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COMPETITION RULES AND GUIDELINES

Competitions Working Group

2022

REGULATIONS GOVERNING ALL NETBALL NORTTHEIRN IRELAND (NNI) CLUB COMPETITIONS

All clubs, players and relevant members should have an up to date working knowledge of the Competitions Rules and Guidance’s document and World Netball Rules.

All final decisions made by the Competitions Working Group are binding, subject to appeal to the NNI Board.

1.0 GOVERNING BODY

The Articles of Association of Netball Northern Ireland (NNI) will govern the game of netball from grass roots to elite athlete participation in the Province.

The Rules of World Netball (WN) and NNI Rules are the official regulations for conducting all League and Shield/Plate matches.

The Competitions Working Group (CompWG) are authorised by NNI to take responsibility for the administration of netball in competitions and fixtures, and to ensure the appropriate implementation of these rules.

The Schools Working Group (SWG) will have responsibility for affiliated School competitions. School competitions should be regulated via the Schools Book of Administration (SBA)

Officials and all members should ensure they are aware of rules, penalties and NNI Code of Conduct.

Clubs and Schools are required to disseminate the information shared via NNI

2.0 NETBALL NORTTHEIRN IRELAND COMPETITIONS WORKING GROUP

(NNI COMPWG)

The CompWG shall consist of volunteers.

The CompWG shall administer and organise:

(i) All NNI affiliated competitive club competitions.

(ii) all NNI affiliated Schools Competitions (devolved to the Schools Working Group – Schools Book of Administration)

(iii) The annual production of Fixture Lists and results of Senior and Junior competitions.

(iv) All Junior League fixtures will be compiled by the two Junior League Managers from the Competitions Working Group permutations.

(v) All Shield fixtures for Senior and Junior competitions will be drawn at a CompWG meeting in accordance with team placements.

The CompWG may at any time scrutinise team lists, re-registrations or other relevant material and apply competition regulations as appropriate.

The CompWG and NNI shall co-ordinate rules for all domestic competitions and reserves the right to amend or incorporate a new rule during that time to benefit the game and members of NNI, subject to ratification by the Board of NNI. If this does happen, then all clubs will be notified in writing of the reason and decision taken by the CompWG, through the Competitions Working Group Secretary/Chair. Every effort will be made to ensure any update takes place after the end of each season and before the start of the next.

If any club or team has a concern or query regarding a particular rule within the current edition of the NNI Competition Rules & Guidance (CRAG), their Club Secretary must put it in writing to the CompWG contact.

3.0 AFFILIATION TO NNI

Sportlomo Process

(i) All Senior and Junior Club players, qualified umpires and officials must, individually, affiliate to NNI via the Sportlomo Website to enter into Leagues, Shield/Plate and Tournament competitions. (S.19)

(ii) All Social and Casual Senior and Junior Club players must, individually, affiliate to NNI via the Sportlomo Website to participate in Social Rallies and Development Tournaments. (S.19)

(iii) Each Club must pay their affiliation fee directly to NNI via contacting finance@netballni.org.

Senior League Match Result Sheets

(i) Each Club must log into the Sportlomo Website and complete the team match result sheet with the players’ names (typed in full) by the midnight of the week ending fixture date. (S.20)

(ii) Each team must produce their correctly filled in match result sheet at the end of each match. (S.16)

(iii) The 2 captains, 2 umpires, scorer and timekeeper must sign the Official Scorer’s Match Result sheet immediately at the end of the match before leaving the venue. (S.16)

(iiii) Each captain to take a photo of the final completed match result sheet. The winning team submits the photo to League Manager, by midnight of the week ending and date

Junior League Match Result Sheets

(i) Each Club must log into the Sportlomo Website and complete the team match result theyet with the players’ names (typed in full) by the midnight of the week ending and date. (S.20)

(ii) Each team must produce their correctly filled in match result sheet at the end of each match. (S.16)

(iii) The 2 captains, 2 umpires, scorer and timekeeper must sign the Official Scorer’s Match Result Sheet immediately at the end of the match before leaving the venue. (S.16)

(iiii) Each captain to take a photo of the final completed match result sheet. The winning team submits the photo to League Manager, by midnight of the weekend

Match Protocol

(i) All umpires must ensure that timekeepers and scorers sit together in a separate area from the players’ benches to avoid issues with score or time.

(ii) The match result Sheet official score must be adhered to at all matches.

(iii) Umpires officiating matches should only be those named on the current Official Register of NNI Umpires Contact List.

Points of Contact

Rebecca Hope – Membership queries – Sportlomo Website
Lisa Rickett – Online team registration, match result sheet queries and

League Tables on NNI website.

All clubs must have a minimum of one registered club member attend the NNI AGM.

All competition (e.g. Opening Rally, League and Shield) entry fees must be paid by specified deadline.

If a new club wishes to affiliate and enter the competitions after registration deadline then they need to contact NNI.

A club shall not affiliate using the name or part of the name of an existing club without written permission of the established club and the agreement of CompWG.

3.1.4 NNI affiliation runs from 1^st September – 31^st August the following year.

3.2 Player Affiliation to NNI

3.2.1 Individual players must affiliate and pay their annual NNI affiliation fee through their club portal on the Sportlomo Website.

3.2.2. No player or team will be permitted to play any competitive matches until this affiliation and payment of NNI fees has been acknowledged by this Website.

3.3 Club Registration to NNI COMPWG

3.3.1 Club personnel must register the club players into the various club teams using the Sportlomo Website before their first matches.

