GO Mammoth has the #1 Netball leagues across London. Our London netball venues offer more than just a game of netball. Here’s 10 reasons why you’ll love playing netball with GO Mammoth.

1. There’s a league for all abilities

We run both fun, recreational level leagues and intermediate level netball for players and teams who want a faster game.

2. Great way to keep fit

Playing netball is a fantastic way to keep fit, irrespective of the level you choose play at. Because our netball club is friendly, competitive and fun we think you’ll prefer it to the gym too!

3. Meet new people

Playing in one of our netball leagues is a great way to meet new people. There’s a healthy amount of competition between our netball teams but at the end of the day everyone’s here to have fun.

4. Beginners welcome!

Beginners welcome – unlike other netball clubs in London we don’t expect you to have played before or even know the rules of netball to join our leagues. Just read up on the basics netball rules before your first match and our friendly professional umpires will soon help you get to grips with the ins and outs of the sport.

5. No team? No problem!

At Go Mammoth you can join our netball leagues as either a team or individual, so if you can’t get a netball team together just join us as an individual and we’ll find a team for you to join (subject to availability).

6. Multiple venues in major cities across the UK

We run netball league in venues multiple cities across the UK. Select a city below to find out more:

North East – Play Netball In Leeds | Play Netball In Sheffield
North West – Netball In Liverpool | Netball In Manchester
Scotland – Netball In Edinburgh | Netball In Glasgow
South – Play Netball In Oxford | Play Netball In Portsmouth | Play Netball In Reading | Play Netball In Southampton
South East – Play Netball In Brighton
South West – Play Netball In Bath | Play Netball In Bristol
Wales – Play Netball In Cardiff

7. Great value!

Compared to the price of fitness classes and gym memberships our netball leagues across the country are a low cost way to stay in shape – and playing a game of netball with your mates is much more fun than hitting the treadmill!

8. Prizes up for grabs

The winners of each of our leagues across the country win stuff…good stuff!

9. Awesome post-match socials

Our netball teams sure work hard on the court but at the post-match socials they play just as hard. Our partner bars offer great post-match drink offers for our members – get in touch to find out more. As we’ve already mentioned, Go Mammoth’s sport leagues are the perfect way to meet new people and make new friends.

10. The best umpires and reps

Go Mammoth umpires are a breed apart. Forget stuffy, strict, bossy umpires; our venue reps are hand-picked to be the most social, supportive and responsible netballers in the UK.

 

So you’ve signed up to play netball in a Go Mammoth netball league (welcome to the club!), but what happens next? Well in anticipation from your first game, here’s a little list of what you need to know:

Which team am I on?

If you’ve signed up as an individual, one week before your first match our netball team will email you your fixture list. Use your new Go Mammoth site login to check your fixture list, latest league tables and more.

I’ve signed up as an individual – when do I meet my team members?

When we send you your fixture list a week or so before your first game, we’ll also send you the contact details of your fellow team members. We advise our members to arrive to their first game a little early to say hello and introduce yourself. Yep, we know, it sounds a little daunting, but remember that everyone is in the same boat as you. You won’t believe how quickly players bond as a team and stay together for future seasons.

My knowledge of netball rules is a little rusty!

Don’t worry, it’s tricky to keep up with the latest rules at the best of times, as they are tweaked and refined every year. Check out our handy up-to-date rules guide for the latest rules. Our awesome team of friendly, professional umpires are also on hand before and after each game to offer advice and assistance on the rules throughout the season.

How do the leagues work?

You’ll play every match at the venue,on the day and between the times you selected on during your registration. Each match lasts 40 minutes but your game times will differ each week. For example, if you know you venue matches take place, between 7-9pm, your matches could be at 7pm, 7:40pm or 8:20pm. We’ll send you ALL of the match times a week before your first fixture to ensure you can plan your season into your calendar.

 

Contents

• Go Mammoth Netball League Policies
• Netball Rules Update – September 2016
• Full Netball Rules

GO MAMMOTH NETBALL LEAGUE POLICIES

1) UMPIRES

The umpire has complete control of the game and their decision is final. When rules of the game are broken the penalties awarded by the umpire are free pass, penalty pass (or penalty pass or shot), throw in, toss up.

