South East Queensland Umpires. Policy and Procedures Manual

Transcription

1 South East Queensland Umpires Policy and Procedures Manual 2018

2 Contents 1 Interpretation Definitions Structural Changes Changes in Structure of Employment for Umpires Match Payments and Benefits Competition Rankings Match Payments Timing of payments Pay slips & game details Payment errors Travel Reimbursement Umpire Travel Reimbursement Travel, Accommodation and Meals Requirements to miss permanent employment Match Day Change rooms Umpire Escorts Trainers Home and Away Finals Training Fitness Coach Trainers Brisbane Injury Management Training Venue Alternative training venues Time Pre-season camp Professional Development & Coaching Selection & assessment General selection policy Finals and Grand Finals selection policy Secular Employment Usual Occupation of Umpire

3 6.1.4 Formal Studies / Education Courses Notification of appointments Observations and performance feedback Uniforms Miscellaneous Service support Functions Umpires Passes Use of Image Reports and Tribunal Insurance Loss of Income Cover Non- Medicare Medical Benefits Grievance handling process Appendix A Match Payments for the 2018 Season Appendix B ATO Fact Sheet for AFL Queensland Umpires and Umpire Coaches Appendix C Umpiring Code of Conduct Appendix D 2018 Selection Policies Appendix E 2018 Uniform Entitlements Appendix F - Steps to Manage Underperformance

4 1 Interpretation 1.1 Definitions Affiliates entities who seek to play AFL and benefit from the support provided by AFL Queensland and who must adhere to and abide by Rules and Regulations as defined by the League. AFL Australian Football League AFLQ AFL Queensland AFLQUA AFL Queensland Umpires Association AFL Listed Umpire An Umpire who is either contracted to the AFL, or otherwise umpires in the AFL competition during the season AFLQ Appeals Board a panel of individuals established by tribunal to reopen any hearing for the purpose of considering fresh evidence Appointments Panel shall be a panel of one or more coaches that will be responsible for appointing Umpires to Matches Community Football all grades of football below NEAFL Event includes any aspect or event in, or in connection with, any Match In-season the period from the Monday prior to the first Home & Away Match in a competition run by AFLQ, to the day after the last Grand Final in a competition run by AFLQ Match a game of Australian Football sanctioned by AFLQ, its Affiliates or played as part of the NEAFL competition NEAFL - North East Australian Football League QAFL Queensland Australian Football League Pre-season the period from first official training session, as notified by AFLQ (generally the second week in November) until the day prior to the commencement of the In-season period Public Holiday means a day that gazetted by the Queensland Government as a public holiday in Queensland Representative Match a Match where players are selected from a number of clubs or leagues to represent a region, league or competition Umpire a person appointed by AFLQ to officiate in a Match sanctioned by AFLQ or its Affiliates 3

5 2 Structural Changes In the event there are any significant changes to the competitions or the structure of football in Queensland in the coming years (including the NEAFL and QAFL competition which impact on Community Football), AFLQ and the AFLQUA agree to work together in good faith to ensure that any such changes are appropriately reflected in an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Changes in Structure of Employment for Umpires As of 1 February, AFL Queensland obtained a Private Ruling from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) indicating that, based on the arrangements detailed in the Private Ruling, AFLQ Community Umpires, Umpire Coaches and Observers need not be employed by AFL Queensland. The ATO Private Ruling is based on the fact that community umpiring is considered a private recreational pursuit or hobby rather than an income producing activity e.g. umpiring at community football level is considered a social, spare-time activity or pastime pursued for pleasure or recreation. The ATO Private Ruling, in practical terms, means Umpires, Umpire Coaches and Observers will no longer be subject to income tax withholding on umpiring payments. Further information is provided in the ATO Fact Sheet for AFLQ Umpires and Umpire Coaches attached in Appendix B. This Policy and Procedures Manual (produced annually by AFLQ) is intended to work in conjunction with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AFLQ and the AFLQUA. 3.1 Match Payments and Benefits Competition Rankings In line with the growth and development of Male and Female South-East Queensland competitions (including NSW Northern Rivers), it is the view of AFLQ that the competitions managed by AFLQ can best be ranked in the following manner: 1. QAFL Seniors 2. QFA Division 1 and QAFL Reserves 3. QWAFL and QFA Division 2 & 3 Seniors 4. All Colts Competitions 5. QFA Division 1 Reserves QFA Northern Rivers Seniors 6. All QWFA Competitions, QFA Division 2 &3 Reserves, QFA Divisions 4 and 5, QFA Northern Rivers Reserves Match Payments a) The schedule of 2018 Match Payments for all Umpires is outlined in Attachment A. b) Umpires agree to ensure that all pay sheets provided by AFLQ (available at training or can be downloaded from the internet) are correctly completed, signed and returned to AFLQ s Umpiring Administration and Appointments Coordinator for all Matches 4

6 completed, via the online paperwork submission form. c) Match Payments will be withheld until ALL Match Day Paperwork has been submitted to AFL Queensland via the online paperwork submission form Timing of payments a) AFLQ will ensure that Umpires are paid, in arrears, by electronic transfer into each Umpire s nominated bank account on a fortnightly basis. b) Payments will be made on, or before, the 9 th and 25 th of each month. c) Each payment will include Matches that haven t been paid, excluding Matches from the most recent weekend. d) Where the scheduled pay day falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment will be made the immediate proceeding day that is not a weekend or public holiday. e) Umpires will not be paid for games where pay slips have not been returned to AFLQ. Umpires are responsible for returning payslips to AFLQ as soon as possible after a Match Pay slips & game details AFLQ will not provide each Umpire with a paper or electronic pay slip itemising amounts paid for each game umpired, travel and other allowances paid. However, Umpires can request from the Umpiring Appointments and Administration Coordinator an itemised break down of their fortnightly payments Payment errors a) In the event of an Umpire not being paid correctly (the Pay Discrepancy), AFLQ must resolve the Pay Discrepancy within five (5) business days of becoming aware of the Pay Discrepancy; b) Where the resolution of the Pay Discrepancy finds that an Umpire has been underpaid, AFLQ must pay the underpayment amount as soon as possible after the underpayment is identified, but in any event no later than the next pay run; c) An Umpire who believes that they have not been paid correctly must notify the designated AFLQ contact in the approved form. d) In relation to Pay Discrepancies, AFLQ will keep a record of any Pay Discrepancy notifications, including: i. the date the notification was provided to AFLQ; ii. the grade of football predominately Umpired by the Umpire; iii. the outcome of the notification; iv. the date the Pay Discrepancy notification was resolved; and v. the date AFLQ pays any short-paid amount to the Umpire (if any). e) To assist with the processing of Match Payments and Reimbursements, each year it is necessary for each Umpire to complete a registration form, in the manner required by AFLQ. AFLQ will provide registration forms, in either paper or electronic format, at the commencement of pre-season training each year. It is the responsibility of the Umpire to ensure registration forms are completed and returned to AFLQ on or before the date stated. f) Umpires will use best endeavours to notify AFLQ of any Pay Discrepancy by no later than 15 October in the year which the Pay Discrepancy arose. 5

7 3.2 Travel Reimbursement Umpire Travel Reimbursement For home and away matches, finals and grand finals, AFLQ agrees to pay each Umpire appointed to a match or representative matches for travel outside of their Home Region (LGA), in addition to the normal Match Payment (the Umpire Travel Reimbursement) as follows: a) Umpires that are required to travel from their home LGA through the neighbouring LGA in the second LGA within their Home Region, shall be paid the Travel Reimbursement multiplied by 0.5. b) Umpires required to travel from their Home Region to another Region shall be paid the Umpire Travel Reimbursement (e.g. Brisbane to Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast to Brisbane); c) Umpires required to travel outside their Home Region to/from Toowoomba shall be paid the Umpire Travel Reimbursement multiplied by 1.5. d) Umpires required to travel from their Home Region, through a second Region to a third Region shall be paid the Umpire Travel Reimbursement multiplied by 2 (e.g. Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast, or Brisbane to Northern NSW) e) Umpires required to travel, by any mode other than air transport, outside of the Regions shall be paid the Umpire Travel Reimbursement multiplied by 2. f) Where an Umpire is required to travel to a neighbouring Region, however they are only traveling to the next LGA, the Umpire Appointments and Administration Coordinator will determine if the Umpire is entitled to a Travel Reimbursement. An Umpire s home LGA is the LGA corresponding to their home address Regions There will be five regions for determining travel reimbursement based on the following: 1. Greater Brisbane, which will include Redlands, Ipswich, Moreton Bay & Logan City Local Government Areas (LGA s); 2. Gold Coast; 3. Sunshine Coast, which will include the Sunshine Coast Regional, Noosa, and Gympie Regional LGA s; 4. Toowoomba; which includes Toowoomba and Locker Valley Regional LGA s; and 5. Northern NSW (south to Richmond Valley Council Area) Amount of Umpire Travel Reimbursement If an Umpire is required to travel from their home LGA through the neighbouring LGA into a second LGA within their region, a single $20 payment will be made to the Umpire (Example One). Example One (1): An Umpire residing in Ipswich is appointed to a match at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex. The Umpire is required to travel from their home LGA (Ipswich) through the Brisbane LGA to the Moreton Bay LGA. This Umpire would receive a $20 travel reimbursement as they have travelled through the Brisbane LGA to the Moreton Bay LGA. 6

