Now accessible from your phone or tablet, the app was developed by the INF's Rules Advisory Panel who are responsible for the rules of netball as well as Keeper Solutions, a software development company based in Ireland.

It features the full text of the rules including definitions, descriptions, images and all umpire hand signals.

Users will be able to bookmark rules and pages enabling them to come back to a specific section at a later date while the app also features a search function so users can find any definitions quickly.

A link to the INF's current Fast5 - a more dynamic version of the sport - rules will also be included in the app.

"As the game of netball continues to evolve around the world, it is vital that there is sound and consistent knowledge of the rules and how these are to be applied," said Cheryl Danson, chair of the Rules Advisory Panel.

"This is a crucial and exciting first step in this journey."

Users will also be able to subscribe to news from the INF, receive the latest rules updates and connect with INF social channels and website.

"This app is an exciting development for INF and something which has been sought after from the netball family for a long time," said Clare Briegal, chief executive of INF.

"The Rules of Netball are an essential resource to everyone in the game and it's great to be able to develop the current rules into an application that users can download on their devices anywhere in the world.

"The app is part of our digital strategy which aims to transform the world of netball through innovation and technology, and it's fantastic to see this starting to come to life."

The next phase of the app will see video embedded, enabling users to watch examples and animations to get a better understanding of how the rules apply in a match.