World Netball has confirmed a range of changes to the sport’s rules in order to keep the game flowing and for player safety.
Netball’s favourite toss up, used when infringements occur simultaneously but rarely used in the modern game, has been dumped.
Now, if infringements occur at the same time, the last team to have possession will be awarded the ball, but any player from the team awarded the ball can take the pass and, if it is in the goal circle, they are entitled to shoot.
Short pass infringements are finally back, meaning there must be enough space for an opposing player to intercept the ball between the passer and receiver.
Throw-ins have also been revamped.
Players taking the throw-in can make the pass as soon as they are in position, as long as they are within 15cm of the line, and no longer have to wait for all players to be on court to help keep the game flowing.
Netball has followed basketball’s lead for buzzer-beating shots. As long as the ball has left the shooter’s hand when the final whistle blows, the shot will count.
Tactical changes have also been introduced.
Players no longer have to "fake" injuries to call time and leave the court to swap positions. Instead, they can request the umpire hold time to change positions with another player on court, or make a substitution with a bench player.
There have also been changes made around game management for players who constantly infringe.
Penalties will still be advanced, and the player given a warning then a two-minute suspension if they continue to infringe.
But after the stand-down period, the player can either return or be replaced with a bench player, if their coach feels they cannot adjust.
After a suspension, the next step is still a warning but, after four minutes, the suspended player may be replaced by another player.
New rules have also been introduced concerning player safety.
For elite games, World Netball has introduced an independent concussion observer who can request umpires hold time if there is a suspected concussion.
The new rules come into effect on January 1 for international games and by September 1 for domestic games.