8 If an Umpire is required to travel outside their Region to another Region a single $40 payment will be made to the Umpire (Example Two). Example Two (2): An Umpire residing in the Greater Brisbane Region is appointed to a match at Noosa. The Umpire is required to travel from their home Region (Brisbane LGA) to the Sunshine Coast Region. This Umpire would receive a $40 travel reimbursement as they have travelled a significant distance into another Region. Where an Umpire is required to travel to a neighbouring Region, however they are only traveling to the next LGA, the Umpire Appointments and Administration Coordinator will determine if the Umpire is entitled to a travel reimbursement. (Example Three). Example Three (3): An Umpire residing in Caboolture (Moreton Bay Regional LGA) is appointed to a match at Glasshouse (Sunshine Coast Regional LGA). This Umpire would not be entitled to a reimbursement as they are only travelling a short distance. An Umpire s Home Region is the Region (LGA) in which the umpire has registered with AFLQ. Every effort will be taken to ensure Umpires are not required to travel excessively throughout the season, however there may be times in which this is unavoidable Travel Reimbursement to Attend Tribunal Hearings a) Where an Umpire attends a tribunal hearing within their region, they will be paid a travel reimbursement of 50% of the Umpire Travel Reimbursement. b) Where an Umpire travels from one geographical region to the next geographical region to attend a tribunal hearing, they will be paid the Umpire Travel Reimbursement. c) Where an Umpire travels from one geographical region, through the next geographical region to get to the destination region to attend a tribunal hearing, they will be paid a travel reimbursement of the Umpire Travel reimbursement multiplied by two. 3.3 Travel, Accommodation and Meals If an Umpire is required to travel more than 350km from the Brisbane CBD for any Match or Representative Match, AFLQ agrees to bear the cost of all reasonable travel, accommodation and meal expenses (breakfast and dinner each day) incurred by an Umpire in the performance of his or her duties. AFLQ will ensure that an Umpire who is required to travel by air is booked on flights that depart at reasonable times and takes appropriate account of the need to balance the following objectives: a) Ensuring the Umpire arrives at the destination in sufficient time to properly prepare for the game (generally no later than 3 hours prior to the scheduled Match start time); b) Ensuring the amount of time, the Umpire is away from home is limited as far as is reasonably possible; c) Ensuring the Umpire is booked on the most appropriate flight after the game, allowing for sufficient time to complete his or her duties after the Match and ensure appropriate recovery; d) Ensuring the Umpire is not booked on flights that depart at unreasonable hours such as to compromise the performance of his or her duties; 7

9 e) Where an Umpire officiating at a National Carnival misses one or more Home & Away Match the Umpire will be paid an amount equal to the grade they Umpired in the round immediately preceding the National Carnival for each Home & Away Match that the Umpire misses (for the avoidance of doubt, an Umpire will only be paid for one game each weekend they are officiating at a National Carnival). All personal expenses such as entertainment, alcohol, travel (that is not necessary) and telephone costs shall be at the Umpire s own expense. Umpires shall respect the fact that they are a representative of the AFLQ and shall conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, including complying with all reasonable management requests by the AFL and/or AFLQ Requirements to miss permanent employment If as a result of travel requirements to attend an appointed Match an Umpire elects to miss half a day or more of his or her regular employment, the Umpire shall be paid the following rate of compensation, provided evidence is received to indicate the Umpire has not paid been for their time off work: 2018 Employment Compensation $ Match Day 4.1 Change rooms AFLQ will ensure that its Affiliate clubs are aware of the minimum requirements for umpire change rooms. The minimum requirements are as follows: a) Minimum accessible floor space of 15 square metres (excluding shower and toilet) b) One table; c) Seating for at least seven; d) Clothes hooks / hanging space for 13; e) One mirror; f) One rubbish bin; g) Clean shower recess with adequate hot water flow even when teams are showering; h) One toilet with a door and toilet paper; i) Clean; j) Private; k) Provide facilities to allow female Umpires to change in private without requiring the vacating of the room by the remaining umpires; l) Sufficient lighting; and m) Be appropriately located, taking into account security, safety and to ensure the Umpires performance would not be compromised. 8

