What is the primary responsibility of timekeepers in netball?

Timekeepers in netball play a critical role in ensuring the game runs smoothly by maintaining an accurate record of playing time. Their primary responsibility is to track the duration of each quarter, noting any stoppages or delays in play, and providing the necessary signals to indicate the end of each quarter. This is essential because netball matches have specific time limits, and accurate timekeeping is crucial for upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring that all teams have an equal opportunity to compete within the set time frame.

While other responsibilities, such as managing substitutions or ensuring players are properly attired, are also important within the context of the game, they are not the main duties tied to the role of the timekeeper. Instead, the focus of the timekeeper is squarely on monitoring and recording the game time to facilitate a fair and organized playing environment.