A new season of Super Netball is almost upon us.
In 2024, the league will feature a new team, as well as some new rules.
The Sporting News breaks down some of the key changes ahead of this year's campaign.
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What are the new netball rules?
11th player
For 2024, Super Netball teams can add an 11th player – from their respective training partners – to their squad.
However, clubs are still only permitted to name 10 players in a game-day team.
Teams can opt out of selecting an 11th player.
Extra Time
If a match is tied at full-time, extra time will take place.
It will consist of two five-minute halves, with a 90-second interval break.
If the scores are still locked, the game will be declared a draw, with each team receiving two points.
Throw-ins
For the upcoming season, players will not be required to wait for all other players to be on the court before taking a throw-in.
Game management
Cautions will no longer be used in Super Netball.
Instead, umpires will now "advance or escalate a sanction".
Incidents including unfair play, unsporting behaviour and dangerous play will result in more serious game management actions.
According to the league, these actions include:
- Proactive advice (e.g. an advancement down the court or an escalation from a free pass to a penalty)
- An official warning
- Suspended for two minutes of match-play
- Ordered off for remainder of game
Injury stoppages
Umpires will now be permitted to pause time for an "obvious or serious injury", even if a request has not been made.
For concussion checks, primary care personnel can appeal to the reserve umpire. If the match is paused, this will be deemed an "injury stoppage" and the player must leave the court.
Goals scored after a whistle
Before 2024, a goal was only counted once the ball had passed completely through the ring before the whistle was blown to end play.
Now, a goal will be counted as long as the ball has left the player's hand before a whistle, similar to basketball.
Simultaneous infringements
Due to a decrease in simultaneous infringements, a toss-up will no longer be used to restart play.
Instead, possession will be awarded to the team most recently in possession of the ball.
The full list of rule changes and refreshments can be viewed here.
When does the Super Netball 2024 season start?
The eighth season of Super Netball will begin on Saturday, April 13, when the Giants take on the West Coast Fever.
Round 7 will be headlined by a grand final rematch as the Adelaide Thunderbirds welcome the NSW Swifts.
The finals are scheduled to start on Saturday, July 20, with the grand final on Saturday, August 3 to be played at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.