UMPIRE MANAGERS

BRIEFING FOR YOUNG UMPIRES 2006

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PREPARATION

Good preparation = good performance Make sure you understand this Briefing Ask if you are not sure about anything Look after yourself – take plenty of drinks / food throughout the day.

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THE MATCH

Help the players – they need to understand you. Help each other – you are the 3rd team on the

pitch. Be aware of areas on the pitch where your

colleague could need assistance. If you have to, take time in making decisions. Try to get decisions correct and consistent

between the two of you. Use common sense.

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MANAGEMENT

Set standards early – TALK to the players.

Make it easy on yourself – get the players 5m from the ball at free hits every single time.

Make sure free hits are taken correctly.

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FLOW

Encourage the game to flow – only blow the whistle if you have to.

Allow the players to contest the ball – only illegal tackles should be penalised – not the noisy or strong tackles!

Allow as much advantage as possible. Read the game – do not ball watch. Whistle timing and tone (variation) is

important – big loud whistle for big bad offences, quieter whistle for lesser, little offences!

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TACKLING

Watch tackles carefully – use your eyes like a camera lens – zoom in and zoom out!

Do not penalise tackles just because there is a noise or ‘it looks bad.’

Watch which direction the ball travels.

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OBSTRUCTION

Are the players trying to play the ball?

Is there a possibility to play the ball?

Is there active movement, to prevent the playing of the ball?

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BALL OFF THE GROUND

Blow only in dangerous situations everywhere on the pitch…forget ‘lifted’ think ‘danger’.

Low balls lifted over defenders sticks in a controlled manner that hit half shin pad are not dangerous.

Use common sense and show understanding of play.

Be consistent as an individual and as a team.

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OVERHEAD BALLS

Set up free hits correctly, make sure players are 5 metres from the ball.

Watch the ball on the way up – the ball must not be flicked dangerously toward an opposing player.

The ball landing – the players must stay 5 metres away until ball is safe on the ground.

Penalise poor skill when the receiver makes the ball dangerous.

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MANUFACTURED OFFENCES

Be aware of the ball carrier manufacturing free hits. This upsets defenders – think through where the ball carrier is likely to do this.

Be aware of manufacturing of obstruction and foot when there is no chance of any other play.

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DRAGGING THE BALL AT FREE HITS AND PENALTY STROKES.

At free hits near the circle, do not permit attackers to release the ball in the circle – this is sometimes done to manufacture PC’s.

Midfield – show common sense and allow the game to continue.

At penalty strokes allow the stroke if it looks natural – even if there is a minor drag.

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PENALTY CORNERS

Good positioning is critical.

Only the umpire who awarded the PC can blow the whistle in the circle.

Work together as a team.

The ball must pass outside the circle before the attacking team can score a goal from a shot (it needn’t be stopped).

When the ball is missing the goal and the defender is hit high on the body, your decision should to award a free hit to the defence (for danger).

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PENALTY STROKES

Stand to the right of the taker and 2m behind. Make sure you can see the taker, the GK and

the ball. When the GK and the taker are ready, stand

still and blow your whistle. The other umpire stands on the back-line

approx. 6m from the goalpost. Taker must be within playing distance of

the ball. GK must be on the goal-line.

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APPROACH TO INJURIES

Go quickly to the player and ask them if they need attention.

If they don’t answer, ask the team captain if the doctor is required.

If they are bleeding or the injury looks serious – call the doctor on immediately.

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THE KEY TO SUCCESS

GOOD COMMUNICATION

To the playerswith your colleague

and with your support team

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AND FINALLY…

Smile and relax and enjoy the challenge!

It’s your tournament too!

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