2) JEWELLERY & NAILS

Any jewellery must be removed before stepping on court and nails must be filed / cut short to ensure safety for all players. Any player who refuses to file/cut their nails or to remove items of jewellery will not be allowed to play in the game. Only specific Netball gloves are allowed for medical reasons.

3) STANDINGS & PLAYOFFS

Each week the updated standings will be updated to reflect the latest set of results.
All eligible teams make the playoffs (teams that have not abused any policies are eligible) in their 8th week. In certain situations teams at or near the bottom of the standings may not advance to the playoffs. Check with GO MAMMOTH league coordinator to see if this applies to your league.

Playoffs are single elimination.

Ringers may not be used in play offs/finals unless expressly allowed by the opposing captain.

In the event that the match is drawn in a play-off or final the game will be decided by next score wins. Which team starts with the centre pass will be decided by a coin flip. The game will continue until a goal is scored.

4) SEEDING

Teams are seeded according to winning percentage and strength of schedule.

Teams may be dropped from their regular season level based on the above criteria.

Teams may be moved to a higher division during the playoffs only if permission is granted.

Skill levels may be divided into separate divisions based upon size of level.

Speed scoring rules still apply during the playoffs.

In cases where several cancellations have occurred during the season, teams may be required to play on a different night of the week. (Example: Thursday semi-finals may be played on Thursday and finals held on Friday.)

5) FORFEITS

If a team does not have a full squad (minimum number of original players required according to the rules, (5) at the designated start time a goal a minute will be given against them. At ten minutes after the start time the match is forfeited (per staff and opposing team’s captain request). In this situation we will always try and get some sort of game going for the remainder of the time.

Any questions regarding policies, rules, or eligibility must be addressed before the start of the match.

6) PUNCTUALITY

Games must start exactly at the designated start time. Teams that arrive late will be penalised by a goal a minute against them until they have the required amount of players to legally play. Lateness will also result in shorter netball games for both teams.

7) SPORTSMANSHIP

The idea of Go Mammoth is to have fun. We hope that all participants keep that in mind when becoming involved. Although the games may become intense, you still can be competitive while maintaining good sportsmanship. With this said, any behavior deemed unacceptable by staff may result in suspension and/or ejection from a game or the league.

8) STAFF

To coordinate and run the league, our refs and/or staff will be available at all times to help the league run as smoothly as possible. If you have questions regarding schedules, policies, rule interpretations, directions to the bar, etc. please ask.

9) MIXED NETBALL

Only three men are allowed on court at any one time. When on court playing the three men have to be in separate thirds of the court, position wise. This means that one man plays in the shooting or attacking positions of either Goal Attack (GA) or Goal Shooter (GS). One man plays in the mid-court positions of either Centre (C), Wing Attack (WA) or Wing Defence (WD) and one man in the defending positions of either Goal Defence (GD) or Goal Keeper (GK).

10) RESPECT

Go Mammoth have a responsibility to promote fun and high standards of behaviour in the game and this relies on players also. Play your part, have fun, enjoy yourselves and observe the GO Mammoth social code of conduct for players at all times.

As an awesome GO Mammoth member, on and off the court, I will:

* Always listen to/respect the umpires decision
* Adhere to the rules of the game
* Promote fair play and behave within the spirit of the rules of the game.
* Never bully or engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language, public criticism or poor behaviour towards anyone, player or        umpire
* Speak to team-mates, the opposition and the umpires with respect
* Ask my team captain (if necessary) to speak with the umpire/s in the breaks if I have a problem relating to the game, not on            court
* Remember we all make mistakes
* Have a great game of social and fun netball

NETBALL RULES UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2016

England Netball – the sport’s national governing body, brought a series of new rules into effect in September 2016 to make the game faster and more exciting. Here are the main changes.

1) TAKING A THROW IN

The player taking the throw in must have at least one foot within 15cm (6 inches) of the line. Previously the player must have placed one or both feet immediately behind the line.

