Following a number of issues regarding the positioning of sanctions, the INF have released the following statement to provide the correct interpretation and clarification of this process. http://netball.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/RAP_Response_to_INF_Rules_Questions_February_2017.pdfUmpires at grassroots/local level should be aware of the following;
Ensure that you are positioning the sanction correctly with a strong whistle and hand signals
It is ok if a player is ‘near’ to where the infringement occurred and you should not be over fussy or pedantic
Be aware that the rules no longer require the non-offending player to wait for the offending player to stand next to them
If the player does take the pass in the incorrect position as a result of genuine confusion or uncertainty you can ask for penalty pass or free pass to be re-taken correctly
If despite clear instruction the player does takes the pass in the incorrect position you should award a free pass to the non-offending team and call “Incorrect Position, (playing position), Free pass, (non-offending team) etc…
Umpire’s must always use common sense and good judgement
Whilst the rules do allow an umpire to deal with a player that repeatedly takes a sanction in the incorrect position, occurrences of this nature will be extremely rare at this level
Umpires must remember that part of their role with players is to educate as well as adjudicate
