What sanctions can the umpires give team officials and bench players?
Rule- South Africa
- Netball South Africa
- World Netball Rules 2024
- Senior
- 2026
- Team officials
- Coaches
- Bench officials
World Netball Rule 18.43-18.47. Team officials and bench players must behave in a sporting way for the whole match, including intervals and stoppages.
| Offence | Sanction to the other team |
|---|---|
| Bench movement: leaving the team bench during play (bench players may leave for a valid reason, such as warming up) | Free pass where the ball was |
| Bench behaviour: criticising the umpires or their decisions; offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures; excessive noise or interruption; encouraging foul play; coming on court except in an extreme safety emergency | Penalty pass where the ball was (or where play was due to restart). No player stands out |
Further action:
- A warning, to one person or to all of the team's officials and bench players.
- If the warning is ignored, the umpire asks the event organiser to remove them from the playing enclosure for the rest of the match, with no contact with the team at intervals or stoppages.
- In a serious case, removal can happen without a warning.
A primary care person who misuses the right to come on court during play for a safety emergency can also be disciplined this way.
Added 22 Oct 2026