FIELD, BOUNDARY, GOAL UMPIRE MANUAL Standards / Policies / Procedures / Expectations SEASON 2016 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. AFL LAWS OF THE GAME 2016 For the latest news on SFNL Umpiring go to sfnl.com.au, and then select the Umpiring tab.
Southern Football Netball League Incorporated Office Location: Level 1 145 Keys Rd Moorabbin, VIC, 3189 CONTACT NUMBERS Director of Umpiring Peter Marshall (Field Coach) M: 0412 225 830 E: morningtonnews@bigpond.com Boundary Umpire Coach Goal Umpire Coach Umpire Administration Troy Nicholson M: 0405 942 998 E: nicholsontr@gmail.com Craig Davenport M: 0433 085 242 E: craigdavenport@hotmail.com Matt Grimwood P: (03) 6553 5644 E: administration@sfl.com.au General Manager Operations Adam Sparrow M: 0429 120 203 E: gmoperations@sfl.com.au (Please contact Adam Sparrow immediately following all match day reports) SFNL Umpires Association: www.sflumpires.com Page 2 of 15
Umpiring Department UMPIRE MANUAL 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 Marshall Umpiring Ambassador: Stephen McBurney Administration and Netball Officer: Matt Grimwood Field Umpires Coach: Pete Marshall Field Umpires Senior Assistant Coaches: Garry Embleton & John Auditore Field Umpires Match Day Coaches: David Smith / Michael Ellison-Jones & Peter Bailey (including Video analysis) Boundary Umpires Coach: Troy Nicholson Boundary Umpires Assistant Coach: Andrew Scott Goal Umpires Coach: Craig Davenport Goal Umpires Assistant Coach: Brett McGeorge Goal Umpires Match Day Coach: Robin Epstein Physical Performance Coach: Ryan Gordon Fitness Specialist: Mark Hamilton-Smith 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 Page 3 of 15
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. Mentoring and being a Buddy for New umpires is a given as an Experienced Umpire. 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. The Coaching Dep has an Open Door Policy and will always be Transparent and Honest. Social Media Policy As a SFNL Umpire its vitally important to keep up with what s happening in the Football and Umpiring World. So link in to the SFNLUA Facebook Page and be familiar with the Umpiring Tab on the SFNL Web site as weekly updates will occur on Umpiring News. Whether its coaching points, Rule interpretations, Game changes-venues, times, dates etc. or simple housekeeping. As a Coaching Group we are there to help and improve you share our knowledge and experience so as you in enjoy your umpiring and improve your performance. It is your responsibility to keep up to date and stay in the Loop. The Association and the SFNL have a very strong and Zero Tolerance Policy to Social Media Abuse so please ensure what you post and share is within the guidelines. No bullying, No remarks on fellow umpire s performances and certainly No commenting on Club and players within our region. This also goes for commenting on AFL Umpires in general. 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 Page 4 of 15
You will receive Feedback from the Coaches and Observers both verbally and Written (Visual when able), when seen, take the appraisal on board, they are there to help and improve you, areas to work on are critical in improving you as an Umpire so you Enjoy the challenge more. 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. 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. Page 5 of 15
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. 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. On a weekly Basis Coaches will endeavour to appoint upon your level of expertise, locality and commitment to training and Meetings. Finals Appointments will depend upon Performance, Training Attendance, Attitude and Match Performance. Page 6 of 15
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. It is advisable to also contact your Coach directly when knowledge of unavailability is known prior to the week in question. An Unavailability Book will be left at the rooms to fill in. Failure to follow the Appointments process may result in disciplinary action. 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. Page 7 of 15
Where possible please endeavour to umpire at least two practice matches. Practice Match guidelines are set out and available under Umpiring News. 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. Skins will not be permitted to be worn by Field and Boundary Umpires in Senior First 18 Games. Goal Umpires may wear a watch as part of their match day Uniform. 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: At least 45 minutes before scheduled match starting time. Under19 s: At least 45 minutes before scheduled match starting time. Reserves: At least 45 minutes before scheduled match starting time. Seniors: 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. Page 8 of 15
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 postmatch 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. Knowledge of the Laws Know your stuff. It is an expectation that you know the 2016 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. Please Refrain from engaging with Spectators and the Bench. Abuse from the Bench will not be tolerated nor will abuse coming from umpires directed to the Bench, Players and Spectators alike. Page 9 of 15
Teamwork TEAM FIRST MENTALITY 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. You will be judged as a team by the Clubs. 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. Reaccreditation 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 Southern Football Netball League Field, Boundary and Goal Umpires who are turning 18 years of age anytime during 2016, or older, to have a valid Working With Children Check (WWC). Please note that a WWC Check is valid for 5 years, so if you have previously submitted a WWC Check to the SFNL, you do not need to do so again. To simplify the process, you can now apply for the Working With Children Check online: https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/wwccu/onlineapplication.doj Please follow these steps: When applying, select Volunteer, as this application carries no fee. So that we can confirm that the WWC Check has been completed and approved, when completing the online application, please provide the postal address of: Page 10 of 15
