Player information
Rules & Code of Conduct
Everything you need to know to play your best netball at PAYP Leagues.
How we play
PAYP Netball Leagues follow England Netball rules. We are an unaffiliated community league, but we take fair play seriously — every court has competent, friendly umpires and we expect all players to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship.
Whether you're brand new to netball or a seasoned player, this page covers the key rules and the code of conduct we ask every player to agree to when they join.
Key rules of netball
Footwork
Once you receive the ball you may land on one or two feet. You may then pivot on your landing foot but you cannot lift it before releasing the ball. Taking extra steps is a footwork violation.
Obstruction
When defending, you must be at least 0.9 metres (3 feet) from the player with the ball. Reaching in closer or using your body to impede the player is obstruction.
Contact
Players must not make physical contact that interferes with play. Pushing, holding, or bumping an opponent is a contact foul, regardless of whether the ball is in play.
Held ball
You have 3 seconds to pass or shoot once you have possession. Holding the ball longer results in a held ball turnover to the opposing team.
Offside
Each position has designated areas of the court. Entering an area outside your allowed zones — even without the ball — is an offside violation.
Short pass
The ball must travel a visible distance between a pass and a catch. Passing directly into the hands of a player standing right next to you is a short pass.
Replayed ball
Once you have released the ball you cannot touch it again until another player has touched it. Catching your own pass or tip is a replayed ball violation.
Shooting
Only the Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) may shoot. The ball must pass through the ring cleanly — hitting the post and going in still counts as a goal.
Court positions
Netball has seven positions, each with specific court zones. The table below shows where each position is allowed to play.
| Position | Allowed zones |
|---|---|
| Goal Keeper (GK) | Defensive third + shooting circle |
| Goal Defence (GD) | Defensive two-thirds |
| Wing Defence (WD) | Defensive two-thirds (not shooting circle) |
| Centre (C) | Whole court except both shooting circles |
| Wing Attack (WA) | Attacking two-thirds (not shooting circle) |
| Goal Attack (GA) | Attacking two-thirds + shooting circle |
| Goal Shooter (GS) | Attacking third + shooting circle |
Code of conduct
All players and spectators at PAYP Leagues are expected to follow this code of conduct. Repeated or serious breaches may result in suspension.
- Treat all players, umpires, and officials with respect at all times.
- Accept the umpire's decisions without argument. If you have a concern, raise it calmly after the game.
- Play fairly and within the rules — winning through intimidation or foul play is not acceptable.
- No abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language on or off the court.
- Arrive on time and ready to play. There will be bibs, nail files, hair bobbles etc in the umpire kit bag if needed - but please do this before the match so we can keep games moving.
- Wear appropriate sports kit and footwear. Jewellery must be removed or taped before play. Netball shoes really are the best practice!
- Look after the venues we use — leave courts and changing areas as you found them.
- Support your teammates and opponents positively. PAYP is a community league — everyone is here to enjoy the game.