1.3 Ball
The ball shall be a Netball, and shall measure between 690 mm – 710 mm (27
inches – 28 inches) in circumference and weigh between 400 grams – 450 grams
(14 ounces – 16 ounces). The ball may be of leather, rubber or similar material.
1.4 Players
1.4.1 Suitable sports footwear may be worn. They shall be of lightweight material. Spiked
soles are not allowed.
1.4.2 Registered playing uniforms, which shall include playing position initials, shall be
worn at all times. Playing position initials shall be worn above the waist both front
and back and shall be 150 mm (6 inches) high.
1.4.3 No item of jewellery, except a wedding ring and/or medical alert bracelet, shall be
worn. If either or both are worn, each shall be taped.
1.4.4 No adornment that may endanger player safety shall be worn.
1.4.5 Fingernails shall be short and smooth.
RULE 2: DURATION OF GAME
2.1 The game shall consist of four quarters of fifteen (15) minutes each, with an interval
of three (3) minutes between the first-second and third-fourth quarters. Teams shall
change ends each quarter.
The half time interval shall be either:
(i) five (5) minutes; or
(ii) ten (10) minutes.
This is to be decided by the Competition/Event Organiser, prior to the start of that
competition/event.
2.2 Where any one team plays two or more matches in one day or where time is limited,
the duration of the games shall be as agreed by the teams' Officials. In the event
that agreement is not reached then the games shall consist of two halves of twenty
(20) minutes each with five (5) minutes interval at half-time. Teams shall change
ends at half time.
2.3 An interval may be extended by the Umpires to deal with any emergency (refer Rule
3.4.1).
2.4 Time held for a stoppage must be played in that quarter or half of the game (refer
Rule 7). When a Penalty Pass / Shot is awarded and not taken before the whistle is
blown to end a quarter or half, the player shall be allowed to take the penalty [refer
Rule 15.1 (v)].
2.5 Procedure for extra time where a winner is required:
(i) There shall be a two (2) minute interval at the end of full time;
(ii) Extra time shall consist of two (2) halves of seven (7) minutes each, with an
interval of one (1) minute at half-time. Teams shall change ends at half-time.
The Centre Pass is taken by the team entitled to the next Centre Pass;
(iii) During both of these intervals, substitutions and/or team changes may be
made [refer Rule 6.1.1 (i)];
(iv) During extra time, normal injury or illness procedures shall apply (refer Rule
7.1). However, during the entire extra time
(a) the first stoppage for each team shall be up to two (2) minutes;
(b) each subsequent stoppage for each team shall not exceed thirty (30)
seconds.
(v) In the event of a tie remaining at the end of extra time, a visual signal shall be
used to indicate that play shall continue until one team has a two (2) goal
advantage.
RULE 3: OFFICIALS
The Match Officials are: Umpires, Scorers and Timekeepers.
The two (2) Scorers and the two (2) Timekeepers shall constitute the Official Bench (refer
Rule 3.2 and 3.3).
The Team Officials are: Coach, Manager, Captain and up to three (3) other personnel,
at least one (1) of whom must be a Primary Care Person who is
qualified to diagnose and treat injury and/or illness (for example
Doctor or Physiotherapist).
The Team Officials and up to five (5) players, not on Court, shall constitute the Team Bench.
3.1 Umpires
3.1.1 There shall be two Umpires and preferably a Reserve Umpire who shall be seated
beside the Official Bench. The two Umpires shall have control of the game and give
decisions. They shall umpire according to the Rules and decide on any matter not
covered by the Rules (refer Rule 19). The decisions of the Umpires shall be final
and shall be given without appeal.
3.1.2 Before the start of play: -
(i) Umpires shall check that the Court, its surrounds, Goalposts and the ball
conform to the Rules (refer Rule 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3);
(ii) Off the Court, the Umpires shall inspect players for:
(a) uniforms (refer Rule 1.4.1 and 1.4.2);
(b) jewellery (refer Rule 1.4.3);
(c) adornments (refer Rule 1.4.4);
(d) the correct length of fingernails (refer Rule 1.4.5)
3.1.3 An Umpire's whistle shall: -
(i) start and stop the game;
(ii) signal the end of each quarter or half of the game;
(iii) restart the game after an interval, which shall be controlled by the Umpire into
whose half the play is to be directed;
(iv) signal when an infringement is penalised;
(v) signal when a goal is scored;
(vi) signal the Timekeepers to hold time for stoppages.
