Netball is a sport that was born following the invention of men's basketball in 1891--when women began to play the game. As the sport spread by word-of-mouth, an 1895 misinterpretation of the rules by New Orleans sports teacher Clara Baer saw women restricted to playing within three zones on the court. As the game spread throughout the British Commonwealth, rules continued to be clarified, including those regarding the roles of umpires in the sport.
Composition and Pre-Game
The International Federation of Netball Associations mandates that there be two umpires appointed to every game and that those umpires must officiate the game. Any decision made by an umpire is final and cannot be appealed. Each umpire gives rulings in his designated half of the court, but may appeal to the other umpire for a second opinion.
Prior to the game, umpires inspect both teams to ensure that no one is wearing jewelry or sharp objects, that fingernails are cut to an appropriate length and that the court and equipment meet IFNA standards.
Dress and Positioning
Umpires must dress in a color that is distinct from both teams, which the IFNA advises to be white or a light cream color. The umpires must remain off the court while the ball is in play. They move along the sidelines and behind the goal line to view the action on the court. If the ball comes in contact with an umpire during play and lands on the court, play continues uninterrupted.
Conduct During Play
Umpires must never criticize or coach a competing team while a match is being played. They must also refrain from blowing their whistles when a penalty occurs if doing so would hinder the non-offending team. Once a whistle is blown, a penalty must be taken unless the non-offending team scores a goal before play is stopped.
If injury time is awarded to either team, the umpire must ensure that all players who are not injured remain on the court at all times.
Hand Signals
IFNA rule 3.1.6, section XI states that an umpire must use hand signals to clarify a decision any time an infringement or penalty is called. An umpire must make the appropriate hand signal in conjunction with a whistle any time stepping, obstruction, short passing, offsides, personal contact or a held ball occur. A hand signal must also be given to note a toss-up, time stoppage, goals scored or advantage to one team.
References
- International Federation of Netball Associations: History of Netball
- "Official Rules of the International Federation of Netball Associations"; IFNA; 2007
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