2) DEFENDING A SHOT AT GOAL

A defender may not deflect a shot at goal on its downward path towards the ring (this includes touching the ball up through the net. This is a new rule addition as previously this wasn’t specifically covered.

3) CENTRE PASS

The Centre must have at least one foot wholly within the centre circle before the pass is taken. This rule has been relaxed slightly as previously the Centre would have been penalised if any part of their foot was on the ground outside of the centre circle as the pass was being played.

4) PENALTY PASS

Once a player taking a penalty pass is in the correct position, the player may choose to either play the ball immediately or wait for the infringer to stand out of play.

Previously the player taking a penalty pass had to wait until the infringer was standing out of play. A player who did not wait until the penalty was “set” was penalised.

5) SHORT PASS

When a player passes the ball there must be sufficient space for an opposing player on the court to be able to intercept the ball as it moves from the hands of the thrower to the hands of the receiver.

6) DELAYING PLAY

Delaying play (either accidentally or deliberately) is considered foul play – in some cases it could affect the outcome of the match. A penalty pass is awarded and the sanction is advanced.

7) CONTACT/CONTEST

Players may come into physical contact with each other as long as they’re striving to claim the ball. If they do not interfere with each other’s play or use their bodies to gain an unfair advantage over their opponent, it’s deemed a fair contest and play continues.

8) GOAL SCORED/BALL OUT OF COURT

The umpire will now signal that a goal has been scored by raising one arm vertically. The umpire will no longer blow their whistle when a goal has been scored or the ball has gone out of court.

MAIN NETBALL RULES

1) PLAYING TIME

A game consists of 4 x 8 minute quarters with a longer interval at half time for team talks and water breaks.
A netball team consists of up to 12 players with 7 players allowed on court at any one time. A team may take the court with a minimum of 5 players.
Netball Court showing starting positions for a centre pass

2) POSITIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Red team position: Goal Shooter (GS) Court Area: 1 & 2
Responsibility: To score goals and to work in and around the circle with your Goal Attack

Red team position: Goal Attack (GA) Court Area: 1,2 & 3
Responsibility: To feed and work with your Goal Shooter and to score goals.

Red team position: Wing Attack (WA) Court Area: 2 & 3
Responsibility: To feed your circle players giving them shooting opportunities.

Red team position: Centre (C) Court Area: 2, 3 & 4
Responsibility: To take the Centre Pass and to be the link between your defence and the attack.

Red team position: Wing Defence (W) Court Area: 3 & 4
Responsibility: To look for interceptions and to prevent the opposing Wing Attack from feeding players in your goal circle.

Red team position: Goal Defence (GD) Court Area: 3, 4 & 5
Responsibility: To win the ball and reduce the effectiveness of the opposing Goal Attack

Red team position: Goal Keeper (GK) Court Area: 4 & 5
To work with your Goal Defence and to prevent the opposing Goal Shooter from scoring goals

3) CENTRE PASS

Before the whistle all players must start in the goal thirds except the two Centres.

The Centre with the ball must be wholly within the Centre Circle and must obey the footwork rule after the whistle has been blown.

The Centre must have at least one foot wholly within the centre circle before the pass is taken.

The opposing Centre stands anywhere within the Centre third and is free to move.

After the whistle the Centre pass must be caught or touched by a player standing in or landing wholly within the Centre third.

4) SCORING A GOAL

Only a Goal Shooter or Goal Attack can score – from any point within the goal circle (including the lines bounding the goal circle) when the ball is received in order to shoot for goal. A goal is scored when the ball passes over and completely through the goal ring.

If a defending player deflects a shot for goal and the ball then passes above and completely through the goal ring, a goal is scored.

If the whistle to end play or to hold time is blown before the ball has passed completely through the ring no goal is scored.

If a player other than Goal Shooter or Goal Attack throws or bats the ball through the ring no goal is scored and play continues.

