Netball State Finals Rules

Published 27 January, 2026

These rules apply to State, Region and Division competitions. Any variations to these rules at Region and Division levels will be found on the relevant page on the SSV website.

Match Format

  • Region and Division: For Regions and Division match format, please consult the relevant page on the SSV website or contact the relevant Coordinator.
  • State Format: Split Round Robin, Cross Over Semi Finals, Final.

State Match Schedule

There will be a Pre-Championship Briefing for all teams prior to the first round of matches. See the Netball Draw on the SSV website for the Match Schedules.

State Match Format

Match length for all competitions will be 4 x 7-minute quarters with a 2-minute break at half time. At ¼ and ¾ time the players must change straight over without delay. Positions may be changed, and substitutions made provided it doesn’t hold up play.

State Round Robin Winner

Points will be allocated for Round Robin matches as follows:

  • 4 points for a win
  • 2 points for a draw
  • 0 points for a loss

Tie-Breakers:

  1. If two teams are equal on matches won, the winner of the face-to-face match will be declared the winner.
  2. If their face-to-face match was a draw, total percentage from all their games will be used.
  3. If more than two teams are tied, the percentage from the matches involving only the tied teams will be calculated.

State Final Winner

In the event of a draw in the semi-final or final, the game shall be decided by playing two, five-minute halves with a one-minute interval until a winner is determined.

Conditions of Entry

See the School Sport Victoria’s ‘General Conditions of Competition’. All participants are bound by the ‘SSV Codes of Conduct’ and the ‘Participant Behaviour Policy’.

  • A girl cannot play in a girls’ team and a boys/mixed team in the same sport.
  • Clarification: Girls cannot play in Senior Boys or Intermediate Boys Netball teams – they are Boys only teams.
  • The level of competition chosen at Division level remains binding through to Region and State levels.

Team Size

  • A maximum of twelve (12) players may be used in one day.
  • Seven (7) players on the court and up to five (5) interchange players are named for each game.
  • Only twelve (12) SSV medallions plus one (1) for the team coach will be awarded. Extra medallions will not be available.

Rules & Game Management

Netball is conducted under the rules of the All Australian Netball Association unless otherwise stated.

  • Foul Play: Any infringements under Rule 13.2 will see the umpire apply Rule 13.1.
  • Notification: The Team Coach/Teacher must be informed when these actions are taken.
  • Goal Post Padding: Required for all goal posts at all levels of matches.
  • Officials: Umpires will be provided for the State Final.

Interchange & Blood Rules

  • Rolling Substitutions: Permitted during a game and at intervals.
  • Procedure: Must occur in the designated area. Only one (1) rolling substitute per team at a time. Teams should have two sets of bibs to facilitate this.
  • Blood Rules: Where central timing is used, the player is to be removed and substituted immediately.

Lateness Penalty

  • With Communication: If a team is late for reasons beyond their control and communicates with the convener, the convener will try to accommodate the team.
  • Without Communication: Penalised 1 goal per minute late up to half time, at which point they forfeit the match (e.g., in a match of 2x12-minute halves, the forfeit score is 12-0).

Dress Code

Players must wear the same colour skirts/bodysuits/shorts (without pockets) and the same colour tops with contrasting bibs. Fingernails should be taped or cut; no visible jewellery can be worn. Players not correctly dressed will not be permitted to compete.

Equipment to Bring

Competing teams must provide:

  • Positional bibs (two sets recommended).
  • One competition size 5 netball (Match Balls supplied for State Finals only).
  • A competent scorer.
  • First Aid Kit: Schools are responsible for their own first aid.
  • Sports Tape: Must be supplied and applied by the student/team. First Aid Responders at state finals are not permitted to perform strapping.