The League Rules & Regulations
All players playing netball within ‘The League Netball’ will be contacted and asked to agree to The League Netball Risk Acknowledgement Google Document which includes agreement to The League Netball Rules and Regulations as stated below.
This is to ensure awareness and agreement to play netball knowing 'The League Netball' does not provide any bodily injury insurance via our Public Liability Insurance and as such will not make payment for any loss directly or indirectly due to bodily injury to any participant whilst taking part in ‘The League Netball’ provided matches.
YOU THEREFORE PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
'The League Netball' recommends that all players participating make arrangements to obtain and provide their own bodily injury insurance.
What to expect
- A competitive 40 minute game each week (4 x 10 minute periods)
- High quality full size indoor netball courts
- Games are always on the same night of the week
- The very best netball venues in the area.
- Each league is venue based.
- The leagues are run across mini seasons consisting of mainly up to 8 and 9 teams playing each other twice over a typical 14 - 18 week season.
- The intensity of promotion and relegation battles.
- Mainly qualified umpires and if not - experienced umpires.
- League tables, results and fixtures updated within 24 hours of your match – available to view on our website.
- Trophies for each divisional winners plus a MVP (most valuable player) award for each division.
- If at Goals a fully stocked bar to relax after all your hard work on court!
- MVP nominations for every game
- Match balls and bibs.
- Friendly customer service support - 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- The League Public Liability Insurance, Bodily Injury Insurance is not included.
Players
Teams are allowed 7 players on the court at any one time. All players must be registered with The League prior to a match commencing. A team can have a maximum of 15 players registered at any one time. Players can be registered and deregistered at any point throughout the season. A player can only be registered to play for one team at any one time. Your registered list of players is visible on the website - www.leaguenetball.co.uk, in League Stats, your results table, team name. To register a new player please contact Janice or Jess via the contact us page on the website.
*For Mixed Netball Only*
There can be a maximum of 3 males on the court at any one time (per team). Only one male is allowed in each third of the court, for example, one male playing either GS or GA (in the attacking third), one male playing either WD, WA or C (in the centre third), one male playing either GK or GD (in the defensive third).*
Substitutes are allowed for injured / ill players or at the end of each quarter. The umpire must be notified of all substitutions made. Injured players who have been substituted off will not be allowed back on court until the next interval. An injured player who has not been substituted may return to play only after a goal has been scored. Players can change positions at the end of each quarter.
A team needs a least 5 players to start a match. Any less than 5 and the team will not be allowed to start play. The situation will be treated as a late arrival and incur the punishment applicable for late arriving teams.
All players must be 16 or over. Captains must be 18 or over. Please contact leaguenetball@yahoo.co.uk if your players are younger, to discuss and sign a waiver. (Waiver available in the Downloads Tab)
Players who are 12 weeks pregnant (or more) may not take part in any league matches.
Nails should be kept short and smooth. They should not be able to be seen when showing your palms. No form of glove may be worn by players during a match.
All players must wear suitable trainers and netball kit including bibs. No jewellery is allowed to be worn when playing, including earrings, hard headbands and facial piercings. If jewellery cannot be removed we will allow you to tape it up, as long as it is safe. It is the umpires and leagues direction if we deem it to be safe. If players need to wear glasses or contact lens – please read and sign our waiver form and return a copy to The League (form available in Downloads page).
The League will provide bibs and balls. These must be returned after the match, if this is not done the team responsible will be charged for the items.
Players must not use equipment or wear anything which could be deemed dangerous to themselves or to any other players.
Pool, Play Up and Play Down Players
Individual players who are not registered to a specific team may register as a pool player. Please contact The Facebook group - Sheffield Netball Clique to be added, this is classed as the Pool List.
https://www.facebook.com/netballclique/
All unregistered players playing netball within ‘The League Netball’ will be asked to sign The League Netball Risk Acknowledgement Document (which includes agreement to the The League Netball Rules and Regulations) available at each court/venue for each division. Or please contact;
Janice 07875738959 for Pool Play in Sheffield Monday and Sunday Mixed Netball Leagues.- For our Google Docs Link
Jess 07891891237 for Pool Play in Sheffield Ladies Sunday, Chesterfield Tuesdays & Thursdays and Bassetlaw Leagues - For our Google Docs Link
This is to ensure awareness and agreement to play netball knowing 'The League Netball' does not provide any bodily injury insurance via our Public Liability Insurance and as such will not make payment for any loss directly or indirectly due to bodily injury to any participant whilst taking part in ‘The League Netball’ provided training or matches.
