FIELD, BOUNDARY, GOAL UMPIRE MANUAL Standards / Policies / Procedures / Expectations Issued by the Southern Football Netball League Umpiring Department To be read in conjunction with: a. information provided by the Umpiring Department b. information provided by the Southern Football Netball League c. information provided by the Umpires Association d. 2015 Southern Football League Umpires Association Umpires Handbook e. 2015 Laws of the Game Version 2: Issued July 2015 For the latest news on SFNL Umpiring go to sfl.com.au, and then select the Umpiring tab.
Umpiring Department The Umpiring Department oversees the entire Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) umpiring program, including the education, coaching, development, physical performance, selection, list management and the performance evaluation of all Umpires. The umpiring program is operated within an inclusive, safe and fun environment, where clear performance expectation levels are communicated effectively to all Umpires. The coaching philosophy is "To work together in partnership, to optimise your talent as an Umpire, and to optimise yourself as a person". The role of the Umpiring Department is to continually develop Umpires to perform to the best of their ability in whatever they do. Parents, partners, family and friends are welcomed and encouraged to attend football matches, coaching sessions and social functions. The Director of Umpiring is appointed by the SFNL CEO, and reports directly to the SFNL General Manager Operations. The Director of Umpiring then appoints Coaching staff and Observers to form the Umpiring Department. The Umpiring Department is not part of the Umpires Association and doesn t report to the Association. However, the Umpiring Department and Umpires Association work closely together. Director of Umpiring: Peter Mair Umpiring Ambassador: Stephen McBurney Administration and Events Officer: Matt Grimwood Field Umpires Coach: Brad Lowe Field Umpires Senior Assistant Coach: Garry Embleton Field Umpires Skills Development Coach: Jonathan Auditore Field Umpires Observer(s): David Smith / Scott Van Noordennen Boundary Umpires Coach: Michael Ellison-Jones Boundary Umpires Assistant Coach: Troy Nicholson Boundary Umpires Observer: Scott Van Noordennen Goal Umpires Coach: Craig Davenport Goal Umpires Assistant Coach: Brett McGeorge Goal Umpires Observer: Robin Epstein Physical Performance Coach: Michael Ellison-Jones Physical Performance Consultant: Ian Webb Fitness Assistant(s): Ryan Gordon / Mark Hamilton-Smith First Year Umpire Program Manager: Scott Van Noordennen Page 2 of 12
Umpires Association The Umpires Association Committee is duly elected by its members and is independent of the SFNL and the SFNL Umpiring Department. The Umpires Association acts to protect the rights of Umpires, and looks after the wellbeing and social activities for current and Life members, including coordinating Tribunal Advocates, arranging social events and the coordination of match day uniforms. For the latest news on SFL Umpires Association, go to sflumpires.com Code When you sign up to Umpire you agree to abide by the SFNL, the SFNL Umpiring Department and the SFNL Umpires Association governing rules and any agreements that are in place. You also accept that you are required to umpire in any standard or grade of football that you are rostered to umpire by the Umpiring Department. You are required to inform the Umpiring Department of any non-sfnl approved matches that you umpire, including practice matches. Please also advise the Umpiring Department of any SFNL Club 18 Thirds matches that you umpire. Leadership As an Umpire there is a level of expectation that you are a leader within the SFNL community and therefore are required to display such leadership in any activity involving the SFNL. Communication We believe in an open level of communication. Standards are in place to ensure a fair environment for all. From time to time differences of opinion may occur. It is expected that you take a professional approach in the way you communicate and how you communicate. In the first instance, deal directly with your Coach. If required please ask for a referral to the Director of Umpiring. You may ask for the assistance of the Umpires Association to assist you with your communication with the Umpiring Department, if required. Page 3 of 12