3.3.2 Any club entering the NNI leagues for the first time cannot adopt the same colours/kit pattern as an established club.

3.3.3 Any new clubs entering the league for the first time cannot adopt identical dress colours or design of other affiliated teams. All club colours must be officially registered by sending an email to NNI.

3.3.4 A confirmation email must be received before any kit order is made.

3.3.5 A new club entering the leagues or a club team, which is, or has been previously withdrawn from the leagues, may be added into the lowest league division at the discretion of the CompWG. Alternative grading methods may be implemented.

3.3.6 A club may apply to the CompWG, in writing, to enter a new team in a higher league. The CompWG reserves the right to alter League allocations and will decide where such team(s) shall be placed. Alternative grading methods may be implemented.

NB: No club may have more than 2 teams in any league division. No club team shall be relegated to a lower league in order to allow a club team to be placed in a higher league in respect of an application under this clause. (See 4.1.2)

3.4 Player Registration Between Teams (See Penalties S6 – 8)

3.4.1 A player from a lower club team may play on a higher club team a maximum of 4 times, inclusive of Shield matches, without any consequence. Prior to playing for the fifth time, the player must be re-registered with the next higher club team via the Sportlomo website and the League Manager. The player will then be regarded as a member of that team and must not play for any other lower club team for the remainder of the season.

3.4.2 A player registered to play with a club’s junior team may play on a senior team a maximum of 4 times, inclusive of Shield matches, without consequence. Prior to playing for the fifth time the player must be re-registered (see 3.4.1 above) for the team on which they are proposing to play within the senior league. The player will then be regarded as a member of that team and must not play for any junior club team, or any other lower club team at senior level for the remainder of the season. No further fee will be required to register as a senior club player.

3.4.3 If a club team wishes to drop a registered team player to play in a lower team, the club secretary must contact the League Manager for permission to do so. Once permission is received the player will then be regarded as a member of the lower team and must not play for any higher team for the remainder of the season.

3.4.4 If an injury or illness to the player was the primary cause for the player to drop to the lower team, then the League Manager may consider the player’s reinstatement to the higher team on receipt of written evidence.

3.4.5 If a registered Social Player, wishes to play in a competitive match they are required to top up their affiliation to the appropriate level before they take to court.

3.5 Player Transfer Between Clubs (See Sanction 9)

3.5.1 If a registered player wishes to leave one affiliated club and register with another affiliated club, during the same season, the new club must forward the relevant details by email to the appropriate League Managers for permission to do so. The CompWG will then confirm the relevant League Managers and the Secretary of the former club. The new club must not play that new player in a competitive match until a confirmation email has been received from the CompWG. If the new player has played in a Shield fixture for their former Club, they cannot participate in any future Shield fixtures for their new club.

3.5.2 Players can transfer freely between clubs during off season. From 1^st October to 31^st January the CompWG (via the Secretary/Chair) must be approached for the Committee’s permission. Player transfer requests will not be considered between 31 January and 31 May in any season. Affected players can train with their new club but not play in competitive matches.

3.5.3 The above player registration rules apply to all NNI competitions.

4.0 NNI SENIOR LEAGUES

The Player Registration rules 3.3 to 3.5.3 apply to the NNI Senior League matches

Application to Leagues

The NNI Leagues shall be limited to registered affiliated members of NNI.

A new club team entering the leagues or a team, which is, or has been previously withdrawn from the leagues, may be added into the lowest League Division at the discretion of the CompWG. (See also 3.3.5)

League Structure

The structure of the leagues will be decided by the Competitions Working Group

The NNI leagues will be split into 3 or more divisions as required – Premier League, Senior 1, Senior 2, and so on, with the Premier League division being the highest.

The U19 Development League(s) regulations will replicate the NNI Senior League structure.

Match Result Sheet – League Scoring System

Team Sheets must be filled in online on the Sportlomo website midday of the week ending date. (S.20)

All essential details must be clearly printed on the hard copy of the official match result sheet i.e. teams’ names, players who take the court, venue, league, date, score and centre passes. This sheet must be signed by the 2 umpires, 2 captains, official scorer and timekeeper, and should then be photographed by BOTH CAPTAINS, then emailed by the Captain of the winning team (Home team Captain in the event of a draw) to their League Manager within one week of the week ending when the match was due to be played. (S2 & S16)

The Subject Title of the email to their League Manager must contain name of League, names of teams and date of email,g., Senior 5, Crumlin (score) v Spires 2 (score) and a clear photo of the match sheet must be attached.

If claiming a forfeit, a match result sheet must be sent into the appropriate the League Manager, with the names of the two teams, League and the reason for the forfeit within 7 days of the week ending date, or the points will not be awarded. (S17)

The winning team captain should keep the original paper copy until the end of the season. It is essential that the losing team captain should take a photograph of the match sheet in case of any disputes.

The scoring system (see Penalty Sheet – Page 26) for all NNI Leagues and Shield Matches is as follows:

Pts

Win 3

Draw 1

Forfeit (Offending team} -3

Forfeit (Non-offending team) +3

(See Penalties List which covers Forfeits)

League Matches – Courts

Standard court size regulations are outlined in INF Rules Edition 2020,

Rule 3 Technical Specification for international games.

The CompWG aims to encourage the development and playing of

competitive netball throughout Northern Ireland. The Group would

encourage all teams to adapt their play to courts of different sizes where

necessary.

