Introduction
Dragon Netball is the game for primary school children in Wales and progresses to the full adult game.

Welsh Netball's philosophy behind Dragon Netball is to encourage participation with the emphasis on fun, safety and development appropriate to the age and level of the player. Modifications are made in the application of the rules, equipment used and the game structure. Coaches, umpires and providers of junior netball competition need to know, understand and abide by the rules relating to Dragon Netball to ensure the safety, enjoyment and development of young players.

Welsh Netball believes the game sits well with the requirements of Key stage 2 of the National Curriculum for girls and boys in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (ages 7-11 years) and it is the only game recommended by WNA for players of this age.

At a glance what is Dragon Netball?

• 7-a-side normal court markings
• 7-12 players in a squad
• Size 4 ball
• Player rotation
• 2.6m (8'6") post
• Scorers/Timekeeper
• Pass or shoot within 3 seconds
• 4 quarters of 8 minutes

What will you need?

The court
Size: The game may be played on any netball court up to a maximum size of 30.5m x 15.25m (100ft x 50ft).
Markings: Normal court marking should be used as shown. On smaller courts the centre and shooting circles should remain full size.
Safety: The court should be level and flat. Make sure there are no loose objects on or around the court which could cause injury, eg grit, wet leaves, loose wire, etc.
Posts: These should be placed on the centre point of each goal line with none of the base protruding onto the court. The ring should be 2.6m (8'6") from the ground and fitted with a net. Should you post already have holes then 9' feet is preferred
Balls: A size 4 netball.
Bibs: All bibs from a full set of netball bibs should be used.
The squad: The squad should consist of a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 12 players with 7 on court at any one time.
Duration of the Game: Matches should be 4 x 8 minutes with 2 minutes at each interval (up to 3 minutes at half time), during which squad members' positions should be rotated. All players must play in at least 2 quarters but these need not be
consecutive.

Squad players not on court can take on a scoring, timekeeping or centre pass marking role.

Substitutions may be made at any time in the event of illness or injury.

The Players: Dragon Netball is a game which may be played by single sex or mixed teams.

7 members of the squad are on the court at any one time. The players are allowed in the following areas.

	AREA OF COURT GS = 1, 2 GA = 1, 2, 3 WA = 2, 3 C = 2, 3, 4 WD = 3, 4 GD = 3, 4, 5 GK = 4, 5

Team Rotations

Start of Play: Team Captains toss a coin to determine who takes the first Centre Pass. Subsequent centre passes must be taken alternately.

Play is started by a pass from the "Centre", who stands with both feet in the centre circle.

The opposing Centre shall be in the centre third and free to move.

When the umpire blows the whistle, the Centre must pass the ball within 3 seconds and obey the Footwork rule. The ball must be caught or touched in the centre third. Everyone must observe the 3 feet Distance rule.

Dragon Netball Rules

Adult rules apply and are coached, however the following conditions are encouraged:
- Relax the 3 second rule (up to 6 seconds) to allow players time to gain their balance and make decisions - which take longer at this level.
- Relax the footwork rule, allow players to gain balance, not progress down the court.
- Players are allowed to defend on court an are also allowed to defend the shot. Players must be 3ft away from the landing foot.
- Relax the replayed rule, particularly if playing outside in wet / cold conditions
- Enforce the contact rule
- Do not penalise for incorrect throw-ins, instead - explain to players if needed.
- Allow players a moment to get back 'on-side', penalise if the player remains in an offside area and impacts on the non-offending team.
- Guide players on the rules relating to toss ups to help players take up their correct positions.
- Explain all decisions using simple language
- Encourage all players on both teams by acting in a supportive manner.
- Relax the uniform code to allow players to wear track pants and long sleeved tops (in team colours whenever possible) on colder days. Allow also for players of other cultures to wear acceptable standards of dress.
- Ensure that the teams are playing with a size 4 ball and the goal posts are at the correct height of 2.6m (8'6").
- Game scores can be recorded but are not read out at the breaks or the end of the game.
- Allow up to 2 minutes to have a drink at the end of each break and change bibs. Allow up to 3 minutes for the half time and change of ends unless the game is played in thirds.
- Encourage quick replacement of an injured player if necessary. Play should resume as quickly as possible after ensuring the injured player is in no danger of further injury.
- The section of the post which protrudes above the ring (when the posts are lowered) is 'out of court', a throw in is awarded to the opposition.

Playing the Ball:
A player must:
(a) Pass or shoot within 3 seconds;
(b) Obey the Footwork rule.

A player may not:
(a) Deliberately kick the ball;
(b) Bounce the ball more than once;
(c) Hand or roll the ball to another player;
(d) Place their hands on a ball held by an opponent;
(e) Throw the ball while sitting/lying on the ground;
(f) Use the goalpost as a support in receiving a ball going out of court or to gain balance.
(g) Throw the ball over a complete third without it being touched or caught by another player in that third;
(h) Regain possession of the ball, having dropped or thrown it before it has been touched by another player.
Penalty: Free Pass

Footwork:
The footwork rule is as stated in the official WNA Rule Book and can be condensed as follows:

(a) A player may receive the ball with one foot grounded or may jump to catch and land on one foot. While that landing foot remains on the ground the other foot may be moved in any direction and any number of times, pivoting on the landing foot if desired. Hopping is not allowed.

(b) A player may receive the ball whilst both feet are grounded, or may jump to catch and land on both feet simultaneously. The player may then choose to move either foot and the remaining foot shall then be considered to be the landing foot. Proceed as in (a) above.
Penalty: Free Pass

Scoring a Goal:
A goal is scored when the ball passes completely through the ring from top to bottom. A goal may only be scored by the Goal Shooter or the Goal Attack playing the ball from any part of the shooting circle.

Defending, Obstruction and Contact:
When a player is holding the ball, the distance on the ground between that player's landing foot and the nearer foot of an opponent must be at least 3 ft. Netball is a non-contact game. No player shall knock or push an opponent or interfere with his/her play, either accidentally or deliberately.

Penalty: Penalty Pass or Shot

Out of Court:
A ball is out of court when it, or a player touching it, touches the ground or an object outside the court. The line counts as part of the court. A throw-in is awarded to the opposing team. If the ball hits the post and bounces back into court, it is still in play.

The Throw-in:
The throw-in is taken at the point where the ball crossed the line. Any player allowed in that part of the court may take the throw-in and must stand outside the court with both feet behind the line. When the player taking the throw-in has checked that all other players are on court, she/he must release the ball within 3 seconds.

Offside:
A player is offside if she/he enters an area of the court in which she/he is not allowed.

Penalty: Free Pass

Penalties: Free Pass/Penalty Pass or Shot

A free pass is awarded to a team for any infringement of the rules except obstruction and contact. A player may not shoot directly from a free pass.

A Penalty pass or shot is awarded to a team against any player causing obstruction or contact. A player may shoot if the penalty is awarded inside the circle. The offending player must stand still beside the player taking the pass. A free pass, or a penalty pass or shot, is taken from the point where the infringement occurred and may be taken by any member of the team allowed in that part of the court.