BMW NETBALL LEAGUE RULES
- Any club affiliated to ENA Sussex County is eligible to play in the Brighton Mid-Week Netball League (hereinafter referred to as the BMWNL).
- The current England Netball Association Rules are the rules of play. (NB These rules state that NO jewellery or gloves may be worn during play and finger nails should be short. Umpires must enforce this rule).
- Each team must register the names, signatures and affiliation number of players with the League secretary prior to their first game. NB Should the completed registration sheet and full payment not be submitted, a fine of two points may be imposed for each match played contravening this rule.
- (i) Each player must be affiliated to ENA Sussex County before she is eligible to play.
(ii) Additional players may be affiliated during the season.
(iii)Where a club enters more than one team, the team in the highest division will be deemed the first team. This shall continue with the 2nd, 3rd, etc teams down through the divisions. Where two teams are in the same division, the club must nominate at the start of the season the team which will be the higher team. Where a club enters more than one team the following rules apply:
- Each team must name a minimum of seven players who are assigned to play for that team.
- For clubs with multiple teams-In any one season: A player may play up three times and on the fourth occasion remain in the higher numbered team.
- Should a player represent a team within their club in a lower division, then that player will remain in the lower division for the remainder of the season. They are not allowed to play up again during that season.
(iv) In fairness to all, in the event of a registered player becoming pregnant, she must cease to play after the first twelve weeks.
(v) A player may change their club mid-season, but the league secretary must be notified in writing before the player plays their first match for the new club. Only one transfer per person allowed per season.
- There will be four divisions (depending on the number of entries) viz ‘First’, ‘Second’, ‘Third’, ‘Fourth’.
- (i) League matches must be played on the date indicated on the fixtures list, and will be of one hour’s duration, ie four quarters of fifteen minutes each.
(ii) Substitutions will be as per England Netball Rules.
- (i) Play will normally proceed whatever the weather. In cases of extreme weather conditions (ie thick fog, sheet ice or heavy snow) please contact Sheila Martin 01273 422959 (after 5pm) where confirmation will be obtained whether or not play will take place. A telephone number must be given to the league secretary for contact on match days, so that if any matches have to be postponed by the League, teams will be notified of the rearranged date.
(ii) If a match is cancelled, at least 24 hours notice must be given to the opposition and fixtures secretary. Should teams cancel with less than 24 hours notice, they may be liable to pay a court charge of £10.
- Games must start promptly at 6.45 or 8pm as appropriate on fixtures list. If only one team is ready to start within 5 minutes of the official start time, they may, at the discretion of the League secretary be awarded the points (see Rule 11 ‘Conceded matches’). However, it is up to the captains to inform the league secretary of the non-arrival of their opposition.
- (i) Teams in Division 1 must provide an umpire of ‘C’ award or above. Other matches must be played with two experienced, if not qualified umpires. Teams arriving without an umpire must drop a player for this purpose. It is recommended by the League that an umpire should be offered expenses of £12.00.
(ii) All decisions by umpires are final.
(iii) In fairness to all, an umpire should cease umpiring after the 20th week of
pregnancy.
(iv)All teams in Division 1 MUST provide a scorer for their game. Teams arriving without a scorer must drop a player for this purpose. In the event that a scorer is injured and unable to continue the umpires will decide the way forward. The umpire and scorer cannot be the same person.
- Immediately following a game the result must be sent by text to 07527 695136. Result cards must still be signed by both teams and the umpire, scorer and captains to verify the result. These cards may need to be produced should a query arise regarding any game.
- POINTS will be awarded as follows:
WIN: 5 points
DRAW: 3 points
LOSS: 2 points (with 50% and over of opposition score)
LOSS: 1 point (with less than 50% of opposition score)
Conceded matches – Goal average to be calculated upon matches played and goal average awarded to the team claiming points for the unplayed match.
12. All teams must provide the following:
(i)A regulation ball in good condition.
(ii)Bibs marked front and back worn by each player.
(iii)A simple first aid kit.
13.A trophy will be awarded to the winner of each division at the AGM and ‘The
Janet Button Memorial Trophy’ will be awarded to the team which scores the highest number of goals throughout the winter league. The ‘Janet Shreeve’ trophy will be awarded for the best defence. They cannot be won outright. Winning teams shall be responsible for the safe-keeping of these trophies. All trophies must be returned to the league secretary by the end of season. (NB A fine will be imposed for failure to do so). In the event of loss of a trophy by a team they will responsible for the full replacement cost.
14. Any complaints will be dealt with by the Committee provided they are sent to
the league secretary in writing within one week of their occurrence.
15. (i) The committee shall decide upon any point not covered in the Rules and
reserve the right to implement Disciplinary Procedures in accordance with the
Disciplinary Guidelines. Their decision shall be final and binding.
(ii) It is strongly recommended that all clubs should arrange personal accident
insurance for their club members as no liability will be accepted by the BMW
Netball League or BMW Netball League officers/representatives for any injury sustained at events hosted or supported by the BMW Netball League.
Amended August 2014