Exciting rule changes set for Cathedral City Lighter Fast Net Grand Prix Fast Net action returns in January and this is your first chance to watch the Celtic Dragons take to the court in the Cathedral City Lighter Fast Net Grand Prix. It will be a new experience for fans and teams as the Welsh side take the opportunity to trial rule changes to Fast Net to make the format even more exciting.
The rule changes that will be on show at the Grand Prix include; the nominated Head Coach for each side will be able to coach from the substitution box, even if a player is also present in the box. Goals scored outside the circle will be worth 3 points in normal play and remain at 4 in Powerplay periods. Perhaps the most anticipated alteration is in regards to the Powerplay themselves.
The general philosophy at the 2011 World Netball Series was for both sides to take their Powerplay in the third quarter and attempt to nullify each other. However, at the beginning of every match at the Grand Prix, teams will flip a coin with the winner selecting which quarter they will use their Powerplay. The loser of the coin toss must then select a different quarter in which to use theirs.
FIAT Netball Superleague General Manager, Andy Crook believes that the changes will make for an improved viewing spectacle; he said “Fast Net has proven to be an electrifying form of the game and the rule changes we are implementing for the Cathedral City Lighter Grand Prix are looking to increase the pace and the excitement of the contest. We have an opportunity to trial proposed changes in this competition ahead of the World Netball Series 2012 to be held in Auckland.
“The rule changes are designed to encourage shooting from outside the circle, as we have seen how devastating this skill can be when executed at the World Netball Series. The fact that a nominated coach can coach from the substitution box should encourage greater tactical influence on the game and the change in Powerplays will add a different dynamic and opens the format up to a new way of thinking.”
There will be a thrilling weekend of Fast Net action as four northern teams contest the Manchester Conference on Saturday 7th January, with the four southern teams entering the competition on Sunday 8th January at the Surrey Conference.
The Celtic Dragons get underway on the 8th of January at the Surrey Sports Park along with the Hertfordshire Mavericks, Surrey Storm and Team Bath. The top two teams from each Conference then proceed to the Finals night on Friday 13th January, with Surrey once more the hosts. Tickets are still available for all three days action, with adult tickets priced at just £14 and juniors/concessions costing £12. With eight games to be played at each Conference session, this equates to less than £2 per match! Prices remain the same for the Finals night as four more monster clashes will decide the winner of the inaugural Cathedral City Lighter Fast Net Grand Prix.