In the event of a court not being regulation size, the Home team club Secretary must inform the Away team when arranging the fixture. If the Away team accepts the fixture then the umpires cannot stop the match

unless there is a safety issue. Please note on the match result sheet.

League Matches

4.5. If any Club player wishes to video any netball footage pertaining to a player’s GCSE/’A’ Level schoolwork or performance analysis, both Clubs and match officials must be in agreement and this consent must be detailed in writing on the match result sheet. It is also required to confirm that the venue permits this practice. If these conditions are not met, videoing will not be permitted.

4.5.2 All matches in the Senior Leagues and U19 League(s) shall consist of 4 quarters of 15 mins each, with an interval of 3 mins between the first and second and third and fourth quarters, and with 5 mins interval at half time. Teams shall change goal ends each quarter. (INF 2020 RULES, Appendix D (iii) Time.

4.5.3 Where time is short (INF Rule 4.1) then the relevant rules should be consulted in the current edition of INF Rule Book.

4.5.4 When a draw occurs, and if a winner is needed, then extra time is required (INF Rule 4.2). At this point the relevant rules should be consulted in the current edition of the INF Rule Book.

4.5.5 Any changes to time e.g. interval lengths etc., must be made with mutual agreement of the Captains and relayed to the umpires.

4.5.6 To distinguish both teams in a situation that an umpire deems both team kits to be too similar, the Away team must provide contrasting coloured bibs with position letters on front and back. These must be approved by the umpires. The CompWG advises it would be best practice for all travelling teams to bring an alternative set of contrasting bibs.

Fixtures (See Penalties S1–S5)

Home and Away fixtures will be allocated and applied to each League by

The Competitions Working Group.

Home teams should try to arrange matches and book venues as soon as the Fixtures List comes out at the start of each season for all competitions. They must contact the Away team a minimum of 14 days in advance of each fixture to arrange the date, venue and match time. The Away team must send a receipt of confirmation via email, of agreed details of the fixture.

All Home teams must ensure that their pre-booked court is still available to them, at least 3 days before, for their confirmed pre-arranged fixture to avoid any double bookings or other issues.

If a Home team fails to contact the Away team a minimum of 14 days before the date of the fixture, then the Home team has forfeited the match. (P1)

All Home teams are required to offer one date only. All Away teams must make the Home teams aware of any difficulty they might have with fielding a team on a Sunday (for religious reasons) as soon as the fixtures are issued by the CompWG. In this case another day must be offered.

Matches in the leagues may be played on any day of the week, in the week ending, as stated on the Fixtures List.

When setting the time for matches, all clubs should take into consideration the distance and time needed by the Away team to reach the venue, in the interests of good sportsmanship.

4.6.8 All matches scheduled for weeknights should start no later than 8:30pm.

4.6.9 All matches scheduled for Saturday or Sunday should finish by 6:00pm.

4.6.10 for cancellation of any NNI League match the League Manager must be

notified.

4.6.11 If a team fails to turn up for a previously accepted confirmed match, having made no contact since the confirmation, or cancels a match within the 7 days’ notification, then the offending team must pay all Court fees if the venue demands it, on production of a relevant invoice/receipt. Forfeit rules will apply. (S12)

4.6.12 Any team cancelling an Away league match may forfeit home advantage

in the return fixture at the discretion of the CompWG. (S11)

4.6.13 It is the duty of each club to fulfil all of their scheduled competition fixtures.

4.6.14 If a team forfeits more than one quarter of its scheduled matches in any competition it will be dropped one or more League Divisions and may risk being excluded from entering a particular competition/rally, at the discretion of the Competitions Working Group, in the following season, whichever is appropriate. (S15)

4.6.15 If a club, having more than one league team, withdraws a higher team from a competition then the lower league team must be renamed accordingly, e.g. the 1^st team withdraws, the 2^nd team is renamed the 1^st team and replaces the latter in the 1^st team’s original league.

4.6.16 If a club team wishes to withdraw from an NNI League mid-season, they must officially inform their League Manager and the CompWG Fixtures Secretary before withdrawing.

NB: If the club team needs any assistance to continue participating in the league, then please contact the NNI Office.

4.6.17 If a team withdraws from an NNI league during the season, the CompWG reserves the right to adjust the points within the League Table to ensure fairness for the other teams affected by the withdrawal. For example, all affected matches will be forfeited and any points derived from these matches will be removed from their totals to ensure that fairness is maintained for accurate comparison of records at the end of the season. (S4)

4.6.18 Competitive matches must have 2 registered qualified umpires, one umpire provided by the ‘Home’ team and one umpire provided by the ‘Away’ team. Excluding Premier League whose umpires will be appointed by the Officials Committee (S5)

4.6.19 All NNI Competition matches involving Premier League teams must be umpired by a minimum of 1 ‘B’ award umpire or higher.

4.6.20 All teams should provide a minimum of seven players plus an extra person to act as the timer or scorer. This can be the coach, a spectator, reserve etc. If a reserve is needed to play, then the person being substituted can take over their role. If there are extenuating circumstances one team may provide both timer and scorer but this should not be abused. All decisions should be taken with the agreement of both team captains and to get the match played within the time constraints. Umpires can advise, but not enforce any decision, apart from those regarding safe conduct of matches.