3.1.4 After the Captains have notified the Umpires of the result of the toss for goal end or
first Centre Pass, the Umpires shall toss for goal end. The Umpire winning the toss
shall control that half of the Court designated the northern half.
3.1.5 Umpires shall wear clothes that are preferably white or cream in colour. Suitable
sports footwear shall be worn.
3.1.6 Each Umpire:) shall control and give decisions only in one half of the Court except as
provided for in (iv) and (vi) below. For this purpose the length of the Court is
divided in half across the centre from Side Line to Side Line;
Umpires may appeal to each other for decisions and both must be ready for
such an appeal at all times.
(ii) shall umpire in the same half of the Court throughout the game
(iii) shall restart the game after all goals scored in the half being controlled.
Immediately a goal is scored, both Umpires must indicate the direction of the
Centre Pass and if they disagree the Umpires shall appeal to the Scorer.
The Umpire who is controlling the Centre Pass is responsible for penalising
infringements by the Centre taking the Centre Pass while the player is within
the Centre Circle;
(iv) shall give decisions for the Throw In for one Goal Line and for the whole of
one Side Line. The Umpire responsible for the Throw In is responsible for
making decisions related to infringements by the player throwing in and that
player’s defending opponent/s. If the penalty is awarded in the other Umpires
area, the Umpire responsible for that half of the Court, resumes control
immediately the penalty has been set;
(v) should keep outside the Court except when it is necessary to take a Toss Up;
If the ball strikes the Umpire during play, or if an Umpire interferes with the
movements of the players, play does not cease unless one team has been
unduly penalised, in which case a Free Pass shall be awarded to that team;
(vi) shall conduct the Toss Up in the Goal Circle in their area of control. When a
Toss Up has been awarded outside the Goal Circle, the nearer Umpire will
conduct the Toss Up and shall control all relevant points listed in Section IV-
18.5: Toss Up;
(vii) shall move along the Side Line and behind the Goal Line to view play and
make decisions;
(viii) shall refrain from blowing the whistle to penalise an infringement when by so
doing the non-offending team would be placed at a disadvantage. An Umpire
shall call "advantage" to indicate an infringement has been observed and not
penalised. Having blown the whistle for an infringement, the Umpire must
award a penalty unless a goal is scored which is to the advantage of the nonoffending
team;shall not criticise or coach any team while a match is in progress;
(x) shall check that during a stoppage for injury or illness, other players remain on
the Court;
(xi) shall state the infringement and penalty and use hand signals to clarify
decisions. (Guidelines for appropriate signals for some of the Rules are listed
in the Appendix);
(xii) shall stop the game at any time to deal with an emergency (refer Rule 7.3);
(xiii) shall, at the next interval, notify the other Umpire of any disciplinary action
taken (refer Rule 20).
3.2 Scorers
3.2.1 There shall be two Scorers for each game working together. Scorer 1 shall be the
official Scorer for the game.
3.2.2 The Scorers shall:
(i) before the start of play, record the names of up to twelve (12) players, one of
whom shall be the Captain (refer Rule 4.4);
(ii) record goals scored for each team as they occur;
(iii) record any suspensions and/or ordering off which may occur.
3.2.3 The Scorers shall call the Centre Pass if appealed to by an Umpire [refer Rule
3.1.6(iii)].
3.3 Timekeepers
3.3.1 There shall be two Timekeepers who shall:-
(i) (a) commence timing when the game is started by the Umpire's whistle;
(b) where possible, by electronic means, signal the end of each quarter or
half to the Umpire, whose whistle shall end each quarter or half. [refer
Rule 3.1.3 (ii)];
(c) notify the Umpires when there are thirty (30) seconds and ten (10)
seconds remaining prior to the start of the game, the end of an interval or
a stoppage. During any subsequent stoppage for Injury or Illness as per
Rule 7.1 (vi), the Timekeepers are only required to notify the Umpires
when ten (10) seconds remain prior to the end of this stoppage.
(ii) hold time when instructed by the Umpire who shall blow the whistle to stop
play. To restart play the Umpire shall signal to the Timekeepers and blow the
whistle for play to be resumed;
(iii) ensure that, when instructed by the Umpire, time held for a stoppage is played
in the quarter or half in which this occurs (refer Rule 2.4).
