The 2024 Cook Islands Beach Games will kick off today with the high anticipated netball competition.

Beach Netball promises to deliver an exhilarating display of skills and as 10 teams gear up for an action-packed day of mixed netball at the Nikao Beach Courts.

The netball competition is only for a day and teams are making their triumphant return for the second time at the Beach Games.

Netball Cook Islands secretary Tekura Moeka’a said a notable feature of this year’s event is the unique format of Beach Netball, with all 10 teams competing in a single grade.

Moeka’a said one of the standout teams returning to defend their title is the formidable Rehab Rolly Pollies, eager to maintain their status as champions.

She said among the teams to watch out for are Team Crax and Team Shady Bunch, featuring national squad members who will have their first netball hit out since the Pacific Games in December 2023. 

Moeka’a said the organisers of Beach Netball, a joint effort between the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) and Netball Cook Islands, have introduced significant rule changes to elevate the intensity and competitiveness of the game.

Notably, the match duration has been adjusted, with each game consisting of 8-minute halves – a rule change doubled from the previous year.

She explained that additionally, a 1-minute break between halves and a 3-minute interval between games will ensure the order of the day goes smoothly.

“To inject a further element of strategy, the playing format has been modified to allow only one person from each team in the transverse box at any given time, along with a restriction permitting only two individuals from each team in the shooting box – of which only one can be male,” Moeka’a explained.

“The start-of-game will start at transverse, while possession following each goal scored will be ceded to the opposing team, which will initiate the play from the goal line. Moreover, any change of possession will require the ball to be returned to the transverse before resuming play.”

She said for the points system, three points awarded for shots taken outside the shooting box and one point for those executed within it. 

Netball Cook Islands acknowledges Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC), the event organisers extend their heartfelt appreciation for facilitating the logistics and providing dedicated volunteers to oversee umpiring and scoring, as well as gratitude to the teams registering for the highly anticipated event.

The netball competition will start at 10.20am. The official opening of the Beach Games is at 9.30am.

The Cook Islands Beach Games will be held until January 20 at the Nikao Beach Courts and the Edgewater Resort and Spa. Fixtures: January 6: Opening ceremony and Netball, January 8-9th Touch rugby, January 10-11th 3X3 basket -Ball, January 12-13- football, January 15-16 badminton and January 19-20 volleyball.