4.7 Rescheduling of Matches

4.7.1. A match may only be rescheduled in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances shall be given a restrictive interpretation. The NNI CompWG would advise that the following are examples of exceptional circumstances (but are not confined to the following):

* Death or sudden illness of team member, club member or close family of club or team member

* Force majeure

* Civil disturbance

* Exceptional weather conditions

The following are examples of what will not be considered as exceptional circumstances (but are not confined to the following):

* Employment commitments

* Pre-arranged holidays

* Wedding preparations

* Involvement in any other team sport (for the avoidance of doubt this shall include involvement of team members in other netball leagues such as Super League)

* Lack of transport for team members to attend

* Moving house

The team must consult the appropriate League Manager as soon as the difficulty is known, and as far in advance of the original match fixture date as possible.

For the avoidance of doubt, matches may be rescheduled if a team has two or more players involved in official international matches/competitions such as Europe Netball.

4.7.2 In the event that a match is rescheduled, it must be played by the final week of League Fixtures.

4.7.3 The Home team reschedules the fixture and may have to use their training night in order to play.

4.8 Promotion and Relegation

The CompWG reserves the right to alter and adjust the number of teams to be promoted and relegated to individual leagues depending on team numbers entering the leagues for the following season.

In General

At the end of the season one or more teams with the most points in any League Division will be promoted to the immediate higher division.

At the end of the season one or more teams with the least points in any League Division will be relegated to the immediate lower division.

In the event of a tie, which directly affects the promotion or relegation of a team within a League Division, the following rules may be implemented:

(i) The CompWG will take the goal difference of each team into consideration.

(ii) Goal difference will be calculated by goals scored minus goals conceded

then divided by the total of actual games played.

(iii) If a team’s points and goal difference are equal, then goals scored will be

used as a second tiebreaker, with the team scoring the most goals winning.

4.8.4 The teams who finish 2^nd bottom and 2^nd top in concurrent league will have a play off game on a single event day hosted by NNI to play for the remaining promotion place winner securing promotion or holding their place in the higher league (*season 22/23 will not have automated relegation).

5.0 NNI SHIELD AND PLATE COMPETITIONS

5.1 NNI Shield and Plate competition entry rules and regulations follow the NNI

protocols and procedures.

5.2 The player registration rules 3.3 to 3.6.3 apply to the NNI Shield & Plate matches. (S7–S9)

5.3 Shield and Plate Match Participation

5.3.1 The first round of this competition is a Pool structure with a round robin format. All teams are expected to fulfil their fixtures in order to produce a ranking of teams in each group. The top two in each pool group qualify PLUS, if required, the next two highest ranked teams by points/goal difference, to fill the spaces available.

5.3.2 Any team(s) who forfeits a match at any of the stages (Pool, Knockout, Quarters,

Semis-Finals and Finals) will be eliminated from the whole competition. (S14).

5.3.3 All registered teams which forfeit any Shield or Plate match will be excluded from Shield and Plate competitions the following season. (S3)

5.4 Shield and Plate Fixtures

5.4.1

5.4.2 Immediately the teams receive the fixtures, it is the responsibility of the first-named team (on the left) in both parts of the competition to:

(i) Contact the opposing Team Secretary to inform them of at least 2 proposed dates and ask for them preferred dates.
(ii) These dates must be inclusive of training nights for both teams, if their alternatives cannot be agreed upon.
(iii) The first named team can provisionally book a venue and relay this to their opposition.
(iv) When the date, venue and time of a Shield fixture has been mutually agreed and arranged between the 2 teams, the Shield and Plate Manager must be immediately advised of these details, to ensure that the 7-day rule for forwarding match result sheets is adhered to.
(v) If neither team can come to an amicable agreement then the Shield and Plate Manager needs to be informed immediately and this will be relayed to the CompWG to make the decision on when the match will be played. This will be relayed by the Shield and Plate Manager to both teams.
(vi) It is imperative that all Shield and Plate matches are played by the fixture dates unless permission to reschedule has been granted by the Shield and Plate Manager.
(vii) All results sheets must be returned within 7 days from the date of the match.
(viii) When returning the match result sheet of a Shield fixture via email it is imperative that the names of the Shield, Pool Group, names of the 2 teams and score are entered into the subject heading of the email.

PENALTY: If these instructions are not complied with, the match result sheet will not be accepted by the Shield and Plate Manager.

5.4.3 The cost of all court hire in both stages must be split equally between the two teams involved in every match.

5.4.4 At the Pool stages of the competition all matches should be played, if possible, at a neutral venue, agreeable to both teams. Umpires do not have to be neutral.

5.4.5 At the Quarter and Semi-Final stages of the competition, matches should be played, if possible, at a neutral venue, agreeable to both teams, with neutral umpires.

5.4.6 The Shield and Plate Finals will be organised by the NNI COMPWG, usually April/May each season. (See 5.7.1)

5.5 Shield and Plate Match Results

5.5.1 Completed Match Results Sheets should be filled in correctly with names of each team, centre passes and scores. They then must be signed by both umpires, two captains, official scorer, and timekeeper, photographed and emailed to ShieldandPlateM@gmail.com immediately, and copied to the relevant League Managers. Both team captains should take a photo for reference.

5.5.2 All Shield and Plate matches played within NNI competitions will follow ‘League Match’ regulations, on scoring, courts and match duration, as stated under Section 4.5 to 4.6.

5.5.3 If a Shield or Plate quarter or semi-final match results in a draw the procedure for extra time (as outlined in INF Rule INF 2020 RULES, rule 4: match duration. 4.2 Extra time) will be followed.

5.5.4 It is advisable to book an extra 30 minutes for quarter and semi-final matches to allow for the Extra time regulations.

5.5.5 If the venue cannot facilitate this then the replay, in its entirety, must take place within 14 days of the original fixture. The match result sheet must be sent immediately after the match to the Shield & Plate Manager.

