Q1. Do I have to ask the controlling umpire (the umpire who currently has the ball in their area of control) for a Tactical Change or can I ask the other umpire?
Tactical Changes can only occur after a goal is scored however, either umpire can be asked for a Tactical Change by any on court player. It is often better to ask the non-controlling umpire as the controlling umpire will be busy with everything else going on in their goal circle. If the non-controlling umpire does hold time for the tactical change to occur, then the controlling umpire should restart play.
Q2. Can I only ask for a Tactical Change directly after a goal is scored?
No. Whilst Tactical Changes are mostly requested just after a goal is scored, players will often ask for a Tactical Change whilst the ball is still progressing to the goal circle. This often happens when an on court player is requesting the change from the non-controlling umpire and a goal is imminent. 'Umpire, can we have a Tactical Change after this goal please'?
Q3. What can an umpire do if they think a player is requesting a Tactical Change to break the momentum of play, particularly in the last few seconds of a quarter.
If an umpire thinks a team or player is misusing the Tactical Change they can refuse the request and or penalise the individual for delaying play (Rules 10.4 and 19.1 and 19.2). Misuse can be an issue where matches are centrally timed. Umpires maintain the right to refuse a Tactical Change at any point but some leagues and competitions have implemented a regulation (not a Rule!) that Tactical Changes can not occur in the last 30 seconds of a period of play. It is however very rare that a player or team would attempt to misuse the Tactical Change for the other 14.30 minutes of a quarter!
Q4. What's the difference between a Rule and a Regulation.
The Rules of the Game are set by World Netball and are reviewed and updated on a 4 yearly cycle. Only those points outlined in Rule 21 may be varied and all Netball in England must be played to World Netball Rules and authorised amendments outlined in the Domestic Rules Guidance (linked below)
https://d2cx26qpfwuhvu.cloudfront.net/englandnetball/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/02113955/2024-Domestic-Rules-Guidance-September-2024-v1-1.pdf
Regulations are set individually by league and competition organisers and ordinarily change once a year following an AGM. No regulation may be set which changes or adapts the Rules of the Game outside of those permitted within Rule 21 or the England Netball Domestic Rules Guidance. Where this occurs, the form of Netball played will not be recognised and authorised and will not meet the requirements set out in England Netball membership and insurance policies.