5) MINOR INFRINGEMENTS – FREE PASS

Breaking the following rules will result in a free pass being awarded to the opposing team. When a free pass is awarded to a team it may be taken by any player from that team allowed in that area, as soon as they are in position. (A player may not shoot from a free pass in the goal circle).

a) OFFSIDE

When a player (with our without the ball) moves into an area of the court that their position does not permit them to play in. For example, the Wing Defence can play in their defensive third and centre third, but not in the attacking third.

If two opposing players enter an offside area simultaneously: (a) If neither player makes any contact with the ball they are not penalised and play continues. (b) If either player catches or touches the ball while standing in the offside area, or immediately before or after landing in the offside area, a toss up up is taken between the two players in their own area of play.

b) CENTRE PASS INFRINGEMENT

A player can’t move into the centre third before the whistle is blown for the Centre pass.

c) PLAYING THE BALL

A player who has caught the ball shall play it or shoot for goal within three seconds.

A player may bounce or bat the ball once to gain control.

Once released, the ball must next be touched by another player.

A player on the ground must stand up before playing ball.

d) PASSING DISTANCE

At the moment the ball is passed there must be room for a third player between hands of thrower and catcher.

When a player passes the ball there must be sufficient space for an opposing player on the court to be able to intercept the ball as it moves from the hands of the thrower to the hands of the receiver.

e) PASS TRAVELS OVER A THIRD

Ball may not be thrown over a complete third without being touched or caught by a player wholly within that third.

f) FOOTWORK

Having caught the ball, a player may land or stand on:
* One foot – while the landing foot remains grounded, the second foot may be moved anywhere any number of times, pivoting on the landing foot if desired. Once the landing foot is lifted, it must not be re-grounded until the ball is released.

* Two feet (simultaneously) – once one foot is moved, the other is considered to be the landing foot, as above. Hopping or dragging the landing foot is not allowed.

g) DEFENDING A SHOT AT GOAL

A defending player must not cause the goalpost to move so as to interfere with a shot at goal and cause it to miss. Defending players cannot deflect a ball on its downward flight towards the ring, including touching the ball up through the net.

6) MAJOR INFRINGEMENTS- PENALTY PASS/SHOT

WHAT IS A PENALTY PASS/SHOT?

(PENALTY PASS (PENALTY SHOT if in the goal circle) is awarded where the infringement occurred. The offending player must stand out of play beside the thrower until the pass or shot has been taken. Any opposing player allowed in that area may take the penalty.

Once a player taking a penalty pass is in the correct position, the player may choose to either play the ball immediately or wait for the infringer to stand out of play.

–

Breaking the following rules will result in a PENALTY PASS or PENALTY SHOT being awarded to the opposing team.

a) OBSTRUCTION

Player with ball – the nearer foot of the defender must be 0.9m (3ft) feet from the landing foot of the player with the ball, or the spot where the first foot had landed if one has been lifted. The defender may jump to intercept or defend the ball from this 0.9m (3ft) feet distance.

Player without ball – the defender may be close, but not touching, providing that no effort is made to intercept or defend the ball and there is no interference with the opponents throwing or shooting action. Arms must be in a natural position, not outstretched, and no other part of the body or legs may be used to hamper an opponent.

Intimidation: of any kind, is classed as an obstruction.

A standing player is not compelled to move to allow an opponent a free run, but dangerous play must be discouraged, e.g. moving into the landing space of a player already in the air or stepping late into the path of a moving player.

b) CONTACT

Players may come into physical contact with each other as long as they’re striving to claim the ball. If they do not interfere with each other’s play or use their bodies to gain an unfair advantage over their opponent, it’s deemed a fair contest and play continues.

However no player may contact an opponent, either accidentally or deliberately, in such a way that interferes with the play of that opponent or causes contact to occur.

c) DELAYING PLAY

Delaying play (either accidentally or deliberately) is considered foul play. An umpire will award penalty pass if this occurs.

d) ILLEGAL DEFENCE OF A SHOT

A defending player may not cause the goalpost to move so as to interfere with a shot at goal and cause it to miss or deflect a ball on its downward flight towards the ring, including touching the ball up through the net. Both infringements will result in a penalty pass.

