Guarding the goal attack and shooter
Can a GD or GK have their body touching the bodies of their opposing GS and GA if no one has yet received the ball?
Answer is yes as long as it doesn't interfere or intimidate. Although it may be annoying for some players or they may feel uncomfortable about it, coaches need to develop their players to cope with it and contest as netball is no longer considered a non-contact sport. An example of interference could be pushing a player off balance while bodying up. An example of intimidation could be a player continually bodying up a stationary & passive player with the intent to intimidate. As always it will be open to interpretation by different umpires and generally the higher the standard of netball, the more active contest is allowed.
i get a lot of complaints by my younger players about their opponents touching them in play. it is just part of the game. but as Janet has already explained as long as its done correctly fair contest, and close body contact is certainly part of our game and our young players need to be shown how to do it correctly.
sportplan_netball
