Court Information

 

Court classification

The AENA has established five categories of netball court. These are described in the AENA publication entitled Categories of Netball Court and Surface Performance Requirements (1999). When designing a netball facility it is essential that the scheme has the appropriate number and categories of court for its intended use, as defined in the relevant County Netball Association facility strategy.

The categories relate to the different levels of play and training that will take place on the courts.

Category 1 courts are outdoor courts intended for school, recreation and community use.

Category 2 courts are indoor or outdoor courts intended for local league, school, recreation and community use.

Category 3 courts are indoor or outdoor courts intended for county premier league and county first team use.

Category 4 courts are dedicated outdoor courts intended for higher levels of play such as national clubs league, inter county competitions and national squad training.

(Note AENA also have a Category 5 court. This is a dedicated indoor court intended for national clubs league and inter county competitions).

Layout

Dimensions The court comprises the primary playing area, the side and end run-offs and for certain categories spectator and team areas. The dimensions of the playing area are specified in the Official Rules of Netball, whilst the size of the side and end run-offs and team and spectator areas depends upon the layout of the courts and the category level it is designed to meet.

The layout of a court is shown in Figure 1.

 

 
Layout

Netball Courts may be laid out as single courts, in rows or end to end. Generally speaking courts should not be laid out in rows of more than four in one block. If courts are laid end to end it is recommended that a division fence separate the courts.

Orientation

There is no preferred orientation for netball courts, and facilities should be designed to make the best possible use of available land. Designers should be aware, however, that if the courts are also to be used for tennis they should preferably be positioned with the courts running in a generally north/south orientation.

Gradients and surface regularity

Non-permeable courts should always be laid to a gradient to assist the removal of water. The gradient should be in a single plane and, where conditions permit, across the court. The gradient should be a minimum of 1:120 and a maximum of 1:100. To ensure the long-term performance of permeable surfaces it is also advisable to incorporate a gradient of between 1:200 and 1:120. The surface should also be laid without humps and hollows. This is particularly important where impervious surfaces are used, as any depression will hold water and allow puddles to develop.

Goal Posts

A goalpost which shall be vertical and 3.05 meters (10 feet) high shall be placed at the mid-point of each goal line. A metal ring with an internal diameter of 380mm (15 inches) shall project horizontally 150 mm (6 inches) from the top of the post, the attachment to allow 150mm (6 inches) between the post and the near side of the ring. The ring shall be of steel rod 15mm (0.59 inches) in diameter, fitted with a net clearly visible and open at both ends. Both ring and net are part of the goalpost. Padding used on the goalpost shall not be more that 50mm (2 inches thin and shall start at the base of the goalpost and extend the full length of the post.

The goal post which shall be 65mm - 100mm (2.5 inches - 4 inches) in diameter or 65mm - 100mm (2.5 inches - 4 inches) square may be inserted in a socket in the ground or may be supported by a metal base which shall not project on the court. The Goalpost shall be placed so that the back of the goalpost is at the outside of the goal line. For international matches the Goalpost will preferably be inserted into the ground or sleeved beneath the floor.

To cater for young people's Netball (High Five and First Step Netball) and Wheelchair Netball, goals shoul have adjustable net ring heights of 3.05m (10ft), 2.75m (9ft) and 2.44m (8ft)

 

Category 1 – NETBALL COURT (Outdoor use)

PROPERTY	ENGLAND NETBALL REQUIREMENT
Principal Playing Area (as specified in the Official Rules of Netball)	30.5 by 15.25m
End run-off (distance between goal line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	3.05m at both ends of Court is the requirement for all new build courts. Where courts are laid end to end with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common end-run of at least 3.05 m should be used.
Side run-off (distance between side line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	Minimum of 3.05m at both sides of Court (see Note 1). Where courts are laid side to side with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common side run-off of at least 4.00m may be used.
Team bench/match officials area between courts	Where space along the side of the court allows, an extra area 2.00m wide should be provided (see note 2)
Surface Type	Any form of surfacing meeting the Basic Requirements defined in the England Netball Performance Requirements for Netball Surfaces.
Line markings	White lines, 50mm wide (Where other markings conflict, other colours may be used except yellow)
Goal posts	Free standing or socketed goal posts with protective padding along the entire post length. Goal posts and padding to conform to the Official Rules of Netball (see Note 3) Lines are part of the court and are included in the overall dimensions.
Lighting	Not required
Spectator seating	Not required

Notes:

 

1. End run-offs and side run-offs shall have the same surface as the playing area. They shall be free of all permanent and temporary fixtures at court level and to a vertical height of 2.5m.
2. Line Markings:- Where the overall dimensions of an area do not allow a full size court and run-offs, either the dimensions of the Playing Area should be reduced to allow the required run-offs or the run offs should be a minimum of 2.5m, according to on-site safety.
3. To cater for young people’s Netball (High Five Netball) and Wheelchair Netball, goal posts shall have adjustable net ring heights of 2.75m, and 2.44m.
4. Where any reduction in player area is required, then the area should be reduced equally between each Third. The Goal Circles and Centre Circle remain according to the Official Rules of Netball.
5. Tennis post sockets and other equipment fixtures shall not be located within the playing area, side run-offs or end run-offs of the Netball court.

