With the players set to take to court for the much-anticipated 2024 Varsity Netball tournament, it is time to take a closer look at the rules that will govern all the action for the next five weeks.
Varsity Netball, as part of the bigger University Sports South Africa (USSA) family follows Netball South Africa (NSA) rules. There are however differences in some instances. Let’s dive in!
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
The Varsity Netball competition includes eight women’s netball teams from eight different universities. The top eight teams from the USSA A Section qualify to participate in Varsity Netball. In short, be great at USSA and we will see you at Varsity Netball!
All team members must be registered students studying towards a programme of at least 120 SAQA credits, regardless of registration status (i.e. full-time or part-time). At Varsity Netball we take netball seriously, but so too a focus on academics.
Varsity Netball consists of a round robin competition, seven rounds. The top four teams qualify for the semi-finals with a final to follow. For more on all the fixtures, click HERE.
TEAM
Size
Each traveling team will consist of a maximum of 17 people. Each match day team will consist of 12 players, seven starting and five on the bench.
Transformation players
Varsity Netball aligns with NSA’s transformation rules, which state that each team must have a minimum of two players in the designated transformation group.
So what is a transformation group? We asked USSA Netball Chairperson Dumisani Chauke.
“A team can select what their transformation group is according to their demographics. This is declared ahead of the tournament. A team must select to play 5/2 or 4/3 on court at all times. Foreign students do not fall into the transformation group.
“The transformation rule was introduced by NSA in line with its representation policy. This is to ensure that all the teams have a diverse representation, driving inclusivity and diversity in netball.”
It is to be noted that Varsity Netball does not follow the NSA rule 100% and with NSA’s approval made small adjustments, including the number of goals as a penalty and applying the rule to finals.
Transformation players are indicated by the team manager on the squad list and starting line-up. If a team at any time doesn’t comply with the transformation rules, the penalty for transgression will be as follows: The team that transgresses immediately gets 10 goals deducted in that game and forfeits the bonus point (if applicable).
RESULTS AND POINTS
Points are allocated as follows:
Win: 4
Draw: 2
Bonus point: Losing within 7 or less
If two teams have the same points after the round robin stage, the following will apply:
The team with the highest goal difference and then goal average (goals for divided by goals against) will be placed higher than the other team (minus 1 is better than minus 2).
If teams are still drawn, the team that won the round robin game will be declared the winner.
RULES OF PLAY
All games will be played according to the official rules of World Netball as adopted by NSA.
Only players and match officials are allowed on court during the match. During half time you might see some interesting match day activations from our sponsors. So, if you’re at the match, join in!
Power Play:
The Power Play is unique to Varsity Netball. This can be called by any coach of the participating teams on court during any quarter.
Things to keep in mind with the Power Play:
Can only be called once by a coach for the duration of the match
Will be for 2 minutes
Goals scored during the Power Play will count as 2 points
If the shot is taken as the hooter goes for the end of the 2 minutes, the shot will still count as 2 points if in. Should a penalty goal be awarded before the Power Play ends, the shot is to be taken and if successful, counts as 2 points
No injury time during the Power Play, immediate substitution must be done
This is just a snippet, there’s a whole book! But this should get you up to speed and able to follow all the action during the 2024 Varsity Netball tournament.
Join us at one of the host venues or follow all the action live on SuperSport. Wherever you follow the action, remember to #ShowYourColours!
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