How are the netball rules relaxed for beginners in Set and Go?

Umpires use modified rules so children can learn and succeed. Children are taught the real rules (such as 3 seconds to pass) from the start, but umpires allow extra time in a game: up to 5 seconds in Set and up to 4 seconds in Go.

Set (ages 7-8)

• The ball must be thrown, not handed, to a teammate.
• Players may bat or bounce the ball up to 2 times to gain possession, and 1-2 steps to regain balance are allowed.
• The non-scoring team takes the centre pass.
• Players are guided, not penalised, the first time they go offside, obstruct or break early on the centre pass.
• Strict one-on-one defence, and players may not defend a shot at goal.

Go (ages 9-10)

• Shuffling on the spot to regain balance is allowed.
• Centre passes alternate.
• Players must defend from at least 1.2 metres, and may now defend a shot at goal.
• Rules are gradually tightened across the season to prepare for junior netball.

In both stages the advantage rule is not applied (except advantage goal), and each team may make unlimited substitutions, with the substitute tagging the player leaving the court.

Source: Netball Australia NetSetGO Modified Rules fact sheet (August 2026), https://netball.com.au/sites/netballnation/files/2026-08/NA%20NetSetGO-Modified%20Rules%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf