Which rules do we umpire to in South Africa, and what can competitions change?

Netball South Africa is a member of World Netball, and netball in South Africa is played to the World Netball Rules of Netball (2024 edition).

The rules are written for international play. Rule 21 lets the controlling authority of a competition (for example a league, provincial association or school competition) vary some rules for other levels, as long as the game is still played the same way. Examples it allows:

• Time: halves instead of quarters (up to 20 minutes each), shorter quarters or intervals, different extra-time rules.
• Equipment: outdoor courts with other surfaces; 2-ply balls instead of 3-ply; for primary school beginners, a lower goalpost or smaller ball, or a modified game.
• Teams: single-gender or mixed teams; fewer team officials, but primary care persons must not be players.
• Officials: no reserve umpire; fewer technical officials, though at least one scorer and one timekeeper should be appointed; umpires may use more specific calls, such as "penalty pass or shot".

The Telkom Netball League adds its own variations, such as the Telkom Supershot (2-point goals in the last 2 minutes of each quarter) and Strategic Timeouts. Where a competition hasn't set a variation, the full World Netball Rule applies.