3.4 Team Officials
3.4.1 During an interval, a Team Official may appeal to the Umpires for extra time to deal
with any extraordinary circumstance, which may be deemed an emergency (refer
Rule 7.3). If the appeal is granted, the Umpires shall advise each team's Officials
and the Timekeepers of the length of any extra time granted.
3.4.2 Team Officials and bench players may coach while play is in progress provided that
they remain seated or stand at their Team Bench. Coaching is also allowed during
intervals (refer Rules 2.1 and 2.2) and during Stoppages (refer Rule 7). Team
Officials and bench players may not indulge in inappropriate comments or behaviour
(refer Rules 20 (iv) and 20.1.2). (As amended in 2010 and 2011)
INF Members Only may apply for a license to re-print
Free Pass to the opposing team where the ball was when play was stopped. The Umpire
may, in addition to any penalty awarded, warn a player and/or Team Official whose
comments and/or behaviour are considered inappropriate in any way (refer Rules 20 (iv) and
20.1.2).
3.5 Captains
3.5.1 The Captains shall toss for choice of goal end or first Centre Pass and notify the
Umpires and the Scorers of the result.
3.5.2 The Captains have the right to approach an Umpire during an interval or after the
game for clarification of any rule.
RULE 4: THE TEAM
4.1 The game is for single sex competition.
4.2 There shall be seven (7) playing positions, which shall be: -
Goal Shooter (GS) Wing Defence (WD)
Goal Attack (GA) Goal Defence (GD)
Wing Attack (WA) Goal Keeper (GK)
Centre (C)
4.3 A team must take the Court if there are at least five (5) players present, one of
whom must play Centre (refer Rule 21).
4.4 Before the start of the game, the names of up to twelve (12) players, one of whom
shall be the Captain, must be provided to the Scorers (refer Rule 3.2.2). There shall
be no limit to the number of substitutions, which can be made in a game (refer Rules
6.1.1 and 6.1.2).
RULE 5: LATE ARRIVALS
5.1 No player arriving after play has started may replace a player who has filled the
position of the late arrival, however the late arrival may be used as a substitute in
accordance with Rule 6: Substitution and Team Changes.
5.2 If a player has not filled the position of the late arrival, the late arrival may not enter
the game while play is in progress but, after notifying the Umpire may take the
Court:-
(i) immediately after a goal has been scored. In this case, the player must play in
the playing position left vacant;
(ii) at a stoppage for injury or illness (refer Rules 7.1 and 7.2);
(iii) immediately following an interval.
PENALTY for Rule 5.2
Free Pass to the opposing team where the ball was when play was stopped. The player
concerned shall leave the Court until the next goal is scored or until after the next interval.
5.3 Late arrivals shall be checked by an Umpire as per Rule 3.1.2 (ii) before they may
enter the Court (refer Rules 5.1 and 5.2).
RULE 6: SUBSTITUTION AND TEAM CHANGES
6.1 Substitution is when a player leaves the Court and is replaced by another player.
Team Changes are when players on Court change playing positions.
6.1.1 Both teams have the right to make substitutions and/or team changesat an interval; or
(ii) when play is stopped for injury or illness. However, in this case the injured
or ill player for whom play was stopped must be involved in that team’s
substitutions and/or team changes [refer Rule 7.1(iv)];
6.1.2 There is no limit to the number of substitutions which can be made by a team
provided that players used do not exceed the twelve (12) named for the match (refer
Rule 4.4).
PENALTY for Rule 6.1.2
Free Pass to the opposing team where the ball was when play was stopped. The player
concerned shall leave the Court. This position shall be left vacant, unless it is the Centre,
when one player shall move to Centre to allow play to continue.
RULE 7: STOPPAGES
Coaching is permitted during any Stoppage by any Team Official who may approach
the players at the Side Line. Bench players may approach the Side Line if coaching
occurs. Any Team Official may approach the players at the Side Line for the purpose
of providing rehydration. (Refer Rule 3, 7, 7.1, 7.2. 7.3).
7.1 Injury or Illness
(i) Play may be stopped for injury or illness:
(a) after a call for time by an on Court player; or
(b) in extreme circumstances, by an Umpire, if the Umpire considers that a
player who is injured / ill is unable to call time and is in need of treatment.