7) OUT OF COURT – THROW-IN

A throw-in is awarded to the opposing team of the player who last had contact with the ball or who received the ball whilst in contact with anything outside the court. Ball is out of court when it contacts anything outside the court area (except the goalpost). The ball is returned into play by a throw-in taken from a point outside the court where the ball crossed the line. The player stands with foot close to the line, and the ball must be thrown onto the court within three seconds.

8) TOSS UP

This is administered for all simultaneous infringements. The two players stand facing each other at their own shooting ends with hands by their sides and the umpire flicks the ball upwards not more than 600mm (2ft) in the air as the whistle is blown.

Want to play netball with Go Mammoth?

North East – Play Netball In Leeds | Play Netball In Sheffield
North West – Netball In Liverpool | Netball In Manchester
Scotland – Netball In Edinburgh | Netball In Glasgow
South – Play Netball In Oxford | Play Netball In Portsmouth | Play Netball In Reading | Play Netball In Southampton
South East – Play Netball In Brighton
South West – Play Netball In Bath | Play Netball In Bristol
Wales – Play Netball In Cardiff

Well if you’re signing up for our recreational league, this little guide is for you. This applies to netball London and all other regions. Remember, in our recreational league, fitness levels and experience aren’t as important as team spirit, fitness and morale (perhaps followed by a cheeky gin & tonic after the game!).

DEFENDING POSITIONS

Goalkeeper
Goalkeepers are often taller and slightly more physical players, who are prepared to aggressively protect their goal post! They have to stay alert so they can collect rebounds off the post and intercept passes, therefore having fast reactions is often vital. It is important for the Goalkeeper to be aware of what is happening out in front of them. This will allow them to read the attacking team’s movements and anticipate any interceptions, creating turnovers.

Goal Defence

The Goal Defence works closely with the goal keeper, they must support each other. GD players must have good skills of anticipation so they can block passes and get the ball out to their own attacking players. If you can read the game well, spot opposition passes before they’re played and are alert to ball interceptions, this position is for you.  The GD has more available space on court to play the ball than the GK, so should have decent stamina. As well as defending, they also need the skills of an attacker. The GD must initiate the attack by successfully getting the ball out of the defensive third, and assist the team in moving the ball down the court.

Wing Defence

As well as getting the ball forward, players in the Wing Defence position have to mark their opposing wing attack. The wing defence must be focused on the attacking opponents game play and good at controlling the ball. They should be ready at all times to pick up any tips or interceptions created by the circle defenders as well as playing a supporting backup role for the attackers down court.

Check out our defence training drill below:

 

 

MID-COURT & ATTACKING POSITIONS

Centre

The Centre is the engine of the team and they have to be quick thinking and creative with their play. Centre players manipulate how the game is played, regarding spacing, speed and structure. Centre players are normally the swiftest and fastest on the court, meaning they are quite often among the smallest players on the team with a lower centre of gravity. They usually receive the most passes than any other players on court and often receive low quick passes which makes it challenging for the taller defending players to get low and catch or intercept the ball.

 

Wing Attack

The Wing Attack is the Centre’s wing man! They must have a solid passing game and ball collecting skills. The WA is often the first person to receive the ball after the centre pass so needs to be quick off their feet from a stand still position. Speed is highly important for a Wing Attack as quick reactions are needed to receive the initial pass from the Centre is essential, as the Wing Attack needs to beat the opposing Wing Defence off the mark so the ball is not turned over. A Wing Attack needs the ability to open up space on the court so this position suits agile, speedy players.

SHOOTING POSITIONS

Goal Shooter

The goal shooter must have precise and direct shooting skills from a variety of positions within the circle. Once the ball is inside the circle, the GS must work hard to secure a goal. They must also be able to react quickly, dealing with quick passes into the circle and alert to claim rebounds if one of the shooters are to miss. Goal shooters seem to have the steadiest hands on the court and are often among the taller players. Goal shooters are often calm individuals that do not succumb to pressure as at many points in the game; all eyes are on you!

