Wellington West Netball

futureFERNS Rules

At WWN, we are using Odds and Evens for the Year 5 & 6 games for the beginning and start of each quarter.  The team that doesn't score takes the next pass.

​​​​​​​In 2021 we have changed the rules for Grades B and C to align more with the NNZ futureFERNS rules while also preparing Grade C for Senior Grade (Year 7 and 8).

Below are some short-cut rules:

Year 3, 4 (futureFERNs)

Ball size: Size 4 ball

Goal height: 2.6m

Held ball rule: 5 sec

Game length: 2 x 13 mins, 2 mins break

Defending distance: 1m

Umpiring flexibility: Encouraging and forgiving


Year 5 (C Grade)

Ball size: Size 4 ball

Held ball rule: 5 sec

Goal height: 2.6m

Game length: 4 x 8 mins, 2 mins break

Defending distance: 1m

Umpiring flexibility: Explaining, encouraging, relax footwork rule, enforce all rules around obstruction and contact


Year 6 (B Grade)

Ball size: Size 5 ball

Held ball rule: 5 sec

Goal height: Round 1 (Term 2) 2.6m, Round 2 (Term 3) 3.05m

Game length: 4 x 8 mins, 2 mins break

Defending distance: 1m

Umpiring flexibility: Strict but friendly enforcement of the rules, explaining