The decision to stop play and when to stop play shall be at the discretion of the
Umpire.
(ii) To stop play the Umpire shall blow the whistle and signal to the Timekeepers to
hold time;
(iii) Only Primary Care Person/s are permitted on the Court to treat an injured or ill
player and/or assess the player’s medical condition. No other Team Official is
permitted on Court;
(iv) During a stoppage for injury or illness:
(a) both teams may make substitutions and/or team changes if desired. However,
in this case the injured or ill player for whom play was stopped must be
involved in that team’s substitutions and/or team changes (refer Rule 6.1.1);
(b) The playing position of the injured or ill player may be left vacant. If this player
is the Centre, one player must be moved to Centre to allow the game to
continue.
(v) The first stoppage for each team in each quarter or half (refer Rule 2.1 and 2.2)
shall be up to two (2) minutes from when time is held to decide whether an injured
or ill player is fit to continue. During this stoppage, other players from either team
who are injured or ill may receive treatment from their Primary Care Person/s.length of the stoppage is determined by the treatment required by the player for
whom play was stopped;
(vi) For each subsequent stoppage for each team, the injured or ill player must leave
the Court and has thirty (30) seconds to do so. The injury or illness must be treated
Courtside and not on the Court;
(vii) After a stoppage for injury or illness, when no substitution is made for a player
unable to resume play, the injured or ill player or a substitute may not enter the
game while play is in progress but, after notifying the Umpire, may take the Court:
(a) immediately after a goal has been scored. In this case the player or the
substitute must play in the playing position left vacant;
(b) at a stoppage for injury or illness (refer Rule 7.1 and 7.2);
(c) immediately following an interval.
PENALTY for Rule 7.1(vii)
Free Pass to the opposing team where the ball was when play was stopped. The player
concerned shall leave the Court until the next goal is scored or until the next interval.
(viii) To restart play the Umpire shall signal the Timekeepers and blow the whistle for
play to be resumed;
(ix) The game is continued from the spot where the ball was when play was stopped
other than when:
(a) the ball is out of Court, in which case a Throw In is taken;
(b) the Umpire is unable to say who was in possession of the ball, or the ball was
on the ground when play was stopped, in which case a Toss Up is taken
between any two opposing players allowed in that area, where the ball was
when play was stopped;
(c) the stoppage is due to Obstruction or Contact, in which case a Penalty Pass /
Shot is awarded where the infringer was standing, except where this places the
non-offending team at a disadvantage, when the penalty shall be taken where
the obstructed or contacted player was standing.
7.2 Blood Policy
(i) An Umpire is required to hold time when a player who is bleeding is noticed or an
on Court player has indicated the presence of blood;
(ii) To stop play the Umpire shall blow the whistle and signal the Timekeepers to hold
time;
(iii) A stoppage for blood is not regarded as a stoppage for injury or illness and is not
recorded against a team;
(iv) The stoppage shall be up to two (2) minutes from when the time is held to decide
whether a bleeding player is fit to continue. This decision shall be left to the
Primary Care Person/s. No other Team Official is permitted on Court; (a) the wound shall be adequately covered;
(b) blood stained clothing shall be removed or cleaned;
(c) the ball and the Court shall be cleaned if necessary.
(v) During a stoppage for blood the bleeding player may be substituted or the position
left vacant. No other substitutions or team changes are permitted by either team;
(vi) To restart play the Umpire shall signal to the Timekeepers and blow the whistle for
play to be resumed.
7.3 Emergencies
(i) An Umpire may stop play for any extraordinary circumstance that may be deemed
an emergency. This may include but is not limited to:
(a) the equipment;
(b) the Court;
(c) the weather;
(d) injury / illness of an Umpire.
(ii) To stop play the Umpire shall blow the whistle and signal the Timekeepers to hold
time;
(iii) The Umpire shall decide the length of time for the stoppage and shall ensure that
play is restarted as soon as possible (refer Rule 7.1(ix));
(iv) No substitutions or team changes are permitted during this stoppage. No Team
Official is permitted on Court;
(v) To restart play the Umpire shall signal to the Timekeepers and blow the whistle for
play to be resumed.