10 Further: i. The rooms should be kept in a clean and tidy condition with no extraneous items being stored in the room. ii. The rooms must be able to be secured, and a key providing access should be made available to the Umpires officiating on the day. iii. With respect to item k) & m), incorporating the same in existing facilities may not be feasible. However, given the growing number of female Umpires that, as far as possible, separate change rooms should be available. iv. AFLQ shall ensure that any clubs undertaking renovation, development, or redevelopment, of change rooms are aware of all the above requirements and incorporate the same in the renovation, development or redevelopment. Further, where possible, separate male and female change rooms should be developed and they should be adjoining by way of an internal door. AFLQ and the AFLQUA will work together to identify any Umpire change rooms that do not meet the above minimum requirements, with a view to working with clubs to improve the change rooms. 4.2 Umpire Escorts a) Escorts must be present for all Matches. b) The escorts should present themselves to the Umpires prior to the commencement of the game. c) Escorts must be acceptable to the Umpires. Clubs have been advised that escorts must, as a minimum, be 18 years of age. d) For all Matches, one escort shall be provided from each club. The escorts must accompany all Umpires (including Goal Umpires) from the ground at half time and at the completion of the game. e) AFLQ will provide suitable escorts for finals Matches in all grades. The escorts will be required to escort Umpires on and off the ground. f) AFLQ will provide Security Personnel for the QAFL and QFA Division 1 Grand Finals and suitable escorts for grand finals in all grades. The escorts will be required to escort Umpires on and off the ground, as well as being stationed near the Umpires during the quarter and three-quarter time breaks. g) Where necessary, the escorts will escort the Umpires to the change rooms, not just off the ground. 4.2 Trainers a) In accordance with clause below, trainers and medical supplies, except injury prevention tape, shall be provided at no expense to Umpires. b) Trainers should be provided with entry tickets, at no cost to the trainer, to any Matches they attend. c) At the request of AFLQUA to AFLQ, Trainers may assist the AFLQUA with the promotion of sponsors brands, displaying signage on Match days (as provided) etc, provided it does not conflict with any AFLQ sponsors or duties. d) Trainers shall operate under the guidance and instruction of the AFLQ State 9

11 Umpiring Manager and/or the Community Umpiring Development Manager. e) Trainers will be required to arrive not less than 40 minutes prior to the Match, unless otherwise agreed, and remain until not less than 20 minutes after the required Match Home and Away Trainers will be provided for all QAFL Senior Home and Away Matches Finals a) One qualified trainer will be in attendance for each of the following finals Matches: i. All QAFL Seniors Matches (including the grand final); ii. All QAFL Reserves Matches (including the grand final); iii. All QFA Division 1 Senior Matches (including the grand final); iv. All QWAFL Senior Matches 5 Training 5.1 Fitness Coach a) A qualified Fitness Coach shall be appointed and appropriately remunerated by AFLQ. b) The Fitness Coach shall set, and where appropriate, oversee training programs. c) The Fitness Coach may set programs for multiple groups (i.e. NEAFL/QAFL and Community) d) The Fitness coach will attend training sessions during both the pre-season, home and away and finals periods e) The Fitness Coach shall work with and supervise the rehabilitation of injured Umpires. 5.2 Trainers Brisbane a) A qualified sports trainer (in addition to any AFL supplied trainers) will be provided at all training sessions for Brisbane based training sessions during the pre-season, home and away and finals periods b) These include, but are not limited to - i. QSAC and Yeronga AFC ii. Griffith Moorooka AFC iii. Gold Coast; and iv. Sunshine Coast based Umpires. c) Trainers will be in attendance from not less than 15 minutes prior to the normal training start time until not less than 30 minutes after the standard completion time of training. AFLQ will provide a grant to an identified volunteer/s to complete a Level One Sports Trainers Course to service Griffith Moorooka training. 5.3 Injury Management Community Umpires are able to access and utilise the Physiotherapist provided as part of NEAFL obligations at no cost during training sessions. Community Umpires seeking an appointment with the Physiotherapist will need to contact the Umpiring Appointments and Administration Coordinator on the Monday post the weekends round of matches. 10

12 5.4 Training Venue a) AFLQ will provide suitable training venues for: i. Brisbane (Griffith Moorooka AFL Club) ii. Gold Coast; and iii. Sunshine Coast based Umpires. b) AFLQ and the AFLQUA will continue to work collaboratively to improve the facilities, both on and off-field, at all of the main training venues Alternative training venues In the event training is to be held at a venue other than the main training venue: a) Training will be at no cost to the Umpires; and b) AFLQ will notify all Umpires by no later than 12pm on the business day prior to the scheduled training session (subject to unforeseeable events such as inclement weather) 5.5 Time a) Formal training will not start prior to 6:00pm on a week night. b) Formal training, lectures and meetings will conclude no later than 8pm on a week night. 5.6 Pre-season camp a) Any pre-season camp will be at no cost to the Umpire and attendance is voluntary. b) Where a cost is imposed on Umpires for a pre-season camp, conference or similar, then attendance is voluntary, and non-attendance will not impact on an Umpire s appointments. c) In any event, AFLQ will ensure that all Umpires attending a pre-season camp, conference or similar will be covered by AFLQ insurance for any injuries that may be sustained at the pre- season camp, conference or similar. d) AFLQ will ensure all required support staff attend the pre-season camp, conference or similar. 6 Professional Development & Coaching a) All coaches will undertake appropriate courses pertaining to workplace matters. b) All coaches should hold, or be working towards, coaching accreditation. 6.1 Selection & assessment General selection policy a) Rules, guidelines and criteria relating to the selection of Umpires in each grade and for each discipline shall be developed by the Coaching Staff prior to the commencement of the season (Selection Policies can be found in Appendix D). The rules and guidelines will be in writing and made available to all Umpires. b) The Appointment Panel will be solely responsible for the appointment and selection of Umpires. AFLQ will ensure that the appointment of Umpires to all Matches, is: i. Based on training attendance, merit and performance; and ii. In accordance with the Selection Policies developed by the coaching staff. 11