 

Goal Attack

The goal attack must have both strong shooting abilities and strong post approach play. The goal attacks main duty is to work with the Wing Attack and Centre to bring the ball closer to the post and if possible to the Goal Shooter. Their passing must be quick and direct to give the shooter the best opportunity to score before the defenders have caught up. They must also be able to read the two circle defenders and plan the best route into the circle. As well as this, they must have extremely quick reactions to ensure they have a second shot on goal if there are any rebounds. The GA is often a taller, slightly more agile player with high stamina, yet technically skilled.

Check out our “how to shoot” video below:

 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE COURT

Red team position: Goal Shooter (GS) Court Area: 1 & 2
Responsibility: To score goals and to work in and around the circle with your Goal Attack

Red team position: Goal Attack (GA) Court Area: 1,2 & 3
Responsibility: To feed and work with your Goal Shooter and to score goals.

Red team position: Wing Attack (WA) Court Area: 2 & 3
Responsibility: To feed your circle players giving them shooting opportunities.

Red team position: Centre (C) Court Area: 2, 3 & 4
Responsibility: To take the Centre Pass and to be the link between your defence and the attack.

Red team position: Wing Defence (W) Court Area: 3 & 4
Responsibility: To look for interceptions and to prevent the opposing Wing Attack from feeding players in your goal circle.

Red team position: Goal Defence (GD) Court Area: 3, 4 & 5
Responsibility: To win the ball and reduce the effectiveness of the opposing Goal Attack

Red team position: Goal Keeper (GK) Court Area: 4 & 5
To work with your Goal Defence and to prevent the opposing Goal Shooter from scoring goals

 

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So you’ve found your position and you’ve brushed up on the rules of netball. Are you ready to play? Cool! Find a league in your area below:

Play Netball In London
North East – Play Netball In Leeds | Play Netball In Sheffield
North West – Netball In Liverpool | Netball In Manchester
Scotland – Netball In Edinburgh | Netball In Glasgow
South – Play Netball In Oxford | Play Netball In Portsmouth | Play Netball In Reading | Play Netball In Southampton
South East – Play Netball In Brighton
South West – Play Netball In Bath | Play Netball In Bristol
Wales – Play Netball In Cardiff

BEGINNER LEVEL

Are you a netball newbie? Want to learn the basics rather than playing competitive matches?

Our Beginner league will:

• Introduce or re-introduce you to the rules of the game
• Help you develop your netball skills
• Improve your general fitness making you more match-ready 
• Increase your tactical awareness
• Develop awareness, positioning and co-operation within your team

What to expect each week:

• You’ll spend 20 minutes learning various netball drills, improving your all-round ability in the sport
• You’ll spend 20 minutes putting your newly learnt skills to the test in a casual, friendly match

RECREATIONAL LEVEL

You can’t go wrong with our recreational league : ) They’re for you if:

• You’re looking to have fun and get fit, but you won’t loose sleep if you lose the game!
• You haven’t played Netball in a while (e.g. since school) or you’re new to the sport
• You want the emphasis to be on ‘fun’ rather than ‘mega-competitive’.
• You’re a group of friends/colleagues entering a netball team for the first time, wanting to find your footing and put your team on the map.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

The temperature in the Intermediate level heats up a bit more compared to the Recreational tier.

• Participants have a solid grasp of the rules, and want to step things up a touch.
• Once you’ve played a few seasons at the Recreational level this is a natural step if you’re looking for that extra challenge
• More experienced teams often can enter comfortably at this level
• Depending how long since you played, if you played at 1st team at school or 1st-2nd at university you should be ready to dive straight into an int league.

 

Finding your position

So hopefully you know what Go Mammoth netball league is right for you – but do you know what position you should be playing at?

Check out our netball positions guide.

 

Ready to play? Select your region below

London – Play Netball in London
North East – Play Netball In Leeds | Play Netball In Sheffield
North West – Netball In Liverpool | Netball In Manchester
Scotland – Netball In Edinburgh | Netball In Glasgow
South – Play Netball In Oxford | Play Netball In Portsmouth | Play Netball In Reading | Play Netball In Southampton
South East – Play Netball In Brighton
South West – Play Netball In Bath | Play Netball In Bristol
Wales – Play Netball In Cardiff