PO Box 1018 Moorabbin Vic 3189 When you have completed your online application, you will be sent an email of confirmation. The second part of the process is to print and submit your online application (along with the 100 points of ID) at any Australia Post. Although Australia Post allows you up to 21 days to submit the online application, the SFNL asks that you submit your application to Australia Post as soon as possible. The government allows up to 2 weeks to process the WWC Check once your application is received. Any Umpire who is turning 18 years of age in 2016, or older, must hold a WWC Check before the commencement of the SFNL season. Otherwise you will not be permitted to participate in any SFNL match. Competition Match Report (CMR) Umpires are required to complete a Competition Match Report electronically by no later than 8pm on Sunday. Refer to SFNL website for details under Umpiring menu ( Competition Match Report ). A manual copy of this form will be made available to you by the home club to assist with completing the online form later that evening/the following day. The following must be reported on the Competition Match Report after the match: 1. Where players do not wear the correct registered uniform, each Umpire is to indicate on his Report sheet as to what item of attire was not correct and the number of the player concerned e.g., i] No.21 South Yarra - wrong coloured shorts ii] No. 4 Black Rock non-logoed shorts iii] No.16 St Pauls non-logoed socks 2. All club football jumpers must have the Official SFNL League logo affixed to the right breast and all club shorts must have SFNL strip when worn in any official SFNL fixture match - any breach to be reported. 3. It is the responsibility of the visiting team to wear white shorts. When this is not complied with, Umpires are to report the club responsible. 4. Players will only be permitted to wear Lycra Bicycle shorts under their football shorts if the bicycle shorts are i] in home matches, flesh or the same colour as their club shorts and ii] in away matches, flesh or white in colour. Any breach to be reported. It is the responsibility of the Field Umpire to complete the SFNL Competition Match Report (CMR). Please note that if anything unforeseen 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. Page 11 of 15
MATCH DAY PAPERWORK TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE LEAGUE Match Day Paperwork Required - Team Sheets - Goal Cards - Time Keeper Cards - REPORT SHEETS The senior field Umpire is required to deliver the above to SFNL HQ located at level 1, 145 Keys Road, Moorabbin. The mail box is located outside next to the building s back door (under the stairs). Paperwork must be received by off by 5:00pm Monday. If there is a Tribunal Report, this MUST be hand delivered to the SFNL Office by 8am on Monday morning. All reports MUST be phoned through to the General Manager Operations (0429 120 203) immediately following the match on game day. DIFFERENCES IN SFNL VERSUS AFL LAWS OF THE GAME 2016 Order Off and Reporting Refer to Policy and Procedures on sfnl.com.au/umpiring for the Tribunal and Reporting Procedures. Please read in conjunction with the 2016 Laws of Australia of Football and the SFNL Umpires Association Handbook. As Green card procedures are not detailed in the 2016 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 12 of 15
REPORTING PROCEDURE 1. Umpires must complete the Player Report Sheet immediately after the match. 2. The Team Managers are advised of the report and if it is a report where a set penalty may be taken, the Team Manager must ask the player if he wishes to accept the set penalty or take the charge to the Independent Tribunal. 3. The Team Manager must inform the Umpire of the player's decision. 4. If the Umpire wishes the charge to be heard by the Independent Tribunal, he/she must tick the appropriate box on the report sheet, and then inform the Team Managers accordingly. 5. Both Team Managers must sign the Player Report sheet and each will receive their respective copy. The original white copy is to be received by the General Manager of Operations no later than 8:00am on the Monday following the incident. 6. The reporting umpire must also immediately inform the General Manager Operations post-match via a phone call. 7. If the Player has accepted the Set Penalty there is no further requirement of the Umpire or the Team Managers. 8. If the charged player must make a tribunal appearance, or the player with the set penalty offering wishes the case to be heard, then the Player, Witness and Advocates will be expected to appear at the Tribunal hearing on the following Tuesday evening. 9. If there has been a change to your hearing, or it has been postponed, then all parties involved will be notified prior to 5.00pm on the first business day after the match. Page 13 of 15
DIFFERENCES IN SFNL VERSUS AFL LAWS OF THE GAME 2016 Team Exceeding Permitted Number of Players on Playing Surface From the SFNL Incorporated By-Laws. 10 October 2015. Refer to Policy and Procedures on sfnl.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: The score for the team that infringes will revert to their score at the last break, i.e. 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. Play would then resume where it was suspended originally, prior to the Player count taking place. Team Numbers From the SFNL Incorporated By-Laws. 10 October 2015. Seniors There is a limit of 22 Players on the team sheet for any Senior Match. Reserves There is a limit of 22 Players on the team sheet for any Reserve Match. Thirds There is a limit of 26 Players on the team sheet for any Thirds Match. Under 19 s There is a limit of 26 Players on the team sheet for any Under 19 s 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. Page 14 of 15
POSITIVE UMPIRING Enjoy your umpiring there are many Positives in Umpiring AFL at Community Level. Good Luck from the SFNL Umpires Department. Page 15 of 15