5.6 Rescheduling of Shield and Plate Matches

5.6.1 A match may only be rescheduled after consultation with the NNI COMPWG Shield & Plate Manager, who must be consulted as soon as any difficulty arises.

5.6.2 Matches may only be rescheduled under the following circumstances –

If a team has two or more players involved in official international

matches/ competitions such as Europe Netball. (see also 4.7.2)

Extenuating circumstances. (see also 4.7.1)

5.6.3 The rescheduled fixture should be played within 14 days of the date of the original fixture.

5.6.4 Cancellation of Shield or Plate matches at the ‘Pool’ stage (S14)

5.7 Shield and Plate Fixtures – Umpires

5.7.1 It is the responsibility of each competing team in each Shield and Plate round (excluding the Final) to supply a qualified NNI registered umpire and pay the required fee. (See also 4.6.16)

5.7.2 Umpires for Shield and Plate Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals must be neutral, and not associated with a Club.

5.8 Shield and Plate Finals

5.8.1 The NNI COMPWG will arrange Shield and Plate Finals on the date stated in the Fixtures List.

5.8.2 The NNI COMPWG will decide the venue of Shield and Plate Finals.

5.8.3 All umpires for Shield and Plate Finals will be appointed by the NNI Workforce Officer/OWG and their fees paid by NNI.

5.8.4 The NNI Club & Workforce Officer/OWG will organise the umpires’ rota, in accordance with agreed appointment criteria, neutrality and association, on Finals Day.

5.8.5 The NNI COMPWG will organise the Table Officials, from within the Competitions Working Group, or volunteers, for Finals Day.

5.8.6 At all Shield and Plate Finals, NNI Official match result sheets will be completed by match Table Officials and then collected by the Table Manager.

5.8.7 In Shield & Plate Quarter/Semi and Final matches, a winner is needed, then INF Rule 4.2 will be followed. The protocols for the conduct of the matches and the procedure for extra time is outlined in Appendix A – Section One.

6. RALLIES AND TOURNAMENT COMPETITIONS

6.1 The format, duration of play and number of matches will be determined by the NNI organising Working Group after entry to each competition has closed.

6.2 Each team must provide an umpire for each match in every competition within Rallies and Tournaments, unless advised otherwise

6.3 Teams entering any NNI competition must be prepared to participate in all rounds of a competition.

6.4 If a team withdraws from a competition (except for extenuating circumstances, as outlined at rule 4.7.1), they will be liable for their share of any expenses incurred.

6.5 Non-appearance of a registered team (S3)

6.6 NNI Opening Rally

6.6.1 The Opening Senior Club event of the netball season is usually a round robin format

6.6.2 The Rally may be divided into two sections covering the NNI Leagues

Date: Usually 1 or 2 weeks prior to the start of season, determined by CompWG

Venue: Determined by CompWG on an annual basis.

Cost: Entry fees are set by NNI in each year

Time: Times may vary depending on the entries received by NNI CompWG.

Matches: The number of entries received by the COMPWG determines match length

6.7 Rules and Regulations

6.7.1 Club Secretaries/Administrators must complete the section on the NNI Affiliation & Competition Fees Form on the Opening Rally if they wish to enter a team.

6.7.2 This completed form must be returned with all other documentation and obligatory competition fees to the NNI Office in any year.

6.7.3 Each team must name a coach/person in charge, an umpire and an adult to do score/time for each of their matches.

6.7.4 Each team is allowed to play up to twelve players in each match. The twelve players can be from any team within the club.

6.7.5 Non-participation without prior notification (P3)

7. NNI JUNIOR COMPETITION RULES

7.1 Registration for Competitions

7.1.2 Any queries/clarifications should be addressed to the NNI CompWG Junior Managers.

7.1.3 All junior clubs should be represented at the annual NNI AGM.

7.1.4 A team entering the Junior Competitions must apply to the NNI CompWG Junior League Managers to register and pay the relevant team fee, preferably by specified dates for Leagues and Shields.

7.2 Players on Junior Teams

7.2.1 All junior players taking part in NNI competitions must register on the Sportlomo website and pay the required NNI fee before taking part in competitive matches.

7.2.2 All junior players must be the correct age for the relevant competitions. (See 7.2.3 & 7.2.4)

7.2.3 Under 14 is Year 9 and below. Under 16 is Year 11 and below.

7.2.4 U19 (Year 14 and below) league teams are under the NNI CompWG Senior umbrella of the Leagues and Shield competitions.

7.2.5 A Junior player may play for a higher ranked team 4 times, inclusive of Shield fixtures. On the fifth occasion they have to be re-registered for the higher team. They then must play for that team for the remainder of that season.

7.2.6 Only Junior players who are at least 15 years old can play up on senior teams. They can play up 4 times, inclusive of Shield fixtures, or be registered permanently for a senior team. Once registered on a senior team these players are no longer eligible to play in any junior competition/tournament.

7.2.7 It is recommended the final sixteen group, once selected on to the U17 National Squad, play for an U19 team or older, in the relevant competitions. However any decision on this is for individual athlete consideration and must be made by Coaches, parents and players collaboratively.

7.2.8 All U21 National Squad players must be playing for senior teams from Premier to Senior Five, to develop their skill and stamina and provide the relevant level of challenge.

7.3 Junior League Affiliation to NNI

7.3.1 All players must affiliate and pay their annual NNI affiliation fee through their club portal on the Sportlomo website.