13 c) Home and Away Matches in each grade will be officiated by AT LEAST the following number of Umpires from each discipline Field Boundary Goal Other QAFL Seniors QAFL Reserves QFA Seniors Division 1, 2 & QWAFL QAFL & QFA Colts QFA Reserves Division QFA Reserves Division 2 & QFA Division 4 & 5 2 Northern Rivers Seniors & Reserves QWFA Divison QWFA Division 2 & Northern Rivers Finals and Grand Finals selection policy Without limiting the factors that may be covered, the Selection Policies for finals Matches will: a) Ensure that Umpires selection for finals is based on training attendance and performance and the Selection Policies only. Specifically: i. selection will be based on training attendance, merit and performance throughout the season ii. the venue and an Umpire s Home Region will not be considered when making the appointments b) Finals and Grand Finals Matches in each grade will be officiated by AT LEAST the following number of Umpires from each discipline: Field Boundary Goal Other Emergency Field QAFL Seniors (Third Scorer GF only) QAFL Reserves Emergency Field QFA Seniors Division Emergency Field (all Finals) QFA Seniors Division 2 & Emergency Field (GF Only) Emergency Field QWAFL (Third Scorer GF only) QAFL & QFA Colts QFA Reserves All Divisions Wide Bay Seniors and Reserves Northern Rivers Seniors & Reserves QWFA All Divisions

14 6.1.3 Secular Employment Usual Occupation of Umpire AFLQ acknowledges that many Umpires are engaged in Secular Employment and that this may prevent an Umpire from attending all or part of an Official Training Session. The selection of an Umpire shall not be prejudiced in any way if, as a result of attending to the duties of his or her Secular Employment, the Umpire is prevented from attending all or part of an Official Training Session provided that notification is received prior to the training session that the Umpire will not be available Formal Studies / Education Courses AFLQ acknowledges that many Umpires are engaged in full or part time studies or educational courses and that this may prevent an Umpire from attending all or part of an Official Training Session. The selection of an Umpire shall not be prejudiced in any way if, as a result of attending to their study or educational commitments, the Umpire is prevented from attending all or part of an Official Training Session provided that notification is received prior to the training session that the Umpire will not be available Notification of appointments Draft appointments will be communicated by Tuesday close of business, however from time to time these may be subject to change. 6.2 Observations and performance feedback In recognition of the importance of timing and regular feedback to the development of Umpires, AFLQ acknowledges and agrees that feedback based on an objective criterion should be provided to all regular Umpires (expected to officiate in nine Matches or more during a season) at least once throughout the home and away season. 7 Uniforms AFLQ will supply all Umpires with the necessary clothing required to undertake their umpiring duties. Umpires must supply their own whistle and flags (if applicable) and appropriate footwear. Goal Umpires will be required to provide their own black pants. Umpires are requested to arrive and depart games attired in black pants, black shoes and their AFLQ issued polo shirt. Umpire uniform entitlements for the 2018 season can be found in Appendix D. 8 Miscellaneous 8.1 Service support Functions AFLQ will provide the following on an annual basis: a) Access to purchase tickets to tables at all medal night functions at employee prices. b) AFLQ will supply Grand Final trophies or medallions to all Umpires who officiate in a Grand Final for competitions under the control of AFLQ. 13