SECTION II — AREAS OF PLAY
RULE 8: PLAYING AREAS
8.1 The playing area for each player is listed
below:
Goal Shooter 1, 2
Goal Attack 1, 2, 3
Wing Attack 2, 3
Centre 2, 3, 4
Wing Defence 3, 4
Goal Defence 3, 4, 5
Goal Keeper 4, 5
8.2 Lines bounding each area are part of that area.9.1.1 A player with or without the ball shall be offside if the player enters any area other
than the playing area for that designated position.
9.1.2 A player may reach over and take the ball from an offside area or may lean on the
ball in an offside area [refer Rule 13.1(ix)] provided no physical contact is made with
the ground in the offside area.
PENALTY for Rule 9.1.1 to 9.1.2
A Free Pass to the opposing team where the infringement occurred.
9.2 Simultaneous Offside
When any two opposing players simultaneously enter an offside area: -
(i) if neither makes any contact with the ball, they are not penalised and play
continues;
(ii) if one of them is in possession of the ball or touching the ball, a Toss Up is
taken between those two players in their own area of play, except as provided
for under Rule 9.2 (iv);
(iii) if both of them are in possession of the ball or touching the ball, a Toss Up is
taken between those two players in their own area of play, except as provided
for under Rule 9.2 (iv);
(iv) if one player, who is allowed only in the Goal Third, goes offside into the
Centre Third, and an opposing player simultaneously goes offside into the
Goal Third, one or both in contact with the ball, a Toss Up is taken in the
Centre Third between any two opposing players allowed in that area.
RULE 10: OUT OF COURT
10.1 The ball is out of Court when: -
(i) it touches the ground outside the Court;
(ii) it touches an object or person in contact with the ground outside the Court;
(iii) it is held by a player in contact with the ground, an object or a person outside
the Court.
PENALTY for Rule 10.1
A Throw in to the team opposing the one who last had contact with the ball, to be taken
where the ball crossed the line.
10.2 A ball, which hits any part of the Goalpost and rebounds into play, is not out of
Court.
10.
RULE 17: CONTACT
17.1. No player may contact an opponent, either accidentally or deliberately, in such a
way that interferes with the play of that opponent or causes contact to occur.
17.2 In an effort to attack or defend or to play the ball a player shall not:-
(i) move into the path of an opponent who is committed to a particular landing
space;
(ii) position so closely to an opponent that the player is unable to move without
contacting;
(iii) push, trip, hold or lean on an opponent or use other forms of physical contact;
(iv) place a hand or hands on a ball held by an opponent;
(v) knock or remove the ball from the possession of an opponent;
(vi) while holding the ball push it into an opponent.
PENALTY for Rule 17.1 to 17.2
Penalty Pass / Shot where the infringer is standing unless this places the non-offending team
at a disadvantage, when the penalty shall be taken where the contacted player was standing.
17.3 If two opposing players contact simultaneously, a Toss Up shall be taken between
the two players concerned (refer Rules 18.5.1 (v), 18.5.2 and 18.5.3).
SECTION IV— PENALTIES
RULE 18: AWARDING PENALTIES
During a game the Umpires may award the following penalties unless the Advantage
Rule applies [refer Rule 3.1.6 (viii)]: -
• Free Pass
• Penalty Pass
• Penalty Pass / Shot
• Throw In
• Toss Up
In addition, the Umpires may decide on any matter not covered by the Rules
(refer Rule 3.1.1) or not in the spirit of the game (refer Rules 19 and 20).
18.1 Setting Penalties
18.1.1 All penalties, with the exception of the Toss Up, are awarded to a team. The penalty
may be taken by any member of the team allowed in the area.
18.1.2 In taking the penalty the player must:
(i) take up the position clearly directed and indicated by the Umpire before playing
the ball (refer Rules 3.1.6 (xi), 18.3.1 and 19.2); and
(ii) throw the ball within three (3) seconds (refer Rule 13.3); and
(iii) obey the Footwork Rule which applies as though the foot placed at the point
indicated is equivalent to the landing foot in a one foot landing or to receiving
the ball with one foot grounded.
18.2 Free Pass
18.2.1 A Free Pass for all minor infringements of the Rules is awarded to a team and may
be taken by any player allowed in the area where the infringement occurred.
18.2.2 A Goal Shooter or Goal Attack taking a Free Pass in the Goal Circle may not shoot
for goal.
