How to Score a Netball Game

scoringbeginnerguide

What Does a Netball Scorer Do?

The scorer (also called the scorekeeper) is responsible for keeping an accurate record of goals scored by each team throughout the match. This includes tracking quarter-by-quarter scores, the running total, and which team takes each center pass. New to the sport? Read our introduction to netball or the complete rules guide first.

Setting Up Before the Game

Before the first whistle, you need a few pieces of information:

  • Team names - confirm with the umpires or team captains
  • Quarter length - standard is 15 minutes, but junior games may use 10 or 12 minutes
  • Which team takes the first center pass - decided by coin toss or agreement between captains
  • Venue and date - for the official record

During Each Quarter

As goals are scored, record:

  1. Which team scored - add one point to their tally
  2. The running score - keep a cumulative total for each team
  3. Center pass allocation - center passes alternate between teams regardless of which team scores

Understanding Center Passes

Netball uses an “odds and evens” system for center passes:

  • One team is designated “evens” and the other “odds”
  • After each goal, add both teams’ scores together
  • If the total is even, the “evens” team takes center pass
  • If the total is odd, the “odds” team takes center pass

This system ensures fair distribution of center passes throughout the game.

Between Quarters

At each quarter break, record the quarter score for both teams. Under official INF rules, the odds/evens designations may change at the break depending on whether the quarter ended with a goal or with the ball in play.

After the Game

Once the final whistle blows, tally up the final scores and confirm with the umpires. A complete scorecard should show:

  • Quarter-by-quarter scores for both teams
  • Final scores
  • Date, venue, and any player awards

Using Netball Scorer Pro

Netball Scorer Pro automates all of this. It tracks scores, calculates center passes automatically, manages the quarter timer, and generates a printable scorecard at the end of the game. It works offline on any device - just open it in your browser and tap “Add to Home Screen”.