7.3.2 No player or team will be permitted to play any competitive matches until this registration and payment of NNI fee has been acknowledged by the Sportlomo website.

7.3.3 Club personnel must also assign the club players into the various club teams, using the Sportlomo website before their first matches.

7.4 Registration for Junior Leagues

7.4.1 A team will not be permitted to play any matches until the required fees have been paid to the NNI Office.

7.4.2 There may be A, B, C Sections within each League if the number of entries

necessitates it.

7.4.3 League format will be decided appropriately based on number of entries.

7.4.4 The Home Team contacts the Away Team to arrange a date and time to suit both

Teams.

7.4.5 Matches will be played either HOME or AWAY as per the fixtures list. The HOME team pays the venue costs.

7.4.6 The game should be played by the week-ending date within the month specified.

7.4.7 All fixtures scheduled for the first half of the season must be fulfilled by 20th December and all fixtures scheduled for the second half of the season must be fulfilled by the end the League Season

7.4.8 Any team wishing to cancel a match must give at least 7 days’ notice to the opposing team, otherwise the cancelling team must pay for the cost of the venue, on production of an invoice.

7.4.9 The game will consist of four (10) minute quarters, with 3 minutes interval at one-quarter time, and three-quarter time, with 5 minutes interval at half-time.

7.4.10 Each team must provide a registered qualified umpire and pay appropriate expenses

7.4.11 All games are to be played in accordance with the current World Netball Rules and any relevant instructions from NNI CompWG.

7.4.12 U14 match result sheets must be returned to the Junior League Manager by the winning team, within 7 days of the week ending date. (S2)

7.4.13 U16 match result sheets must be returned to the Junior League Manager by the winning team, within 7 days of the week ending date. (S2)

7.4.14 Any matches not played by the due dates in 7.4.7 are forfeited.

7.4.15 Winning teams who do not return clearly legible match sheets, completed with essential details i.e. teams’ names, centre passes, and players who take the court, league, date, and official score, by the due dates (see also 7.4.12 & 7.4.13) will forfeit the points. (S2 & S18)

7.4.16 If claiming a forfeit, a match sheet must be sent into the appropriate email address, with the names of the teams, league and the reason for the forfeit within 7 days of the week ending date, or the points will not be awarded. (S17)

7.5 Junior Shield and Plate Competition

7.5.1 The Junior Shield and Plate Competition will replicate the Senior Competition.

7.5.2 The first round of this competition will be a Pool structure with a round robin format.

7.5.3 All teams are expected to fulfil their fixtures in order to produce a ranking of teams in each group. The top two in each Pool group qualify PLUS, if required, the next two highest ranked teams, by points/goal difference.

7.5.4 In the event of a draw, the winner will be determined by following the procedures outlined in Appendix A – Section One (Page 20).

7.5.5 Any team who forfeits a match at any of the stages (Pool, Knockout, Quarters, Semi-Finals and Finals) will be eliminated from the competition. They may also be excluded from entering the Junior Shield and Plate competition the following season.

7.5.6 The Junior Shield Finals Day will be held at the end of the competition season

7.7 Rules and Regulations (U14/U16 Tournaments)

7.7.1 Each junior club contact will be sent a Junior Tournament Application form to register for the competitions. Closing dates will apply.

7.7.2 Each form must be returned to the NNI Office with the appropriate fees by the set date and a copy of the form emailed to the NNI COMPWG Junior League Manager.

7.7.3 Each team must provide an umpire for the whole day and pay the appropriate fee. Each team must nominate a coach, person in charge and an adult to do score/time for each of their matches. (See 6.7.3)

7.7.4 On the day of the tournament, players can only play for the team/club with whom they have registered unless the NNI COMPWG deems otherwise.

7.7.5 No junior aged player registered as a team member for a senior League Team can participate in this tournament. The NNI COMPWG Junior League Manager’s decision is binding in the event of any dispute, subject to the right of appeal.

7.7.6 In the event that a junior aged player, who has played for a senior team and is named on the Team etc. to play, the Junior League Manager must inform the club that the player cannot participate at any stage of the Tournament.

8.0 ETIQUETTE

All teams should try to arrange all Home matches as soon as the NNI competition fixtures are made available, ensuring that the Away team Secretary has receipted the arrangement with the Home team. It is also advisable that umpires are booked in advance.

If a team requests to cancel or postpone a match, they should give at least 24 hours’ notice, prior to the pre-arranged start time of the match, to the opposing team’s club secretary. The League Manager must be consulted as soon as the difficulty arises. If venue costs are incurred then the team cancelling must pay for them, on production of an invoice. (S12)

Players must turn up for all arranged matches, unless informed by their captain or Club Secretary that the match has been cancelled by mutual agreement with the opposing team and their respective League Manager.

Teams should arrive in good time for a match (minimum 15 minutes before agreed start time). If any team arrives on court more than 10 minutes after the official match start-time then they will forfeit the points for that match to the non-offending team. The CompWG stipulates that all teams are afforded this 10-minute leeway.

Teams must take the court with a minimum of 5 players i.e. no team may take the court with fewer than 5 players (INF 2020 Rules; Rule 8 Starting play; 8.1 (ii) A team must take the court if there are at least 5 players present, one of whom must play as Centre) If 1 of the 5 players are injured then the match is abandoned.

There must be 2 qualified umpires for every competitive fixture. If a team fails to provide an umpire, the match can still be played but the non-offending team will receive the points and a result will be recorded of 10-0.

