Throughout the game of netball there are a number of policies in order to ensure the safety of the players.
use of protective equipment/uniform
Only suitable sports footwear is permitted to be worn during game play to protect the ankles of the players, and no spiked soles are allowed. No jewellery of any sort is to be worn to prevent cuts or lacerations to other players on the court. Fingernails must be short and smooth to prevent players from scratching an opponent.
injury policies
If a player is bleeding or injured during game play, the game is stopped and the injured player is substituted off in order to prevent further damage from occurring. If the player is too seriously injured to be moved the game will be stopped and the injured player will get medical attention.
game rules and matching of opponents
During the game there is to be no forceful contact of players, intentionally or accidentally. If one player visibly knocks another there is a penalty given in favour to the player who was knocked. This rule aims to reduce the number of direct injuries within the game.
Opponent teams are matched according to age groups. This is to prevent unfair matches of physical size and skill, and to promote social interaction between groups of similar ages.
Opponent teams are matched according to age groups. This is to prevent unfair matches of physical size and skill, and to promote social interaction between groups of similar ages.
safe grounds/environment
Netball games are commonly called off if the environment/courts are deemed as unfit to play on. This may happen when there is a thunderstorm, heavy rain on or before a game, ice, or high temperatures that would be unsafe to play in.
modified rules for children
In order to encourage children to start up netball, there are Netta clubs that are entirely focused on teaching younger children essential netball skills in fun and energetic ways. During Netta games the height of the goal rings are lowered and the extent to which the game rules are followed are quite low.