Netball Netball action at the Special Olympics Great Britain's 2005 National Summer Games. Special Olympics Great Britain athlete Paula Sage was as excited by the news that she and her fellow netball team members had qualified for those Games as she was celebrating her starring role in the movie AfterLife at its London premiere on Wednesday, 11 August 2004. Sage's team placed second at the Games. "I love my netball," she said. "I would have liked the gold, although silver is good too. It was awesome." [Photo courtesy Special Olympics Great Britain] Netball is a fast, skillful team game based on running, jumping, throwing and catching. It evolved as a result of a misinterpretation of the rules of basketball. Netball teams may include up to 12 players, but only seven may take the court at any one time. Each player has a playing position determined by the areas on the court where they may move. The playing positions are shown by identification letters worn above the waist, on both the front and the back of the player. The object of the game is to score as many goals as possible from within an area called the Goal Circle; only two players from each team, the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter, may score goals. The game is a popular participatory and spectator sport in many British Commonwealth countries. Netball Facts Netball can be played either indoors or outdoors on the appropriate courts. Although the sport was predominately played by females in the first half of the 20th century, netball's popularity continues to grow and men are welcome in the game. In 1995 netball became a "recognized" Olympic sport. Recognized sports (such as golf, roller skating and surfing) are acknowledged by the International Olympic Committee, and the International Sports Federations that administer these sports must ensure that their statutes, practice and activities conform with the Olympic Charter. Netball Events Netball team competition The following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels: Individual Skills Contest Related Links: International Netball Federation