What is a common penalty given for interference in netball?

In netball, interference occurs when a player obstructs or restricts an opponent's movement in a way that is against the rules. When interference is called, the common penalty applied is a penalty pass. This means that the player who was interfered with is awarded a pass from the position where the infringement occurred, allowing them to take an unobstructed shot or pass the ball to a teammate.

The significance of a penalty pass is that it grants the attacking team a clear opportunity to advance play without the defensive team being able to contest the ball directly, which can greatly impact the game’s flow and scoring opportunities. This penalty highlights the emphasis on fair play and the importance of maintaining clear space for all players on the court. Other types of penalties, such as a free throw, turnover, or free pass, apply in different situations and do not provide the same level of advantage as a penalty pass does in cases of interference.