YOU THEREFORE PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
'The League Netball' recommends that all players participating make arrangements to obtain and provide their own bodily injury insurance.
As of the 19th of July 2021, with the lifting of restrictions, the COVID-19 rule modifications no longer apply and the standard rules of netball can now be used.
Pool players must play in the Divisions relevant to their ability. *(please see below) For example a Division 1 standard player should not be playing in lower divisions. The umpires will monitor this aiming to maintain fairness to all teams. Regional players play/play up into Division La Liga only unless they are registered to a team.
*Pool Players play in one of the following groups of divisions only.
La Liga, Division 1 & 2.
Division 2 & 3
Division 4 & 5
When the player is booked please sign in on the form available on each court for each division on the night of play.
Play Up Players
The play up system allows a registered The League player to play for other teams within The League, only if that team plays in a division higher than the registered players own team. Regional players 'Play up' into La Liga only
Play Down Players
Team registered players can 'Play Down' into the one division directly below them - but they must play out of their normal playing position.
Defenders attack, attackers defend and centre court play in the D's.
Pool / Play Up / Play down players must be present for a match at start of play. Should a pool / play up / play down player arrive early for a match, they may not be used as a substitute or an additional player for other teams already on court. Pool / Play Up / Play down players can play more than one match per night as long as this has been pre-arranged with the appropriate team captains. (If, on the night of play a Pool / Play Up / Play down player is on site and you need a Pool / Play Up / Play down player you can ask the coordinator to approach the player to play for your team prior to the start of your game if the above criteria is met.
If on the rare occasion a team goes down to 6 players or below due to injury and a Pool/Play up/Play down player is on site, with both Team Captains agreement the pool/play up/play down player can step into the injured player’s position for the remainder of the match - If the above criteria is met.
Pool / Play Up / play down players are not to be booked if you have a full squad which consists of a starting 7. They are to be used ONLY if you are short – to make your team up to 7. If you have a player returning from injury who cannot play all 4 match quarters, with both team captains agreement a pool player can be used to make up the quarters. The penalty for not adhering to the rules is a match loss score of 15-0 and the normal match fees for the offending team will apply.
The Play Up Players are to be used as well as the pool players not instead of.
If, at the start of the match more than 7 players including the booked pool / play up player arrive, your match starting 7 including the booked pool player stays on for the full match.
If you have a starting 7 as well as a Play Up Player/Play down player - you do not use the Play Up/Play down player Player.
Should a pool player decide to register for a team - please inform The League organisors @ leaguenetball@yahoo.co.uk so your team sheet can be updated accordingly.
A pool/play up/play down player can play for a team a maximum of 4 times during a season.
A team of 7 can all be pool players or a combination of pool / and play up / play down players.
Division 5 only - Because Division 5 has no access to play up players. The Team in Division 5 with their week off can play across in Division 5.
A pool player takes part in this league known as 'THE League Netball' at your own risk and accept that THE League netball will take no responsibility and does not provide any insurance for any personal injury or loss however caused. It is the player’s responsibility to obtain personal injury insurance if they so wish. A Pool Player Risk Acknowledgement must be read and signed at each game played to accept and agree prior to playing.
Umpires
Each match is controlled by two umpires who have full authority to enforce the rules in connection with the match to which they have been appointed. The two umpires shall have control of the match and give decisions. They shall umpire according to the Rules and decide on any matter not covered by the Rules (refer to rule 19 in the Official Netball Rules). The umpire’s decision is final on all issues during a match. The umpires will be fully supported by The League Organiser’s.
