2024 Netball Rule Changes

From Jacqui Osborne – ERNA Umpire Convenor.

Every 8 years, the International Federation of Netball undertakes a major review of the rules. This happened last year, resulting in a number of rule changes designed to improve the game and simplify the way the rules are written for ease of understanding by all participants. World Netball has worked with NetFit NZ to develop a range of educational resources to support roll out of the 2024 updated rules. 

Resources, including explanatory videos, fact sheets and the complete Rules of Netball, can be found here: World Netball website. The rule book is also available as a free app through the relevant app stores.

Major Rule Updates

• Rolling Substitutions (see below) 

• Goal After Whistle (fact sheet, video)

• Throw In

• Centre Pass Checks

• Toss Up Removal

• Player Safety

• Game Management - cautions have been replaced by advancing a penalty

Rule Clarifications 

Wording changes only, no meaningful change to rule intent or interpretation.

• Contact

• Advantage

• Short Pass

• Playing the Ball (Replay) - THIS RULE HAS NOT CHANGED

• Foul Play

Rolling Substitutions. 

Netball Australia and Netball NSW recommend that all grassroots competitions (i.e. ERNA day and night comps, Rep Carnivals, Metro League and Premier League) adopt Rolling Substitutions instead of Tactical Changes. Rules for this are detailed in the attached Netball NSW Memo, on pages 4 & 5. 

In summary:

• Rolling Substitutions allows subs to be made at anytime during the game, without the umpire holding time, as long as they abide by the substitution rules.

• There must be a substitute available (i.e. someone on the bench/8 or more players) to use rolling subs

• To perform a rolling substitution:

  • The player being substituted will come off the court, removing their bib/patches as they do so

  • The player coming on will wait on the sideline, in line with the centre circle (either side of the court is ok) 

  • The players tag hands (still on the sideline, in line with the centre circle) and exchange bib/patches 

  • The substitute player can then take the court, making sure not to go offside or get in the umpire's way in the process (both of these offences can be penalised)

• If a team has 7 or less players, they cannot use rolling substitutions (because there is no substitute to swap with), but a player can choose to leave the court and then come back on as a Late Player (different rules and conditions apply) in another position

• Teams may choose to have a second set of bibs/patches to speed up the Rolling Sub process, but this is not required. Bibs/patches for all 7 players on court must be the same at all times and in line with the Club's approved uniform.

(as of 05 Mar 2024)