 Category 2 – NETBALL COURT (Indoor or Outdoor use)

PROPERTY	ENGLAND NETBALL REQUIREMENT
Principal Playing Area (as specified in the Official Rules of Netball	30.5m by 15.25
End run-off (distance between goal line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	3.05m at both ends of Court is the requirement for all new build courts. Where courts are laid end to end with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common end-run of at least 3.05 m should be used.
Side run-off (distance between side line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	Minimum of 3.05m at both sides of Court (see Note 1). Where courts are laid side to side with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common side run-off of at least 4.00m may be used.
Ceiling height (indoor courts)	Minimum of 7.5m
Team bench/match officials area Between courts	Where space along the side of the court allows, an extra area 2.0m wide should be provided (see Note 2).
Surface Type	Any form of surfacing meeting the Basic Requirements as defined in the England Netball Performance Requirements for Netball Surfaces.
Line markings	White lines, 50mm wide (where other markings conflicts, other colours may be used except yellow)
Goal posts	Free standing or socketed goal posts with protective padding along the entire post length. Goal posts and padding to conform to the Official Rules of Netball (see Note 3). Lines are part of the court and are included in the overall dimensions.
Lighting	Outdoor courts: Minimum maintained illuminance of 400 lux with a uniformity ratio of at least 0.7 (see Notes 4, 5 and 6)
	Indoor courts: Minimum maintained illuminance of 750 lux with a uniformity ratio of at least 0.7 (see Note 4 & 5).
Spectator seating	Optional

Notes:-

 

1. End run-offs and side run-offs shall have the same surface as the playing area. They shall be free of all permanent and temporary fixtures at court level and to a vertical height of 2.5m. 2. Line Markings where the overall dimensions of an area do not allow a full size court and the specified side run-offs and/or end run-offs, the dimensions of the Principal Playing Area should be reduced to allow the required run-offs according to on-site safety.
2. To cater for young people’s Netball (High Five Netball) and Wheelchair Netball, goal posts shall have adjustable net ring heights of 3.05m, 2.75m and 2.44m.
   The values shall be measured on the playing surface. Measurements shall be made on a 5m grid over the court area.
3. Uniformity ratio = Emin/eav.
4. It is recommended that the system also allows lighting at 200 lux for training etc.
5. Tennis post sockets and other equipment fixtures shall not be located within the playing area, side run-offs or end run-offs of the Netball court.

 

Category 3 – NETBALL COURT (Indoor or Outdoor use)

PROPERTY	ENGLAND NETBALL REQUIREMENT
Principal Playing Area (as specified in the Official Rules of Netball	30.5m by 15.25
End run-off (distance between goal line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	3.05m at both ends of Court is the requirement for all new build courts. Where courts are laid end to end with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common end-run of at least 3.05 m should be used.
Side run-off (distance between side line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	Minimum of 3.05m at both sides of Court (see Note 1). Where courts are laid side to side with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common side run-off of at least 4.00m may be used.
Ceiling height (indoor courts)	Minimum of 7.5m
Team bench/match officials area	Minimum of 2.00m
Surface Type	Any form of surfacing meeting the Basic Requirements defined in the England Netball Performance Requirements for Netball Surfaces. England Netball (see note)(where other markings conflicts
Line markings	White lines, 50mm wide (where other markings conflicts, other colours may be used except yellow)
Goal posts	Free standing or socketed goal posts with protective padding along the entire post length. Goal posts and padding to conform to the Official Rules of Netball (see Note 3). Lines are part of the court and are included in the overall dimensions.
Lighting	Outdoor courts: Minimum maintained illuminance of 400 lux with a uniformity ratio of at least 0.7 (see Notes 4, 5 and 6)
	Indoor courts: Minimum maintained illuminance of 750 lux with a uniformity ratio of at least 0.7 (see Note 4 & 5).
Spectator seating	Optional

  
An England Netball accredited test laboratory shall survey and test the facility to ensure compliance with Category 3 Court Requirements within two months of construction and after any resurfacing works (see Note 7).

Notes:-

1. End run-offs and side run-offs shall have the same surface as the playing area. They shall be free of all permanent and temporary fixtures at court level and to a vertical height of 2.5m.
2. If space is limited a common team bench area 1.5m wide between adjacent courts may be provided i.e. a total of 4.5m between courts
3. To cater for young people’s Netball (High Five Netball ) and Wheelchair Netball, goal posts shall have adjustable net ring heights of 2.75m, and 2.44m.
4. The values shall be measured on the playing surface. Measurements shall be made on a 5m grid over the court area.
5. Uniformity ratio = Emin/eav.
6. It is recommended that the system also allows lighting at 200 lux for training etc.
7. The facility operator shall be responsible for commissioning the survey. Following the survey the laboratory will prepare a detailed report and copies will be sent to the facility operator and England Netball.
8. Tennis post sockets and other equipment fixtures shall not be located within the playing area, side run-offs or end run-offs of the Netball court.