Players, team officials, bench officials and supporters are requested to show respect and courtesy to everyone involved in netball by refraining from making derogatory comments before, during or after the match. See NNI Code of Conduct.

Clarification regarding the rules of the game may only be made to the umpire via the Team Captain and the relevant player during an interval.

A registered qualified umpire has the authority to caution a player/bench official if their behaviour is offensive, disrespectful or intimidating. They can send players off the court and order bench officials to leave the hall. (INF 2020 Rules, Rule 13 Game Management covers all actions that may be taken by umpires and 13.3 Discipline of team officials and bench players)

If a player/bench official/Coach is sent off or asked to leave the hall then they will be subject to a minimum of a 1 match ban, following the investigation by appropriate NNI panel.

8.10 Any complaint, request or point of information should be emailed by the club secretary to the League Manager. It will then be brought to the NNI CompWG for their attention. If any matter is not settled at the NNI Working Group level, then it will be NNI who shall make a binding ruling on the matter, subject to any right of appeal.

PLEASE NOTE

If your club has a problem or query, do not approach a member of the CPWG committee at a match when they are there as a player, coach, bench official or umpire. Please follow the procedure of contacting them, or the COMPWG Secretary/Chair, by email or telephone.

9.0 COMMUNICATION OF RESULTS

Communication of results from teams to League Managers are intrinsic to NNI promotion of our Domestic Competition.

9.2 Use of social media – see NNI Guidelines on the Website.

10.0 EQUALITY STATEMENT

If there are any issues within this document which are perceived by any party as conflicting with their rights, that party should bring these to the attention of the Secretary/Chair of the Competitions Working Group.

APPENDICES

Appendix A

SECTION ONE- SHIELD & PLATE KNOCKOUT STAGES/FINALS

Extra Time (after a draw at full time)
There is an interval of 4 minutes at the end of full time
Extra time consists of 2 halves of equal length, not exceeding 7 minutes each, with a half time interval of 1 minute.
Teams change ends at half time.
The first centre pass in each half is taken by the team entitled to the next centre pass.
In the event of a tie remaining at the end of extra time, a visual sign is placed at the official bench to indicate that play will continue until one team leads by 2 goals.

b) All coaches, officials and players have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with CRAG and specific competition regulations.

Communication at events will take place between all appropriate match personnel simultaneously, i.e. Captain, Officials and Competition Manager and only take place at the Official’s Bench.

On match day Team and Officials’ benches should adhere to INF guidelines where possible. Only recognised Team Officials and players should be on the Team Bench. This is compulsory on Finals Day

NNI will appoint the Officials Table for all Shield and Plate Finals.

Under no circumstances are coaches, players, spectators etc. permitted to approach an umpire once the full-time whistle has been blown, either on the field of play or beyond, to query/challenge decisions made during the match in line with the Code of Conduct. Clarification of rules may be sought as per INF Rule 5 Match Personnel (v) Role of Captain

The captain has the right to approach the umpire during an interval for clarification of any rule. Any player/s for whom the clarification is relevant may accompany the captain.
No other discussion will be entered into

Appendix B

NNI DOMESTIC COMPETITIONS – SANCTION LIST

As soon as a difficulty arises, contact the relevant League Manager immediately for advice.

KEEP THEM FULLY INFORMED

Arranging Fixtures		Offending Team	Non-offending Team
S1	Ref 4.6.4 If the Home team secretary fails to contact the away team a minimum of 14 days before the fixture date	That Home team shall receive no points.	Will be awarded the 3 points for the match.
S2	Ref 4.3 /5.6.3 /7.3.13 Failure of captain of winning team (or Home team in the event of a draw) to return a match sheet within 7 days of the week ending date	The winning team will receive 0 points for that match.	Will receive any points due to them for the match, i.e., 1 or 3
S3	Ref 5.4.4/6.5/6.7.5 Non-participation of a team in any Shield or Plate match,	Will result in the exclusion of that team from the relevant competition(s) the following season.	Will progress to the next round.
S4	Ref 4.6.16 A registered team withdrawing from a league	May be dropped one or more divisions in the leagues the following season.	Any points accrued from the withdrawing team will be deducted from all teams
S5	Ref 4.6.17 Failure of a team to provide the necessary registered qualified umpire	Will result in the points for that match being forfeited.	Will be awarded the 3 points for the match and a 10-0 result
Playing an incorrectly registered/unregistered player		Offending Team	Non-offending Team
S6	Ref 3.5 League Match	The match is declared null and void. If they have won the match, then 3 points will be deducted from the offending team’s total score	Will be awarded the 3 points for the match
S7	Ref 5.2 Shield/Plate – Pool Stage	Will leave the competition	Will progress to the next stage.
S8	Ref 5.2 Shield/Plate – Knockout	Will leave the competition.	Will progress to the next stage.
S9	Ref 3.6.1 – 3.6.3 Playing a newly transferred player from another NNI club before permission has been given	The above apply plus: the NNI CompWG will determine if there is a further penalty for using this transferred player without permission.	Will be awarded the points – 1 or 3.
	Forfeiting/Cancelling	Offending Team	Non-offending Team
S10	Any team needing to cancel a match must consult their respective League Manager.	They should give at least 24 hours’ notice to the opposing team’s club secretary.	At CompWG’ s discretion, the non-offending will not pay for the court on production of an invoice/receipt
S11	Ref 4.6.10 Any team cancelling an Away league match	May forfeit home advantage in the return fixture.
S12	Ref 4.6.9.2 /8.4 If an Away team cancels a match within the 7 days’ notification or a team fails to turn up for a previously confirmed match, having made no prior contact.	If the Away team is responsible for the late cancellation it must pay for the court hire, on production of an invoice, if the venue demands payment from the Home team.	Will not be liable for court costs.
S13	Ref 4.6.3 If an Away team arrives to find a court unavailable	The Home team’s court is double booked, etc.	Will be awarded the points
S14	Ref 4.6.9.2 /8.4 Teams which forfeit matches	The team will receive no points	Will be awarded the 3 points for the match provided the match sheet is sent.
S15	Ref 5.4.2/5.4.3/5.7.4 Any team forfeiting one match in the Pool stage of Shield & Plate competition -or- any team forfeiting a match at any Knockout stage of the Shield & Plate competition	May be eliminated from the whole competition. The offending team may be excluded from entering the Shield & Plate competition the following season.	Will progress to the next stage.
S16	Ref 4.6.13 Any team forfeiting more than one quarter of its league matches in any season	May be dropped one or more league divisions and risks being barred from a competition the next season.
S17	Ref 4.3.1/7.3.16 Illegible or incomplete match sheets	may be refused by the League Managers and points may not be awarded to the offending team/s	may not be awarded the points
S18	Ref 4.3.2/7.3.17 If claiming a forfeit a match sheet must be sent in with names of teams, league and reason for the forfeit within 7 days of week ending date	The points will not be awarded.	Will not be awarded the points
S19	Sportlomo Process – 3.0 Affiliation to NNI – (i)-(iii). If this process is not adhered to –	The offending team may forfeit the points	May be awarded the 1-3 points

