can't catch your own pass, how batting and bouncing work, and when a shooter can catch their own missed shot.
What Is a Short Pass in Netball?
The short pass rule in netball explained: when a pass between two players is judged too short, and why it's rarely called at grassroots level.
What Is 'Over a Third' in Netball?
The over a third rule in netball explained: why the ball can't be thrown over a full third of the court without being touched.
Defence
The rules that govern legal defending distance and behaviour.
What Is Contact in Netball?
The contact rule in netball explained: what counts as illegal physical interference, and how it differs from obstruction.
What Is Obstruction in Netball?
Netball's obstruction rule explained: the 0.9m defending distance, the defensive lift, arms against a player without the ball, and how it differs from contact.
What Is Intimidation in Netball?
The intimidation rule in netball explained: behaviour meant to distract an opponent for an unfair advantage, the official examples and how it's penalised.
Court and position
The rules that govern where players may go and how goals are scored.
What Is Offside in Netball?
Offside in netball explained: how each position's permitted court area works, and what happens when a player strays outside it.
Centre Pass Rules in Netball
How the netball centre pass works: who takes it, where every player must start, the three-second limit, and what happens when it goes wrong.
What Happens When the Ball Goes Out of Court in Netball?
The out of court rule in netball: when the ball or a player is judged out of court, and how play restarts with a throw-in.
The Goal Circle in Netball
The netball goal circle explained: its dimensions, which positions can enter it, and why shots must be taken from inside it.
Restarts and sanctions
What happens after an infringement or stoppage.
Throw-In Rules in Netball
Netball throw-in rules explained: where it's taken from, the 15cm foot rule, where the ball must go, and what happens if it's taken wrongly.
What Is a Free Pass in Netball?
The free pass in netball explained: the standard restart for most infringements, and how it differs from a penalty pass.
What Is a Penalty Pass in Netball?
The penalty pass in netball explained: the sanction for contact and obstruction, why the infringer stands out of play, and when it can be a shot.
What Is Advantage in Netball?
The advantage rule in netball explained: why umpires sometimes let play continue after an infringement instead of stopping it, and when they never can.
Administration
Substitutions, stoppages, extra time and match officials.
Netball Substitution Rules
How netball substitutions work under the 2024 rules: tactical changes after a goal, changes at intervals and stoppages, and no limit on numbers.
Netball Stoppages Explained
When play stops in netball: injury, illness and blood stoppages, the 30-second rule, emergencies, and how play restarts.
Extra Time in Netball
How extra time works in netball when a match needs a winner: two short halves, then play until one team leads by two goals.