When can you substitute in netball?
A · Advanced · Defending and sanctions · 2 of 2Teams may make unlimited substitutions and position swaps at intervals, during stoppages for injury or blood and straight after a goal. An injured player must leave within 30 seconds; with no substitute, the position stays empty. A team short of five at the start of a period has 30 seconds or loses.
How it works
- Substitutions: unlimited.
- When: intervals and stoppages.
- Tactical change: after a goal.
- Injured player: off within 30 seconds.
- No substitute: position empty.
- Return: at the next break.
- Fewer than five: 30 seconds.
- Late player: enters at the right time.
The glossary has the substitution and team change, the tactical change, the injury, illness and blood stoppage, the late player, the failure to take the court and the captain and toss.
Tricky cases
Can a team substitute during play?
No. Only at the set times.
A player is bleeding. Must they leave?
Yes.
A team cannot field five after 30 seconds. Result?
The opponents are awarded the match.
Who may go on to assess an injury?
Only a primary care person.
Why the rule exists
Short stoppages keep the game flowing while protecting injured players.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | Named players | L 10.1 |
| Injury | 30 seconds | L 10.5 |
| Fewer than five | Match lost | L 3.4 |
From the rule book
World Netball, Rules of Netball (2024), Rules 3 and 10. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: World Netball Rules of Netball 2024.