15 8.1.2 Umpires Passes Where applicable, AFLQ will provide: a) Each Umpire with a season pass for admission to all AFLQ Home and Away Matches. b) Each officiating Umpire with admission passes to any games where admission may be charged. c) Two admission passes to each officiating Umpire for all Finals and Grand Finals Use of Image a) AFLQ may use each Umpire s name, photograph, likeness, reputation and identity for promotional purposes in advertising the game of football and the business and the undertaking of AFLQ, provided that AFLQ has obtained the consent of the Umpire. b) The rights granted by the Umpire to AFLQ will include the right to use an Umpire s name, photograph, likeness, reputation and identity for commercial purposes including by not limited to licensing, endorsements, advertising, promotions, merchandising, memorabilia, events and marketing. c) An Umpire will not unreasonably refuse his or her consent to any request by AFLQ for use of the Umpire s name, photograph, likeness, reputation and identity where requested by AFLQ. d) For the avoidance of doubt, an Umpire will be entitled to refuse his or her consent to a request by AFLQ where the use of that Umpire s name, photograph, likeness, reputation and/or identity has the potential to adversely impact upon the secular employment of the Umpire. 8.2 Reports and Tribunal a) All Umpires are required to completely familiarise themselves with the AFLQ Set Penalty system and reporting procedure. Additionally, AFLQ will provide education and training on the system. b) All field Umpires will be provided with a Set Penalty report sheet. Boundary and Goal Umpires should utilise the field Umpires Set Penalty Report sheet. c) If a report is made, at the earliest possible time, the reporting Umpire is requested to take a smart phone picture of the Set Penalty Report Sheet and send it through to the Umpire Administration and Appointments Coordinator. d) All Report Sheets must be included in the Match day paperwork. e) AFLQ will contact Umpires who have made a report by no later than close of business of the first business day following a Match where the Umpire is requested to attend a tribunal hearing to confirm the time and location of the tribunal hearing; or f) AFLQ will endeavour to not schedule a tribunal hearing to commence after 8pm on any given evening. 14

16 9 Insurance 9.1 Loss of Income Cover AFLQ will provide Loss of Income Cover for all community Umpires should they be injured whilst involved in a football related activity. Loss of Income benefits are as follows: Loss of Income Benefits Cover 80% of net weekly income OR $1,000 per week (whichever is the LESSER) 14-day elimination period 52 weeks maximum benefit period 9.2 Non- Medicare Medical Benefits All appointed Umpires receive, as a minimum, the basic level of cover for Non-Medicare Medical benefits. This basic level of cover is called Bronze. AFL Queensland will upgrade the non-medicare Medical Benefits for community Umpires from the basic level to Gold. Non-Medicare Medical Costs Gold Cover Capital Benefits $200,000 90% Reimbursement $3,500 max. per claim $50 excess per claim The Insurance Cover provided by AFLQ for all community Umpires should they be injured whilst involved in a football related activity, includes travel to and from training and games. For more information, please visit the JLT website ( ) or alternatively, call the dedicated JLT Sport team on Grievance handling process Where an Umpire is aggrieved by a selection or feedback issue, or any selection policy developed by AFLQ, then following discussion with the relevant AFLQ coach, the Umpire (or their representative) may take the following steps until they are satisfied with the outcome: a) Discussions between the aggrieved Umpire and the State Umpiring Manager (NEAFL/QAFL/QWAFL) or the Community Umpiring Development Manager (QFA & QWFA) b) Discussions between the Umpire and the State Football Operations Manager; c) Discussions between the Umpire and the State Football Operations Manager and AFLQ CEO; 15

17 d) Discussions between the Umpire and an AFLQ representative and a representative from, or appointed by, the AFL; and e) Appointment of an independent mediator/arbitrator, as appropriate. AFLQ and the aggrieved Umpire (or their representative) agree to discuss/negotiate any issues as they arise in good faith and attempt to resolve the issue at each step. Both parties also agree that they will not, without the agreement of the other party, skip any of the above steps. The decision of the mediator/arbitrator will be final and binding on all parties. 16

18 Appendix A Match Payments for the 2018 Season 2018 Umpire Match Payments Competition 2018-Field Boundary Goal Emergency Home & Away Finals / Rep Grand Final Home & Away Finals / Rep Grand Final Home & Away Finals / Rep Grand Final Finals / Rep Grand Final QAFL Seniors $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QAFL Reserves $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Div. 1 Seniors $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QWAFL $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Div. 2 Seniors $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Div. 3 Seniors $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Colts $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Div.1 Reserves $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Northern Rivers $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QWFA $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Div. 2 Reserves $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Div. 3 Reserves $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Div. 4 Seniors $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Div. 5 Seniors $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ QFA Northern Rivers Reserves $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Practice Matches - All Grades $ $ $

19 Appendix B ATO Fact Sheet for AFL Queensland Umpires and Umpire Coaches. 18

20 19

21 Appendix C Umpiring Code of Conduct An Umpire understands and agrees to: Umpire in accordance with the laws of the game; Maintain a working knowledge of the Laws of Australian Football and the Rules; Ensure the game is played in a fair manner and a spirit of true sportsmanship; Where possible in a contact sport, prevent injuries to players participating in the match; Treat all participants, as they would like to be treated.; Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of the gender, ability, cultural background or religion; Never engage in any type of violence either on or off the field; Control their temper. Verbal abuse of players, officials or spectators is not acceptable or permitted behaviours of an Umpire; Accept all match appointments in a positive manner; Advise AFLQ as soon as practicable should they be unable to officiate any match due to illness or injury; Maintain a high reputation and not do any act or thing calculated to or which might otherwise have the effect of prejudicing the reputation of your League or Australian Football; Not contrive or attempt to contrive the result of any Match or any aspect of the Match in exchange for any bribe, benefit or reward; Perform on their merits and officiate to the best of their ability at all times; Not give or allow any person any recorded or other interview for broadcast or write any article relating to Australian Football for publication without first obtaining consent of your League; Not discuss any aspect of any report made in accordance with the Rules or otherwise with any person without the prior consent of the League; Be prepared to be responsible for their actions. 20

