SHORTPASS

 Why do umpires find it difficult to enforce the short pass rule effectively nowadays?

Up to the new Rules in 2016 the Short Pass was never an issue.              I played and officiated it with no issues.

I asked ChatGTP what is a SHORT PASS in NETBALL?

In netball, a short pass refers to a pass made over a relatively short distance between players on the same team. Short passes are typically used to maintain possession, create scoring opportunities, or move the ball quickly and efficiently around the court. These passes are often made within close proximity to teammates to facilitate quick and effective ball movement.

 

If we go back to a few Rulebook Versions:

2002/2007/2012

“On the Court:  at the moment the ball is passed there must be room for a third player to move between the hands of the thrower and those of the receiver.”

Sanction:  Free Pass where the ball was caught.

(This made the rule easy to officiate. Room for a third player to move – easy to apply.)

2016/2018

“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 those of the receiver.“

(Body of a player changed to sufficient space…….??)

 2020

“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 with a hand as it moves from the hands of the thrower to those of the receiver.”

Sanction:  Free Pass where the thrower was standing.

The distance between two throwers should be such that an opposing player can potentially intercept the pass with their hand. This distance can vary depending on factors such as the height and reach of the players involved, the speed and trajectory of the pass, and the positioning of other players on the court.

(Intercept with a hand – just a tip!    It was just short from giving the ball to your partner.  This resulted in ground play in the goal circle.  Shooters lunging all over the place.  “Passing” the ball to each other till they get close to the post.  Not very spectacular play.)

2024

“When a player passes the ball there must be sufficient space on the court for an opposing player to be able to deflect or intercept the ball as it moves from the hands of the passer to those of the receiver.”

Sanction:  Free Pass where the ball was caught or touched.

(In 2024 deflect was added.  With a hand was taken away.  What is the distance now?)

Now you have to work with the word sufficient to determine distance:

According to the rule book sufficient means:  Enough to meet a need or purpose; adequate.

Other words that can be used to describe sufficient space include “enough space”,  “considerable space”, “substantial space”.  The opposite of sufficient space is “inadequate space”.

What does insufficient mean: Not large enough in amount or degree for a particular purpose.

ChatGTP:  “Sufficient space to move” refers to having enough room or area to freely and comfortably move around without any restrictions or obstacles. (Enough room for them to potentially intercept the ball). Based on the sentence provided, the distance between the passer and the receiver should be such that there is enough room on the court for an opposing player to potentially deflect or intercept the ball as it is passed from the hands of the passer to those of the receiver. This implies that there should be adequate space for defensive players to make a play on the ball during the passing action.

In the context of the sentence provided, “potentially” means that there is a possibility or likelihood that an opposing player could deflect or intercept the ball during the passing action. It indicates that there is a chance for defensive players to make a play on the ball in that situation.

The distance difference between deflecting and intercepting a ball can vary depending on factors such as the speed and trajectory of the ball, the positioning of the players involved, and the specific circumstances of the game. In general, deflecting a ball may require less distance between the player and the ball compared to intercepting, as deflecting typically involves redirecting the ball’s path rather than fully gaining possession of it.

When considering the distance needed for a player to potentially deflect or intercept a ball, it is important to account for both possibilities. While the distance required for intercepting may be greater than that for deflecting, players should be positioned strategically to be able to react to either scenario. By ensuring that there is sufficient space for both deflecting and intercepting, players can effectively defend against passes and make plays on the ball as needed.

Umpires – how will you interpret this?  What I have seen on games is that umpires now allow space for a body, but the rule states deflect and NOT JUST intercept.

As indicated by WN now:

The short pass! Yes, it’s always been a rule. We’ve just changed it a little.

It is a fundamental principle of netball that every pass should be capable of being legally contested. The previous wording of the rule was being interpreted in a way that led to the use of passes so short that defenders had no opportunity to even attempt to gain possession.

The difference between the old rule “intercept by a hand” and the updated rule “deflect or intercept” is that the umpire must consider whether the defending player can make a genuine attempt, considering not just a hand, but a hand connected to an arm and body.

NETBALL IS A SPORT FOR ALL

In keeping with the philosophy of netball as a “sport for all”, the rule refers to the umpire’s assessment of the player’s action, rather than to body size or shape.

JUST TO ADD TO ALL THE CONFUSION:

If the 2 defenders are not close to the 2 team mates passing the ball or in this case the shooter throwing the ball against the post.  What distance will you allow?

VIDEO:    The rule states “must be able to intercept or deflect”.  In this situation I think it must be allowed.

The updated short pass rule in netball aims to ensure that every pass is legally contestable.

Key points to coach your players on the new rule:

1. Understanding the Rule:

1. • The previous wording of the short pass rule led to passes that were so short that defenders had no opportunity to contest them.
   • The updated rule emphasizes that there must be sufficient space on the court for an opposing player to deflect or intercept the ball as it moves from the hands of the passer to those of the receiver¹.
   • The umpire considers not just the hand but also the arm and body when assessing whether a defending player can make a genuine attempt to intercept the ball.

2. Coaching Tips:

1. • Spacing: Teach your players to maintain appropriate spacing. They should create enough distance between themselves and the defender to allow for a legal contest.
   • Timing: Emphasize the timing of the pass. Players should release the ball early enough to give the defender a chance to react.
   • Body Position: Encourage players to position their bodies effectively. A well-timed step or change of direction can create space for a legal pass.  Don’t fully extend your arms when passsing.
   • Communication: Players should communicate with each other to avoid crowding and ensure clear passing lanes.

3. Practice Drills:

1. • Two-Player Passing: Set up drills where two players pass the ball to each other within their team’s third of the court and in the goal circle. Focus on maintaining legal spacing.
   • Defensive Pressure: Incorporate defenders into passing drills. This helps attackers practice creating space while defenders work on positioning and timing.

UMPIRE’S must join these sessions.

Remember, the goal is to promote fair play and allow defenders a genuine opportunity to contest each pass.