Competition Rules

ESCPSNA follows the Official Rules of Netball, as endorsed by Netball Australia.

These rules are detailed in the Official Rules of Netball Book, which all coaches are encouraged to read.

Schools should purchase a copy of the current Rule Book.

Click for the detailed INF Rules of Netball 2020.

• Years 4, 5, and Opens play under the Official Rules of Netball.

• Years 2 and 3 follow the ESCPSNA Modified Rules, based on NetSetGO guidelines.

ESCPSNA’s modified rules for Year 2 and 3 are designed to teach children the game in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Umpires assist by explaining rules during play — meaning a Saturday coach is not required. Parents are encouraged to help with bib swapping and team rotation.

Key Modifications:

• Ball size: Size 4

• Holding time: Up to 5 seconds

• Defence distance: 1.2 m (4 feet)

• Defence style: Strict one-to-one defence

• Movement: Shuffling on the spot allowed to regain balance before passing

• Centre pass: Taken by the team that did not score the previous goal

• Coaches, parents and managers must stay off the court and baselines during play

Focus: At this level, the emphasis is on learning and participation, not winning.

Please limit coaching instructions during play so that players can focus on umpire guidance and enjoy the game.

Click for the full ESCPSNA NetSetGO Rules for Year 2 & 3 – 2022.

Year 2 Game Format

• Scores are not recorded.

• Rotation sheets (not score sheets) must be completed for each game.

• Every player must have the opportunity to play in all positions throughout the season to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the game.

• No jewellery is permitted — this includes bracelets, earrings, anklets, or other adornments.

• Band-Aids over new earrings are not permitted.

• Earrings must be removed before the game and may be replaced afterwards once sanitised.

• All registered players in the Opens competition must be marked off on the official scoresheet before each game.

• Any casual, occasional, or fill-in players must have their name and year group recorded in the space provided on the scoresheet.

• Fill-in players must:

  • Be from a younger year group.

  • Not be from another Opens team (Division 1 or 2).

  • Not be from another school.

• Players may play up into an Opens team (as a fill-in) up to three times per team per season.

• If a school fields two Opens teams, a player may fill in up to three times in each team (maximum of six games total).

• These players are eligible to play in the semi-finals and finals for their school’s Opens team.

Note: Players may not register in more than one Opens team, as playing across teams in the Opens division is not permitted.

The Committee reserves the right to deduct one competition point from any team found in breach of player eligibility rules.

• If more than 14 teams are registered, the competition will be split into two divisions following a five-week preliminary round.

• A ladder will be maintained throughout the season:

  • Win: 2 points

  • Draw: 1 point

  • Loss: 0 points

• Goal differences will also be recorded.

• Scores must be recorded on the official ESCPSNA scoresheet only.

• Results written on any other document or device will not be accepted.

• Each team must supply one adult scorer (no children).

• Scorers from both teams should stand together and record the score for the entire game.

• Final scores must be clearly written in the space provided at the end of the scoresheet.

If play is stopped due to rain, the current score will stand depending on the stage of the game:

• If the game has reached half-time — that score counts.

• If play continues into the third quarter, the score at the time of cancellation will be taken as final.

• If the game reaches the final quarter, the score at the moment play stops will be final.

• Semi-finals and finals will be played over the final two weeks of the competition.

• Details of the finals structure and scheduling are available on the ESCPSNA website Welcome Page.