The following is a summary of the new rules, as introduced by IFNA for netball. The INC will be implementing these this 2016 season. As stated at protocols, please remember that just as players & coaches have to learn these so do our umpires.

- Injury/blood stoppages – all stoppages are now 30 sec. and the player concerned must leave the court. She may be replaced or the position left vacant.

- For INC Yr 7 & 8 and Secondary school grades this also applies but no injury time is added to the ¼. These grades start and stop on the buzzer.

Goal scored – there will be no whistle blown for an obvious goal scored. The umpire will raise their arm straight up in the air to indicate to the scorer.

Out of court – there will be no whistle blown for an obvious out of court; umpires will indicate the direction of the pass with their hand.

Throw In – the person taking the throw in must have at least one foot within 15cm (6in) of the side-line.

Centre pass – the centre taking the centre pass must have 1 foot wholly within the centre circle, the whistle will go for the centre pass when 1 foot is in the centre circle.

Centre pass - the umpire controlling the centre pass now penalises any infringements by the C taking the centre pass or an opponent defending the C.

Player taking a penalty – once the player taking the penalty is in the correct position it is the players choice to either play the ball immediately or wait for the penalised player to be in the correct position before they play the ball Hair – all hair must be tied back and secure.

Contact/contest – This rule change indicates that players may come into physical contact with each other as they strive for the ball. If they do not interfere with each other’s play or use their bodies to gain unfair advantage it is deemed to be contest and is not penalised.

Short pass – there must be room between the hands of the thrower and the hands of the receiver for a player to intercept the ball

Discipline – any warning given is now deemed to be issued by both umpires. Suspension time is for 2 mins.