The umpire will record information on all matches they have been officiating and report this to The League Coordinator. Information recorded will be, name of any pool players, name of teams playing, score of the match, player of the match (from each team) and disciplinary issues or teams absent.
The Match
The match will consist of 4 quarters of 10 minutes each. The teams will change ends after each quarter. No time will be added to the match in the event of stoppages.
The home team will have the first centre pass. The away team will select in which direction they would like to shoot during the first quarter
The England 2024 Netball Rules shall apply during the match.
https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/be-involved/officiating/rules-and-updates/
Whilst Netball is still classed as a non-contact, joint contest sport, the League Organiser’s are aware that there is a potential for contact to take place. The level of contact will be determined and monitored by the umpires and appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with the Rules of the Game.
Disciplinary Regulations and Action
All infringements and misconduct will be dealt with by the umpire and the umpire’s decision is final.
Any misconduct from a player or team that results in the game being abandoned will result in the match being awarded as a walk over to the opposition. Further action may also be taken against the team or player.
Serious misconduct may also result in the individual or team being excluded for The League. In the event of serious misconduct by a player or team, the team captain will receive written notification from The League as to the punishment.
The League reserves the right to ban or expel a player or team from the League. There is no opportunity to appeal.
Any team found to be playing an unregistered player will forfeit the match 15 - 0 unless the final score is greater.
Players are not allowed to use social media technology to bring the game into disrepute or make an inappropriate comment about a fellow player, umpire or official. If The League feels that this has happened, then it will be treated as serious misconduct.
A The League attendee/player/umpire shall be liable to Disciplinary Action if their conduct is inappropriate, incorrect, improper, unlawful or unsporting and/or has the potential to bring the Sport, Members, Connected Participants or officials into disrepute.
While it is not possible to set out a definitive list of the types of conduct this applies to, each of the following types of behaviour is an example:-
Any conduct that is disgraceful or opposed to the general interests of THE League Netball.
Behaviour that is otherwise considered unacceptable and contrary to the standards of behaviour or conduct expected.
In the main, on-court behaviour is dealt with by the officiating umpire during the game or under the rules and regulations of the Competition following the game.
However, certain on-court offences may also be the subject of action under the Disciplinary Regulations
Examples of on-court misconduct which may be heard under THE League Disciplinary Regulations are:
A player has been suspended, under the rules or regulations of the game or competition, on three occasions in any league or tournament during a season;
Where the behaviour is repeated or serious;
An umpire or match official suffers any form of abuse or coercion (including intimidation, threats or violence) from anyone (including but not limited to a player, team
official or Club official); this applies to both on- and off-court incidents;
A player, umpire or official has used obscene, offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures, or used violent conduct, or has violated the principles of fair play,
or whose behaviour is unsporting in any other way;
Any act of discrimination through words or actions concerning but not limited to, race, marriage, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability;
An Officiating Umpire may submit a Complaint if they have ordered a player off the court and they believe the incident was so serious further action is warranted.
Disciplinary issues will be assessed by The League and all outcomes will be communicated to the involved team captains.
Time Keeping and Fixtures
The League runs on time. Matches will start at the time stated on the fixture list.
There are no excuses for arriving late for a match. If a team is late for a match no extra time allowances will be made for the match. The team arriving late will be penalised 2 goals for every 5 minutes they are late. If they are more than 20 minutes late, the match will be cancelled and will be awarded 15-0 to the team that has arrived.
There is a 5-minute grace period. If a team is late, yet the game starts within the first 5 minutes, the game will be played in full and there will be no penalty.
The League cannot offer to rearrange any matches during the season, including changing match times.
If a team cannot play a fixture, they must inform The League Organiser’s in advance.The game will be awarded as a walk over result and the team will still be liable for their match fee and an extra £20.00 to help with payment towards umpires and venue. The opposition will be refunded their match fee and offered use of the court free of charge for the allotted match time.
If a team does not show up to a fixture without contacting The League Organiser’s first the game will be awarded as a walkover to the opposition and the team may have points deducted - plus as well as their match fee they will be fined an additional £20.00.