Performance Assessment To assist with your development as an Umpire, in each category of umpiring there are set performance standards that must be achieved. Your Coach will clearly communicate to you the set performance requirements. It is important that you understand what standards are required to be considered: - for appointment to Home and Away matches - for appointment to Finals matches - for nomination in AFL pathway programs Physical Performance (Fitness Training) Regular participation in physical performance training forms part of your overall performance for the season. It is expected that you attend and actively participate in fitness training. Pre Season Training is held on a Tuesday and Thursday from 6.00pm until approx 7.00pm. Training during the pre season mainly consists of running and core physical fitness. In Season Training is held on a Tuesday and Thursday from 6.00pm until approx 7.00pm. Training during the in season mainly consists of running and core physical fitness on a Tuesday evening. The same applies for Thursday, in conjunction with skills and match day scenario training. Finals Training is held on a Tuesday and Thursday from 6.00pm until approx 7.00pm. Sign In Register Physical Performance Please complete the training register each time you participate in physical performance fitness training. The attendance register is the proof that you have completed training. Only sign the register if you actually take part in the training. Do not sign the attendance register on the behalf of someone else. Please note that there is not a requirement to contact the Umpiring Department if for some reason you are unable to attend training on a given night. Page 4 of 12
Injury Register Physical Performance Please ensure that you advise both the Physical Performance Coach and your own Coach if you are unable to train due to injury, either sustained through umpiring or otherwise. It is important that injuries of any nature are managed appropriately. If you use the services of the Umpires Trainer please sign the Injury Register. Communication Physical Performance As a matter of courtesy, please ensure that you advise both the Physical Performance Coach and your own Coach if you are required to depart the training track for any reason during a scheduled training session. Learning and Development Coaching Sessions Regular attendance at coaching sessions forms part of your overall performance for the season. If you have attended a Learning and Development coaching session it is accepted that you understand the contents of the module. If you are unsure please ask your Coach, Observer, Mentor or Peer. If you are absent from a Learning and Development session it is your responsibility to follow-up on the session outcomes, including obtaining any handouts. For Boundary and Goal Umpires limited sessions are held throughout the season. Your Coach will advise you of the specific details. For Field Umpires, see below: Pre Season Limited Learning and Development sessions are conducted. Thursday from 7.00pm until approx 8.00pm. In Season Learning and Development sessions on a Thursday from 7.00pm until approx 8.00pm. Finals Learning and Development sessions on a Thursday from 7.00pm until approx 8.00pm, where required. Communication Learning and Development Coaching Session As a matter of courtesy, please ensure that you advise your Coach if you are unable to attend a scheduled coaching session, or are leaving early. Page 5 of 12
Appointments / Rosters / Selections / Appointment Collection Football Umpires are rostered / selected to matches by the Umpiring Department. In the world of umpiring this is known as an Appointment. It is not dissimilar to the workplace where you may be advised of a work roster, such as your start and finish time. Appointments for Umpires in the SFNL are distributed via an automated on-line application known as Schedula. During the Home and Away season Appointments are sent to your personal email address during the week, usually after 1.30pm Wednesday, leading up to a match. It is vital that you Accept your Appointment on-line, which will automatically advise the Umpiring Department that you have successfully received your Appointment and that you will umpire in the match that has been allocated to you. During the Finals Series appointments are read out by the Umpiring Department on a Thursday night prior to the match. Appropriate documentation is handed to all Umpires. Appointments will appear in Schedula later in the week during the Finals Series, usually on a Friday. Failure to follow the Appointments guidelines throughout the season may result in disciplinary action. Managing Your Availability To Umpire Matches To enable the Umpiring Department to effectively roster Umpires to matches, it is requirement that you accept any game that you are appointed to by the Umpiring Department. Matches may be at any location and on any day of the week. Most matches are played on a Saturday; however, some matches are played on a Friday afternoon, Friday night or anytime Sunday. It is your accountability to ensure that you manage your availability effectively by using the on-line Schedula system. Please Note: Schedula defaults to unavailable for the entire season, until you change it yourself. Your availability must be current for the next Round of matches by 5.00pm Sunday, as the Umpiring Department commence arranging Appointments from this time onwards each week. If for some reason you have a special request for the upcoming Round, or become unavailable after 5.00pm Sunday, due to illness etc, please ensure that you contact your category Coach by text or mobile, as a matter of urgency. In addition to managing your Availability on Schedula, please ensure that you follow the instruction of your Category Coach regarding Availability procedures. Failure to follow the Appointments process may result in disciplinary action. Page 6 of 12
Your Contact Details It s part of your accountability to complete an Annual Registration On-Line Application Form, detailing your personal contact details. Please advise the SFNL Head Office and the Umpiring Department of any changes to your contact details immediately. Please note that your Match Appointment and Pay cannot be processed without correct information. Practice Matches Prior to the beginning of a football season practice matches are usually held leading up to the opening Round of matches. The SFNL provides the list of practice matches to the Umpiring Department. Where possible please endeavour to umpire at least two practice matches. What to Wear to the Ground on Match Day Your overall presentation forms part of your performance. In the Home and Away season smart casual attire is appropriate for community football at metropolitan level. In the Finals Series an upgrade to clothing is required, with a preference of trousers and collared shirts. Shoe wear should exclude runners. Your umpiring uniform must not be worn to or from the match, primarily for occupational health and safety reasons. Match Day Uniforms There are set standards for the way uniforms are to be worn. This forms part of your performance criteria. Please wear your uniform with pride. The most up to date SFNL uniform is to be worn. Your uniform must be clean, including your footwear. Field and Boundary Umpires are expected to wear white runners or white football boots. Not black. Goal Umpires are expected to wear black football boots. The Umpires Association coordinates the sale of match day uniforms and communicates how to order your uniform. Match Day Uniforms - Jewellery For occupational, health and safety reasons jewellery of any kind must not be worn by female or male Umpires during a match. Examples of what type of jewellery that must not be worn are ear rings, body piercing, neck laces, bangles etc Goal Umpires may wear a watch as part of their match day Uniform. Page 7 of 12
Arrival at Matches It s important to note that the expected arrival time at venues for matches for the Home and Away season is as follows: Club 18 Thirds: Under 19 s: Reserves: Seniors: At least 45 minutes before scheduled match starting time. At least 45 minutes before scheduled match starting time. At least 45 minutes before scheduled match starting time. At least 60 minutes before scheduled match starting time. Please note that your arrival time for the Finals differs to that of the Home and Away season. You will be advised of the arrival time for Finals matches at the commencement of the Finals series. Umpires Rooms Safety and Security Only officiating Umpires of the match that is in progress - or the next game, Umpiring Department staff, Umpires Ground Manager, SFNL Senior Officials, Team Managers and League Ground Manager(s) are the ONLY people allowed in Umpires Rooms. Umpires Rooms are a NO GO ZONE for Club Presidents, Coaches, Captains, Runners, Club Officials, Players, your Family, your Friends or any other unauthorised persons. The same applies at the quarter and three quarter time breaks. Respect your fellow Umps. During Finals official security staff are allocated for Umpires at each match, mainly for the quarter time, half time and post-match periods. Please refrain from leaving any valuable items in Umpires Rooms. Nutrition - Food and Drink Eat and drink correctly leading up to, and on the day of, your match. Hydrate effectively. Bring your own food and drink. Don t rely on others. Eat and drink properly post match to recover effectively. Venue / Travelling Time / Punctuality Know where your match venue is. Know how long it takes to get there in normal circumstances. Then add 30 minutes to your trip. If you are late contact one of your fellow Umpires to let them know. Page 8 of 12
Knowledge of the Laws Know your stuff. It is an expectation that you know the 2015 Laws of Australian Football book and understand the coaching themes from the year, including special guidelines for teams having too many players on the ground during a game, full reporting and send off procedures, including the use of cards. Communication During the Match It s vital that you use your voice loudly and clearly. Voice volume is important. Clear indications and clear verbal instructions are required so players, officials, fellow umpires and spectators are comfortable with what s going on. To be fair to players, talk with players - let them know what is going on. Teamwork By working together effectively with each other, the entire umpiring team Field, Goal and Boundary have the chance to perform to their best in any given match. Work a team. Use names of your fellow team mates. Encourage each other. Page 9 of 12
National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme (NUAS) The AFL s National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme is a training package for Australian Football Umpires consisting of two tiers for Field, Boundary and Goal Umpires at community level. It is now a compulsory requirement that all Umpires are accredited. The course is designed to introduce Umpires to a range of modules and units to assist in gaining knowledge and skills required to perform the tasks associated with umpiring Australian Football. The fee for Level 1 accreditation is a user pays system. The Director of Umpiring approves your overall accreditation, based on the recommendation from your Coach, once you successfully complete the course requirements, which includes clear demonstration of umpiring capability on match day. Accreditation is valid for four years, inclusive of the year that you complete your accreditation. Re-accreditation is required to be completed on expiry of your current accreditation. Level 2 accreditation is a minimum requirement if you desire to regularly umpire in Senior community football and / or progress through AFL pathway programs. Further information about the NUAS in the SFNL will be communicated throughout the season. Working With Children (WWC) Check It is a compulsory requirement for all Umpires 18 years and over, or who turn 18 during a season, to obtain a Working With Children (WWC) Check. Application forms can be completed online at http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/ Be sure to select sport volunteer. No fee is required for this category. Please ensure that you advise Matt Grimwood at SFNL HQ once you have your WWCC, together with the expiry date. Page 10 of 12
Competition Match Report (CMR) Refer to Policy and Procedures on sfl.com.au/umpiring for a step by step process on Match Day Paperwork. It is the responsibility of the Field Umpire to complete the SFNL Competition Match Report (CMR). Please note that if anything unforseen occurs in a match it is a requirement to make note of the incident on the CMR. This may include poor behaviour from the Coach, Club Officials or Crowd. It may also include an incident like a large melee or where Runners, Water Carriers and Trainers have become involved in play or melees. DIFFERENCES IN SFNL VERSUS AFL LAWS OF THE GAME 2015 Order Off and Reporting Refer to Policy and Procedures on sfl.com.au/umpiring for the Tribunal and Reporting Procedures. Please read in conjunction with the 2015 Laws of Australia of Football and the SFNL Umpires Association Handbook. As Green card procedures are not detailed in the 2015 Laws of Australian Football, the SFNL Green Card By-Law applies. It is your responsibility to know when a Red, Yellow or Green card should be used. If a player is sent from the ground, a Red, Yellow or Green card must be shown to the player. Please hold the card high enough so Players, Officials - including Time Keepers, can see the card. When making a report please ensure that your paperwork is completed correctly. If a Report takes place in a match, both Field Umpires are to ensure that the paperwork is handled correctly at the conclusion of the match. Red A player, who is reported and sent off under a Red card, is off for the remainder of the game. He cannot be replaced for 15 minutes. He cannot return to the ground at all. Yellow Card A player, who is reported and sent off under a Yellow card, is off the ground for 15 minutes. He cannot be replaced for 15 minutes. He may return to the ground. Green Card A player, who is sent off under a Green card, is off the ground for 15 minutes. The player is not reported. He can be replaced immediately. He may return to the ground. General Notes When a Red or Yellow card is shown, a report must take place. Page 11 of 12
DIFFERENCES IN SFL VERSUS AFL LAWS OF THE GAME 2015 Team Exceeding Permitted Number of Players on Playing Surface From the SFNL Incorporated By Laws. 9 March 2011. Refer to Policy and Procedures on sfl.com.au/umpiring for details on When a Team Calls for a Head Count. Where a Team has more than the permitted number of players on the Playing Surface, the following shall apply: (i) the score for the team that infringes will revert to their score at the last break, ie if the team infringes in the second quarter their score will revert to the quarter time score or if they infringe in the first quarter their score will revert to zero. (ii) Play would then resume where it was suspended originally. Team Numbers From the SFNL Incorporated By Laws. 9 March 2011. i) Thirds / Colts Competitions There is no limit of players on the team sheet for any Home & Away match. In Finals, there is a limit of 26 players on the team sheet for any particular Finals match. ii) Reserves There is a limit of 22 players on the team sheet for any Reserves match. iii) Seniors There is a limit of 22 players on the team sheet for any Senior match. OTHER INTERPRETATIONS Hands in the back There is no Hands in the Back law. It is simply an interpretation used in the AFL. In the SFNL we simply pay a Free Kick when there is a push in the back. Players can hold their ground in a marking contest. Refer Laws of Australian Football for details. Deliberate rushed behind The Deliberate Rushed Behind Law is not used in the SFNL. POSITIVE UMPIRING Page 12 of 12