WINDHOEK - World Netball Series, the thrilling showcase competition for the world's most important women's team sport, will be going to Auckland, New Zealand, in November next year.

The International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA) this week announced that Netball New Zealand has been awarded the right to host the three-day competition from November 9-11 2012. The tourney will take place at the superb Vector Arena in Auckland.

The top six netball teams in the world, by IFNA ranking, will compete in the Fast Net format which is fast, furious and fun. Fast Net, developed by IFNA in collaboration with the best teams in the world is a high-speed, high-octane variant on the traditional game. Since its launch in 2009 - it has proved a big hit with players and spectators, including international TV audience.

The Honourable Molly Rhone, President of IFNA, said: "I am delighted to confirm that next year's competition will be held at the Vector Arena in Auckland. New Zealand loves netball and will be excellent hosts for this thrilling competition. We are really looking forward to bringing Fast Net to Auckland next November. The Fast Net Ferns have won World Netball Series in 2009 and 20I0 and will be keen to regain the title in 2012."

World Netball Series

The World Netball Series is a new event created to showcase netball to the world using a new set of rules. The Fast Net format provides a fast, dynamic and exciting environment for players and spectators. The main rule changes are as follows:

â€" Shorter quarters â€" 4 x 6 minute quarters rather than 15 minutes;

â€" Power Play â€" a team can have one quarter where their goals will count for double points.;

â€" Long shots â€" goals can be scored from outside the circle and are worth double points;.

â€" Rolling substitutions â€" teams can make an unlimited number of substitutions whilst play is in progress;.

â€" Centre passes â€" are taken by the team who conceded the last goal rather than alternating between the teams;

â€" Coaching â€" is allowed during the game from the marked coaching area; and,
â€" Time outs â€" all injury stoppages are limited to 30 seconds.

Fast Net made its international debut in October 2009 in Manchester and was held in Liverpool in 2010 and 2011. The new format has been a resounding success with huge demand for Fast Net competitions.

For further details please visit: www.worldnetballseries.com