What is referred to as playing time in netball?

Playing time in netball refers specifically to the duration of the match excluding stoppages. This encapsulates the time during which the game is actively being played, allowing for a clear understanding of how long teams engage in actual competition on the court. Stoppages can occur for various reasons, such as injuries, time-outs, or other interruptions, which do not contribute to the actual playing time.

In contrast, other options like total time spent on each player, the time for which a player is substituted, and the time taken for breaks pertain to elements surrounding the game rather than the minutes and seconds where play is in motion. Understanding the concept of playing time helps players and coaches focus on maximizing performance during the actual moments the game is being played, which is critical for strategy and execution.