22 Appendix D 2018 Selection Policies Home and Away The AFL Queensland Umpiring Department and South-East Queensland Community Umpiring Coaches shall apply the following criteria in the selection of Umpires for a Home and Away fixture matches: a) Performance in previous matches across the season. b) Required Match Management abilities to the level appointed. c) Representing AFL Queensland Umpiring Group at the highest level throughout the home and away season including pre- and post-match duties. d) Attendance and performance at training throughout the home and away season and practice matches (Individual circumstances will be considered if communicated to the coaches prior to training). e) An adequate level of fitness for appointed games (Including considerations to illness and injury). f) Knowledge and application of the Rules. g) Attitude and understanding of what is required to umpire the match to which they are appointed. h) The AFL Queensland Umpiring Department and/or Umpiring Coaches may appoint umpires for reasons such as (but not limited to): - Umpire Availability - Convenience of venue locations - Umpire Observations - Travel requirements i) To avoid any potential conflict of interest and in the interest of integrity, any Umpire who has a link to a club that is competing, may not be appointed to this game. Each appointment will be reviewed at the time of conflict. The AFL Queensland Umpiring Department and State Football Operations Manager reserve the right to appoint the best, most capable Umpire to any match. Finals The AFL Queensland Umpiring Department and South-East Queensland Community Umpiring Coaches shall apply the following procedure when selecting AFL Queensland Finals Appointments: - Before the finals begin, Umpires will be broken up into Panels by the AFL Queensland Umpiring Department in consultation with South East Queensland Community Umpiring Coaches. - Panel selection will be based on performance reviews which have been completed throughout the season with feedback received from South East Queensland Community Umpiring Coaches. When appointing Umpires from the Finals Panels the following criteria will be applied; a) Performance in previous matches including the home and away season. AFL Queensland Umpiring Department will assess Final Series Matches where possible. b) Match Management of the same level of appointment throughout the Home and Away season. c) Representing AFL Queensland Umpiring Group at the highest level throughout the home and away season including pre- and post-match duties. 21

23 d) Attendance and performance at training throughout the home and away season and the finals series (Individual circumstances will be considered if communicated to the coaches prior to training). e) An adequate level of fitness for the appointed game (Including considerations to illness and injury). f) Knowledge and application of the rules. g) Attitude and understanding of what is required to umpire the match to which they are appointed. h) The AFL Queensland Umpiring Department and/or Umpiring Coaches may appoint Umpires for reasons such as (but not limited to): - Umpire Availability (all umpires wishing to umpire finals must make themselves available on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday) - Convenience of venue locations - Umpire Observations - Travel requirements i) To avoid any potential conflict of interest and in the interest of integrity, any Umpire who has a link to a club that is competing, may not be appointed to this game. Each appointment will be reviewed at the time of conflict. j) The AFL Queensland Umpiring Department and State Football Operations Manager reserve the right to appoint the best, most capable Umpire to any match. 22

24 Appendix E 2018 Uniform Entitlements The parties acknowledge that the outfitting of Umpires is a significant cost to AFLQ. As such, the parties will work together to identify possible ways to minimise the cost of uniforms. A complete review of uniform entitlements, ordering and distribution methods will be undertaken by AFLQ in 2018, for implementation in Umpire uniform entitlements for the 2018 season Item Field Boundary Goal Game Day Polo Officiating Shirt Officiating Shorts 1 1 Officiating Socks 1 1 Officiating Hat Officiating Jacket 1 Officiating Wrist Bands If Requested Supplying Additional Uniform Items AFLQ will provide an Additional Uniform item on request of an Umpire where: a) In the Umpire s (or AFLQ s) opinion, their uniform from previous years no longer presents an appropriate image of umpiring due to deterioration or damage; b) The Umpire regularly officiates in more than one game across a weekend; c) The Umpire s uniform received for the current season is deteriorating in a manner that suggests it will not last the full season; or d) The Umpire can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the designated AFLQ contact, acting reasonably, the need for additional uniform items. Where uniform is not the same as previous season Where the Umpire s uniform changes from the previous season, including the addition or removal of any sponsor s logos, new uniforms as per the agreed allocation will be provided. 23

