Brief History
Netball is a team game played predominantly by women throughout the UK and around the world, but surprisingly little in Europe.  It was introduced into England in 1895 by Dr.Toles from the USA where it was devised as an outdoor exercise.  We celebrated 100 years of Netball in England by hosting the World Netball Championship in Birmingham in July 1995.

Facilities and Equipment Needed
The game is played on a hard court, indoors or outdoors, 30.5 meters long, 15.25 meters wide with "thirds", shooting circles and a centre circle.  The goal at each end of the court is a 380mm diameter ring secured to the top of a 3.05 meter post and projecting 150mm from the post.  The ring is made of steel rod, 15mm in diameter fitted with a net clearly visible and open at both ends.  The ball of leather, rubber or similar is between 690mm and 710mm in circumference, weighing 400 to 450 gram's.

A team consists of 7 players.  Playing areas are restricted and only the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter are able to score.  Squads usually consist of 10 to 12 players, with the team of 7 on the court and the substitutes, "on the bench". Unlimited substitutions may be made but are only allowed during the intervals for injury or illness. The object is to score goals by throwing a ball through the goal net.  A full game lasts an hour with play being divided in 4 quarters of 15 minutes each.

Benefits of Participating
Although the rules state that competitive netball must be single sex, there is nothing to stop boys and girls, men and women playing together recreationally.  Netball can also be enjoyed by players who have physical or learning disabilities.  Apart from the obvious physical benefits, many players start at school and go on to clubs and leagues,  many families have players, umpires, coaches and volunteers all involved with their clubs and leagues.  This is a unique way for those families with members who have physical or learning disabilities to be involved and participate together as well as encouraging team participation both amongst the players and within the clubs and leagues.  The game is played internationally as well and England are amongst the top three teams worldwide.

Variations of the Sport
First Step Netball — this is a 4 a side mini game launched in 1993.  Designed mainly for use within the National Curriculum it uses a small court, ball and posts and the rules are adapted to enable children and inexperienced players to enjoy their first taste of netball.

High Five Netball — this was launched in 1996 to form the link between First Step Netball and the full 7 a side rules.  It is now the compulsory game for U11s. A rotation system ensures that all squad members take their turn in the team of 5, plus the roles or scorer and timekeeper.