Appendix C

MATCH RESULT THEYET

DATE…………………………………….VENUE…………………………………………………………………………

LEAGUE											SHIELD
TEAM:											TEAM:
If a player is playing up a team then the Captain must write in the coloured box whether it is the 1^st/2^{nd /}3^rd or 4^th time.
									GK												GK
									GD												GD
									WD												WD
									C												C
									WA												WA
									GA												GA
									GS												GS











Team												Team
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		10		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19		20		11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19		20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29		30		21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29		30
31	32	33	34	35	36	37	38	39		40		31	32	33	34	35	36	37	38	39		40
41	42	43	44	45	46	47	48	49		50		41	42	43	44	45	46	47	48	49		50
51	52	53	54	55	56	57	58	59		60		51	52	53	54	55	56	57	58	59		60
61	62	63	64	65	66	67	68	69		70		61	62	63	64	65	66	67	68	69		70
71	72	73	74	75	76	77	78	79		80		71	72	73	74	75	76	77	78	79		80
81	82	83	84	85	86	87	88	89		80		81	82	83	84	85	86	87	88	89		90
91	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99		100		91	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99		100

Match Information

Officials’ Names	Print Name	Signature	Grade
Home Umpire
Away Umpire
Scorer/s
Timekeeper/s
Captains
Video permission 4 signatures	Team 1 Team 2	Umpire 1 Umpire 2

Appendix D

Domestic Match Protocols for Umpires and Teams

Guidance based on INF Match protocols and ‘Rules of Netball’ 2020 (which should be used for further clarification of rules if required)

The purpose of these guidelines is to:
1. Streamline match conditions across all league disciplines in Northern Ireland
2. Increase the professionalism of the domestic game

Improve understanding of match protocols and rules to reduce misunderstanding and breach of rules at fixtures.

Match organisation

Expectations of the umpire

Umpires should only commit to a fixture if they are confident they can fulfil it.
Once committing to a fixture, Umpires must attend, or work with the match organiser to find a suitable replacement if they are unable to fulfil a fixture.

Expectations of the match organisers

Secure the court booking (where applicable) and commitment from the other team before approaching umpires to fulfil a fixture.
Ensure that the pre-booked umpire is reminded of the fixture within 3 days of the match.
Provide two balls that meet all the specifications stated in the rules. The same ball will be used throughout the match unless the umpires ask for it to be replaced.
Appoint a primary care person for the match

Match preparation

Expectations of the Match Organisers, Coach and Captain

Ensure that all players arrive at the match location on time for the fixture
Ensure that the playing enclosure meets the required specifications
Prepare the playing enclosure for the fixture
Ensure that all players have hair tied back appropriately and that all Jewellery is removed (if a wedding ring must be worn it should be taped)
Ensure that all players have their nails cut and shortened to avoid injury to other players.
Ensure that captains carry out a toss for first centre pass, time and score and, goal end and ensure that this is communicated to the umpires.
Carry two sets of bibs in case of similar uniforms at the fixtures
Ensure players are wearing registered playing uniform and suitable sports footwear

Expectations of the Umpire

Umpires:

Will arrive 15 minutes before the start time of the match and be professionally

dressed in clothing that is distinct from the teams’ playing uniforms and suitable sports footwear. (NNI COMPWG would suggest white is worn).

Inspect the court and goal posts to ensure they conform to rules and provide a safe environment for play.
Ensure that players and bench officials only are sitting on the team bench.
Agree which goal end each umpire will control.
Whether extra time will be played if scores are tied at full time.
To umpire according to the Rules of the International Netball Federation.
To forward by email, the name(s) of player(s) who have been disciplined and a

report to the NNI within 7 days of the match taking place. The NNI COMPWG Secretary/Chair should also be copied into all correspondence regarding discipline of players.

Umpire at least 6 matches per season in order to keep up their level of performance and for their name to remain on the Umpiring Register, maintained by NNI.