The top six netball nations will play by new netball rules announced today by the International Federation Netball Association (IFNA) for the World Netball Series.

 

England, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Samoa and Malawi are all due to take part.

 

Supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), a launch event in Manchester’s Arndale Centre saw the unveiling of the rules and logo for the new fast-pasted and compelling Series, to be played in October.
 
In the space of three hours, spectators will witness some of the world’s greatest netball, promising a fast, ferocious and vibrant competition raising the profile of the sport and attracting new participants and spectators, officials claimed.

 

A number of innovative rule changes have been introduced for this high profile series, designed to test the fitness, technical ability and tactical awareness of the best players in the world.

 

Each game will be played over four, six-minute quarters, promising an awesome, high-energy spectacle.

 

The sport's leaders hope the new rules will arouse interest in the same way that cricket has been revitalised by the launch of Twenty20.

 

Other rule changes include unlimited number of rolling substitutions and power plays when any goals scored will be doubled.

 

Netball is planning to launch a bid to be included as an Olympic sport in 2020 and is hoping that the new event will help rise its profile.

 

Peter Mearns, the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the NWDA said: "Today’s launch event has successfully highlighted a sport that is accessible for all and I look forward to October when the Series will be contested across the city.”