What does the term "field of play" refer to?

The term "field of play" in netball specifically designates the court where the game is played, including all the markings and zones that define the rules of the game. This encompasses not just the playing surface of the court itself, which is marked with lines indicating different areas such as the shooting circle and center circle, but may also reference elements immediately surrounding the court if they impact gameplay, such as out-of-bounds areas.

This definition is crucial because understanding the "field of play" helps players and officials ensure that all game rules and regulations are adhered to, influencing how the game is structured and how players are expected to behave within that environment. The court is where the action actually happens, making it central to the game's operation.

In contrast to this, areas like the spectators' area, team benches, or scoring zones are not part of the "field of play," as they do not directly involve the playing of the game itself but serve other purposes, such as fan engagement or team organization.