25 New Umpires Any new Umpire who registers with AFLQ and is to umpire regularly shall, in their first season, receive the uniforms allocated on the presumed basis they officiated in nine or more matches in the previous season. Miscellaneous uniform a) AFLQ will, on agreement with an Umpire, make available reasonable nonstandard uniform items to an Umpire (at no cost to the Umpire); b) AFLQ will replace any garment that deteriorates due to a reason beyond the control of the Umpire; c) An Umpire is required to maintain their uniform and to ensure that they are appropriately presented in line with the image of umpiring; and d) An Umpire who neglects or fails to take care of the uniform or lose it will be required to pay for the replacement of the uniform. The replacement cost will be advised by AFLQ. 24

26 Appendix F - Steps to Manage Underperformance In most cases the disciplinary process will comprise several stages, as outlined below. The exact sequence of the steps may vary depending on the severity and/or frequency of the unacceptable behaviour or conduct. Informal In the first instance, the State Umpiring Manager should meet with the Umpire to understand the reasons for the unsatisfactory performance and seek to improve performance. Initial support strategies may include guidance, counselling and professional development. The State Umpiring Manager should ensure that notes are taken to capture the key discussion points and agreed actions from the meeting relating to underperformance. Any agreed actions should be communicated to the Umpire in writing after the meeting to ensure there is a shared understanding of what is expected. If the Umpire s performance does not improve within a reasonable timeframe as a result of this support, the State Umpiring Manager may initiate appropriate disciplinary procedures (in consultation with Human Resources). Formal Disciplinary Meetings & Formal Warnings Prior to any formal meeting taking place with an Umpire, the State Umpiring Manager must first discuss the matter with Human Resources to determine the best approach in line with relevant legislation to managing the process. Disciplinary meetings and formal warnings should address the following: a) The reason for and nature of the sub-standard performance or behaviour; b) The way/s in which the standard is not being met, and the standard required; c) Suggestions as to what action/s could be taken to meet the required standard; d) The possible consequences the umpire can expect, including termination, if the required behaviour or performance is not achieved or demonstrated; e) The period during which the umpire is to demonstrate and sustain improvement. An Umpire being disciplined may have a witness present at a formal disciplinary meeting. The State Umpiring Manager conducting the meeting may also have a witness. Written notes must be taken at the meeting and collated afterwards to ensure accurate documentation of the discussion, and filed with HR. The notes do not have to be shared with the umpire. The Umpire must be given the opportunity to respond to the concerns raised and his/ her response considered before further action is taken. If the Umpire presents evidence or information that justifies his/her performance or behaviour, it may be necessary to halt the meeting to allow time for further investigation, seek further advice or reconsider the intended disciplinary action. Depending on the nature and severity of the underperformance, the formal meeting may result in: 25

27 a) A formal Performance Improvement Plan being developed. The plan will consist of clear actions to improve performance and relevant timeframes. b) A formal warning being issued to an Umpire who does not have a satisfactory reason for the sub-standard behaviour or performance. The type of warning will depend on the severity of the issue. First Written Warning A first written warning should be issued where: a) Sub-standard performance or inappropriate behaviour continues after informal strategies have not been successful; or b) The severity of the underperformance or inappropriate behaviour requires a written warning as a first response rather than informal strategies. HR will prepare the warning letter, which will include the following information: Any previous discussions and warnings Concerns raised in the meeting The Umpire s response Any corrective action/s agreed The agreed timeframe for improvement A clear statement that it is the first written warning Consequences if performance does not improve or further misconduct of a similar nature occurs. A copy of the letter will be placed on the Umpire s file and will remain valid for a 12- month period from the date of issue. Following the review period, if the Umpire s performance does not meet the required standard, a further meeting will be arranged. The meeting will address the behavioural and/or performance issues and include details of any assistance offered by the State Umpiring Manager. Second & Final Written Warning A second and/or final written warning will be issued where: a) Following a first warning, behaviour or performance is still unsatisfactory; b) The misconduct/sub-standard performance is sufficiently serious to warrant only one written warning, but insufficiently serious to justify immediate dismissal. The State Umpiring Manager must advise the umpire that failure to improve or further similar misconduct may result in termination of their engagement. The second and/ or final written warning letter (prepared by HR) will include the following: Previous dates of other warnings (if applicable) Any disciplinary or remedial action taken in response to the matter The consequence of failing to achieve the required improvements or of repeated, similar misconduct, i.e. termination of the umpire s engagement A copy of the letter will be placed on the umpire s file. 26

28 27

29 Dismissal Termination of an Umpire s engagement is the final stage of the disciplinary process. Termination of engagement may also occur without notice in cases of gross misconduct or where an Umpire is found to be in serious breach of applicable laws or AFL policies. HR must be advised immediately in any suspected or proven cases of gross misconduct. HR will determine and discuss with the State Umpiring Manager appropriate procedures for the termination of engagement on a case-by-case basis. 28