PENALTY for Rule 18.2.2
Free Pass to the opposing team in the Goal Circle where the infringement occurred.
18.3 Penalty Pass/Shot
18.3.1 A Penalty Pass/Shot is awarded to a team for all major infringements of the Rules:
(i) Obstruction (refer Rule 16);
(ii) Contact (refer Rule 17);
(iii) When a defending player causes the Goalpost to move so as to interfere with
the shot at goal (refer Rule 15.3).
The penalty shall be taken by any player allowed in the area where the infringer was
standing unless this places the non-offending team at a disadvantage. Both the
player taking the penalty and the offending player/s must take up the positions
clearly directed and indicated by the Umpire (refer Rules 3.1.6 (xi), 18.1.2, 18.3.2
and 19.2) before the player taking the penalty may play the ball (refer Rule 13.3).
18.3.2 The penalised player must stand beside and away from the player taking the
penalty so as not to impede this player in any way. The penalised player may not
move or attempt to take part in play either physically or verbally until the ball has left
the hands of the thrower.
If the infringer moves or attempts to take part in play, either physically or verbally,
before the ball has left the thrower's hands, the penalty shall be retaken by that
thrower unless the Penalty Pass/Shot is successful or advantage applies.
18.3.3 (i) An attempt to intercept the Penalty Pass/Shot may be made by any opposing
player other than the offender.
(ii) If an opponent obstructs or contacts the thrower during the taking of the
Penalty Pass/Shot, a Penalty Pass/Shot shall be awarded where the
subsequent infringer was standing unless this places the non-offending team
at a disadvantage.
(iii) Both the original and subsequent offenders must stand beside and away from
the player taking the penalty. The penalised players may not move or attempt
to take part in play either physically or verbally until the ball has left the hands
of the thrower.
18.3.4 When two members of a team simultaneously obstruct or contact a member of the
opposing team, each offender shall stand beside and away from the thrower taking
the penalty. They must not move or attempt to take part in play either physically or
verbally until the ball has left the hands of the thrower.
18.3.5 A Goal Shooter or Goal Attack taking a Penalty Pass/Shot in the Goal Circle, may
either pass or shoot for goal.
18.4 Throw In
18.4.1 When the ball goes out of Court, it shall be put into play by a member of the team
opposing either: -
(i) the player on Court who last had contact with the ball; or
(ii) the player who touched or received the ball while any part of that player was
touching the ground, object or a person outside the Court.
18.4.2 The player throwing the ball in shall:
In this case, the team may move one player so that play may continue and this
player must remain as Centre until the end of the suspension.
20.2.4 At the end of the suspension period, the player must return to the position from
which they were suspended and any player moved to Centre must return to the
position they were playing at the time of the suspension.
20.2.5 After notifying the Umpire, the suspended player may enter the Court:
(i) immediately after a goal has been scored; or
(ii) immediately following an interval.
20.3 Ordering Off
20.3.1 In the case of more serious misconduct or of misconduct following a suspension, the
Umpire may order a player to leave the Court and take no further part in the game.
20.3.2 The Umpire shall:-
(i) signal to the Timekeepers to hold time;
(ii) advise the player of the reasons for the ordering off;
(iii) signal to the Timekeepers and blow the whistle for the game to be resumed.
20.3.3 The player ordered off shall report to the appropriate Team Bench.
20.3.4 No substitution may be made for a player ordered off. The playing position of
that player shall be left vacant, except that if this player is the Centre, one player
must be moved to Centre to allow the game to continue.
RULE 21: FAILURE TO TAKE THE COURT
21.1 A team (refer Rule 4.3) must take the Court when requested to do so by the
Umpires.
The Umpire shall notify the teams when there are thirty (30) seconds and ten (10)
seconds remaining prior to:
(a) the start of the game; and
(b) the end of an interval.
21.2 At the ten (10) seconds notification the teams shall move to their playing positions
for the start or restart of play;
21.3 The teams must be on Court and be in position ready for the start or restart of play.
PENALTY for Rule 21.3
(i) If a team fails to take the Court by the start or restart of play, the Umpire shall
penalise for deliberate delaying of play (refer Rule 19.2).
(ii) if a team fails to take the Court within one (1) minute of the designated time for
the start or restart of play (refer Rule 2), the Umpires shall award the game to
the non-offending team.