National Sports

Netball leagues await new rules

The new netball rules which came into force on January 1 2012 are yet to be applied in Malawi as regional leagues are waiting for Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) directive.

Delayed application of the rules could affect players, especially for national teams when participating in international competitions.

Central Region Netball League (CRNL) chairperson Fanuel Katengeza on Tuesday said unless NAM communicates to them, the league’s second round games might still be played using the old rules.

“The second round might start this weekend. We have heard about the revised rules, but we go for what NAM directs us. They have to write us so that we can pass the information to teams,” said Katengeza.

CRNL has 12 teams and Blue Eagles Sisters lead the first round on 20 points followed by Civonets and Cida Queens.

Northern Region Netball League (NRNL) chairperson Alick Mkandawire on Tuesday also said NAM was yet to write them over the new rules.

“We know there are new rules and hope that NAM will pass on the information officially when we meet them on January 13,” said Mkandawire whose league ended recently.

The International Federation of Netball Associations (Ifna) directed all member associations to amend rule books by last Sunday.

NAM president Rosy Chinunda last week said she was yet to check her mail box if Ifna’s correspondence has reached Malawi.

The new rules, among others, now allow team officials and players to coach while play is in progress “provided that they remain seated or stand at their team bench”.

Coaching at the sideline is also allowed during intervals and during stoppages. The current rule does not allow coaching during stoppages.

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