When teams submit their proforma (by the deadline) they can express a preference regarding fixtures. This might be one of the following: not to clash with another team (this must be a mutual request, and only one team can be requested) a request for early games a request for late games a request for an even spread of games. While we try our best to ensure that a team’s preference is satisfied, we use the preference only as a guide, and teams should not automatically expect to receive their preference fully. The fixture list is worked out for the whole season in advance and as there is usually very little turnover of teams there is no need for grading games. Once the fixture list is finalised it is posted on the competition website and after this, it won’t usually be changed as to do so usually affects at least 3 other teams. The top four teams in a league will play in Semi Finals (SF), with the winning teams playing a Grand Final (GF). In the event of a tie in SF / GF games, two 1-minute extra-time periods will be played. At the end of the second extra-time period, if the scores are still level, the timekeeper will shout loudly to teams playing “SCORES TIED, NEXT GOAL WINS” at which point the team that scores the next goal will win the game.

The league ladders are usually updated each week on Thursday evening and can be found on the playnetball.com website. Teams are ranked with 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and zero for a loss. In the event of teams being tied on points, the goal difference (not goals scored) will differentiate the teams. Usually, after every team has played each other once or twice (depending on the venue), the top four teams compete in the Semi Finals (1 v 4, 2 v 3) and the winners of these games take part in the Grand Final. Even if your team isn’t participating in the Semi or Grand finals, you’ll still have games to play; these will contribute to your final ladder position. Occasionally, there may be a mistake on the ladders – this might happen where a team has had a higher graded fill in and we haven’t reflected that in the final scores. If this happens, please let us know. But first, please make sure that you’re looking at the right week and that we’ve actually made a mistake!

Let’s be honest – it’s usually not as much fun playing in the wet. Having said that, if we cancelled netball just because it was a bit wet or windy, we’d only play about 10 weeks a year! Therefore, unless you hear otherwise, your games will be played. In the event of extreme weather conditions (heavy snow, torrential rain, lightning or icy conditions) we’ll contact the captain of each team to let them know that the games have been called off. You can also get the latest status by calling the cancellation hotline 07977 217698 which will be updated as soon as any decision is made to call a game off.

We know that netball can get quite competitive at times but all players are required to ensure that they take steps to play safely. All of our umpires have been instructed to remove players from play if they are considered dangerous – even if it’s unintentional. We hope we’re not being sexist by saying it, but normally the biggest problem is male players who are just learning to play and want to impress their team with their commitment and dedication to winning. Just a word of caution – we’ve seen it all before, and running full pelt into someone (even accidentally) in a vain attempt to get the ball or slow them down will not be looked at lightly. It’s the easiest way to get suspended. Play cleanly and you’ll be welcomed back with open arms! Any player suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will receive an automatic suspension to be determined by the site manager / competition organiser. This even includes just smelling of alcohol. It’s dangerous and we don’t condone it.

One simple rule – only ask a question at quarter / half time breaks. We really like our umpires and we take any necessary steps to look after them. They do a great job to the best of their ability and we guarantee that moaning at them, giving them dirty looks, questioning their calls or making loud sarcastic comments to no-one in particular won’t work. Again – we’ve seen it all before! If you have any questions, you’re more than welcome to ask them with your captain at a scheduled break but please leave it at that. If you think that your umpire has had an off day and it’s something that we (as competition organisers) need to be aware of then please do let us know – it might be an aspect of their game that we can help them to improve.

FAQs - playnetball

Facilities / Bikes / Cars

Both of our venues have an indoor reception area and changing rooms with showers. These are open from 6.15pm (Highbury) 6.45pm (Angel) and close at 9pm. The changing rooms are closed 5 minutes before the final whistle of the night, as we have to pack up and ship out really quickly. This unfortunately means that [...]

Fixtures

When teams submit their proforma (by the deadline) they can express a preference regarding fixtures. This might be one of the following: not to clash with another team (this must be a mutual request, and only one team can be requested) a request for early games a request for late games a request for an [...]

Ladders

The league ladders are usually updated each week on Thursday evening and can be found on the playnetball.com website. Teams are ranked with 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and zero for a loss. In the event of teams being tied on points, the goal difference (not goals scored) will differentiate the [...]

Weather

Let’s be honest – it’s usually not as much fun playing in the wet. Having said that, if we cancelled netball just because it was a bit wet or windy, we’d only play about 10 weeks a year! Therefore, unless you hear otherwise, your games will be played. In the event of extreme weather conditions [...]

Dangerous Play

We know that netball can get quite competitive at times but all players are required to ensure that they take steps to play safely. All of our umpires have been instructed to remove players from play if they are considered dangerous – even if it’s unintentional. We hope we’re not being sexist by saying it, [...]

Umpire Respect

One simple rule – only ask a question at quarter / half time breaks. We really like our umpires and we take any necessary steps to look after them. They do a great job to the best of their ability and we guarantee that moaning at them, giving them dirty looks, questioning their calls or [...]

Coaching

No team or player is perfect and there are always opportunities to improve. Some of our umpires are pretty darn hot at netball and some of them are graded coaches. We like to encourage them to help you improve when they feel that it’s suitable - it’s not that they’re favouring one team over another [...]

Playnetball.com Star Player

The playnetball.com star player is the player that we all like to have on our team. Each week, the umpires will award playnetball stars at the end of the game to the players who have: played with a smile on their face encouraged their team applauded the opposition received umpire feedback and improved their game [...]

Feedback

We welcome feedback – both positive and negative – but we do ask that it is constructive and considered. Please contact us via the website or come and have a chat with the site manager at the courts to provide feedback.

Social

We’re a social league which means we try and get everyone to come to the pub after your games! You’ll usually find us in the Junction (for Highbury) or the Joker Of Penton St (Angel) Come and find us and say hello – we’ll probably buy you a drink! We also hold our end of [...]