Here are some frequently asked umpiring questions. If you have an umpiring dilemma, please email the details to me at: paulabloor@surfy.net

I will ask Sophie Pike, the Norfolk Umpiring Secretary, to answer the question and the details will be printed here. All enquiries will be treated anonymously!

Q1)  At a centre pass, does the umpire blowing the whistle for the start of play control all aspects of the centre pass (i.e. footwork by the C, obstruction by the opposing C, etc.) even if the infringements are technically not in 'her half?'

Answer: No:

RULE 12.2.1 CONTROLLING THE CENTRE PASS when the whistle is blown the Centre in possession of the ball shall throw it within three seconds and shall obey the Footwork Rule.

This is what the controlling umpire is looking for. The obstruction by the opposing Centre will be penalised by the other umpire as this is in her area of control.

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Q2)  The GS is taking a goal line pass close to the post, GA is on court close to the other side of the post waiting to receive the pass, GS passes the ball to the GA round the back of the post - is this allowed?

Answer:  No - this would be classed as a short pass:

RULE 13.5.1 PASSING DISTANCES - SHORT PASS (ii) At the Throw In: at the moment the ball is passed there must be room on the Court for a third player to move between the hands of the thrower and those of the receiver.

It is acceptable for the Throw-in to be taken across the goal line behind the post providing that at the time of passing there is room between the hands of the thrower and those of the receiver ON COURT for a third player to move between. The umpire needs to be aware of the amount of space on court, which is limited by the post.

N.B :RULE 18.4 Throw In. Penalty 5:  ‘If the ball fails to enter the Court the penalty Throw In shall be taken by the opposing team from the original Throw In point.’

This relates to a ball from a Throw In going along the same sideline or goal line without entering the court, this means that the ball is not caught by a player on court.  To 'enter' the court the ball has to be caught by a player on court or touch the ground on the court.

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RULES FROM ENGLAND NETBALL REGARDING PREGNANCY