Category 4 – DEDICATED NETBALL COURT (Outdoor use)

PROPERTY	ENGLAND NETBALL REQUIREMENT
Principal Playing Area (as specified in the Official Rules of Netball	30.5m by 15.25
End run-off (distance between goal line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	3.05m at both ends of Court is the requirement for all new build courts. Where courts are laid end to end with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common end-run of at least 3.05 m should be used.
Side run-off (distance between side line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	Minimum of 3.05m at both sides of Court (see Note 1). Where courts are laid side to side with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common side run-off of at least 4.00m may be used.
Ceiling height (indoor courts)	Minimum of 7.5m
Team bench/match officials area	Minimum of 2.00m
Surface Type	Any form of surfacing meeting the Basic Requirements defined in the England Netball Performance Requirements for Netball Surfaces.
Line markings	White lines, 50mm wide (where other markings conflicts, other colours may be used except yellow)
Goal posts	Socketed goal posts with protective padding along the entire post length. Goal posts and padding to conform to the Official Rules of Netball (see Note 3). Lines are part of the court and are included in the overall dimensions.
Lighting	Minimum maintained illuminance of 400 lux with a uniformity ratio of at least 0.7 (see Notes 3, 4, and 5)
Spectator seating	The court surround shall be large enough to allow permanent or temporary seating for a minimum of 100 spectators.

An England Netball accredited test laboratory shall survey and test the facility to ensure compliance with Category 4 Court Requirements within two months of construction and after any resurfacing works (see Note 6).

Notes:-

1. End run-offs and side run-offs shall have the same surface as the playing area. They shall be free of all permanent and temporary fixtures at court level and to a vertical height of 2.5m.
2. To cater for young people’s Netball (High Five Netball) and Wheelchair Netball, goal posts shall have adjustable net ring heights of 3.05m, and 2.44m.
3. The values shall be measured on the playing surface. Measurements shall be made on a 5m grid over the court area.
4. Uniformity ratio = Emin/eav.
5. It is recommended that the system also allows lighting at 200 lux for training etc.
6. The facility operator shall be responsible for commissioning the survey. Following the survey the laboratory will prepare a detailed report and copies will be sent to the facility operator and England Netball.
7. Tennis post sockets and other equipment fixtures shall not be located within the playing area, side run-offs or end run-offs of the Netball court.

Category 5– DEDICATED NETBALL COURT (Indoor use)

PROPERTY	ENGLAND NETBALL REQUIREMENT
Principal Playing Area (as specified in the Official Rules of Netball	30.5m by 15.25
End run-off (distance between goal line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	3.05m at both ends of Court is the requirement for all new build courts. Where courts are laid end to end with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common end-run of at least 3.05 m should be used.
Side run-off (distance between side line and any permanent or temporary fencing or fixtures)	Minimum of 3.05m at both sides of Court (see Note 1). Where courts are laid side to side with no division fencing or change in surfacing, a common side run-off of at least 4.00m may be used.
Ceiling height (indoor courts)	Minimum of 7.5m
Team bench/match officials area	Minimum width of 2.00m
Surface Type	Any form of surfacing meeting the Preferred Requirements as defined in the England Netball Performance Requirements for Netball Surfaces.
Line markings	Court area to be only marked for Netball. White lines, to be 50mm wide
Goal posts	Socketed goal posts with protective padding along the entire post length. Goal posts and padding to conform to the Official Rules of Netball (see Note 2). Lines are part of the court and are included in the overall dimensions.
Lighting	Minimum maintained illuminance of 750 lux with a uniformity ratio of at least 0.7 (see Notes 3 and 4) for T.V purposes 1500 lux is required
Spectator seating	The court surround shall be large enough to allow permanent or temporary seating for a minimum of 500 spectators.

An England Netball accredited test laboratory shall survey and test the facility to ensure compliance with Category 5 Court Requirements within two months of construction and after any resurfacing works (see Note 5).

Notes:-

1. End run-offs and side run-offs shall have the same surface as the playing area. They shall be free of all permanent and temporary fixtures at court level and to a vertical height of 2.5m.
2. To cater for young people’s Netball (High Five Netball) and Wheelchair Netball, goal posts shall have adjustable net ring heights of 3.05m, and 2.44m.
3. The values shall be measured on the playing surface. Measurements shall be made on a 5m grid over the court area.
4. Uniformity ratio = Emin/eav.
5. The facility operator shall be responsible for commissioning the survey. Following the survey the laboratory will prepare a detailed report and copies will be sent to the facility operator and England Netball 
6. Tennis post sockets and other equipment fixtures shall not be located within the playing area, side run-offs or end run-offs of the Netball court. 
7. IFNA have further requirements for National /International events www.netball.org

For more information regarding facility matters please contact:

Fran Botting.  Email: franb@englandnetball.co.uk Mobile: 07818 036793