Netball: Silver Ferns ask umpires for rules clarification

Bailey Mes of New Zealand is challenged by Laura Geitz of the Diamonds during the 2015 Netball World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.

The Silver Ferns will be seeking clarification on umpiring interpretations after being hit hard in the offensive penalty count against Jamaica last night.

The Ferns were forced to dig deep to overcome the world no. 4 side in their qualification round clash at the Netball World Cup in Sydney, with Jamaica leading by three at halftime on the back of a 16-10 second quarter effort.

As well as the scoring threat of 1.96m shooter Romelda Aiken, the Ferns also had to combat a few technical problems in their shooting end, with Bailey Mes and Maria Tutaia stung for several offensive contacts.

While New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu has little tolerance for any penalties, reasoning if a player is standing down they don't have a chance of getting the ball, offensive contacts are particularly costly as it is against the run of play and means handing over possession.

At one stage last night Tutaia even had a goal disallowed because Australian umpire Sharon Kelly ruled Mes had infringed when jostling for rebound position under the post.

With Mes had racking up 10 penalties by halftime - most of those offensive contacts - the Ferns asked for an explanation from the umpires during the break.

Taumaunu said it was a case of Mes needing to adjust her body positioning.

"We have sought clarification, it would seem [Mes] is leaning backwards in rebounding position, we're told."

Considering the work that was being done on Mes under the post by the aggressive Stacian Facey, it seemed odd that simply not standing upright enough would attract the umpire's whistle. But when asked what she thought of the calls, Taumaunu was diplomatic.

"We'll go back and look at the footage and just clarify."

Mes adjusted well in the second half, picking up just one further contact penalty following the resumption. The rookie shooter's ability to work her way out of strife during a match showed impressive maturity.

Rebounding is a big part of Mes' game, with her athleticism and vertical leap a huge asset in the goal circle.