In the case of a game being awarded as a walk over or conceded during play, the score will be determined by either the current or last result between the two teams – be that in the current season or a previous season, or 15-0 whichever is most favourable to the opposition. If the two teams have never played before, the game will be awarded 15-0.
Any team which does not show up for a fixture without contacting The League first, on more than 3 occasions in any season may be expelled from The League without compensation. Any match fees due for the remaining season must be paid in full at the time of expulsion.
If a match has to be cancelled due to a serious injury the match will be awarded as a walk over against the team who suffered the injury. If 50% or more of the game has been played, the score and result will stand at the point it was cancelled, if the team that cancelled are losing the game. There will be no refunds of match fees.
Points System
5 points will be awarded for a win and 3 for a draw. 1 point will be awarded to a losing team if they score more than 50% of the opponents score. 0 points will be awarded to a losing team if they score less than 50% of the opponents score.
A two up two down promotion and relegation system is in operation for all divisions. Teams equal on points at the end of the season will be separated by goal difference, followed by goals scored, followed by goals against.
In your first season The League Organiser’s will decide which division to enter your team. Where possible we will try to match your team’s ability to the right division.
A most valuable player of the season award will be presented to the player with the most player of the match nominations in each division at the end of the season. Nominations are awarded by the umpires. Umpires can nominate as many players as they wish per game and they also do not have to nominate anyone.
Payment
Payment for match fees and registration fees can be made in full before the season starts. Alternatively, match fees can be paid in advance on a monthly basis or weekly before each match.
If for any reason a team has fees outstanding, the team will not be allowed to play its fixtures and the team will be treated as if it had failed to turn up for a match without notifying The League Organiser’s. In this situation, the team will only be allowed to resume its fixtures once the fees have been paid.
Any outstanding debt owed to The League is the team captain’s responsibility.
If a team cancels a fixture – the cancellation fees are £60.00 to allow payment towards the venue and umpires.
Other Important Information
The League Organiser’s reserve the right to alter these rules at any time during a season. Any changes will be notified to the team captain via email and the team captain must make their team aware of the changes.
The League reserves the right to use our discretion when implementing any of The League rules and will ensure all factors are taken into consideration to ensure fairness to teams and players.
As team captain, you are responsible on behalf of yourself and your team that you have read, understood and will adhere to these rules, regulations, terms and conditions - The Risk Acknowledgement Google Document incorporates your acceptance and signifies your agreement to fulfil your fixtures in accordance with these rules and to pay for all fixtures and any outstanding team debt.
If a team wishes to leave The League at the end of the current season, it must give 2 weeks’ notice before the end of the current season. The team must fulfil all its fixtures for the current season. If a team wishes to withdraw from The League during the course of a season, they will be liable for payment of all remaining match fees, unless a replacement team can be found.
If at the end of the season a team decides not to continue in The League, a new team will join The League in their place. The League will attempt to ensure new teams start at the right level and division. In order to achieve this The League may ask teams that have been relegated to remain in their division or promote a third-place team. In this situation we will ask a team finishing seventh or the third-place team first and then the eighth placed team.
If any accidents occur during play, they will be reported to The League coordinator at the venue immediately after the accident. Where no league coordinator is present please report to the umpire.
This is a rolling contractual agreement and will cover this season and every subsequent season your team enter. Therefore when each team captain including when a team changes a captain confirms that they have read, understood and will adhere to these rules on behalf of themselves and their team, it will cover all future seasons your team agrees to participate in.
If a team wishes to change their captain at any stage during the season, this can only be done by emailing The League Organiser’s at leaguenetball@yahoo.co.uk
Team Registration Lists are also available on The League website.(Results table then Team Name) It is the captain’s responsibility to keep this list up to date.
As team captain, you must agree that you and all your players are aware and take part in this league known as 'THE League Netball' at your own risk and accept that THE League netball will take no responsibility or make payment for any bodily injury or loss however caused. It is the player’s / team’s responsibility to obtain personal/bodily injury insurance if they so wish.
