Masha wrote:finn wrote:Masha wrote:Due to unforseen circumstances, I will be umpiring our clubs game tomorrow vs Glenunga. To be honest, I dont appreciate enough the work umpires put in, but I reckon by 12 tomorrow I will!
Besides been unbiased and not whistle happy, anything that others would like to see/expect out of the umpires? Serious comments please.
Have a chat with the captains before the game explaining how you intend to umpire eg leading with the head is ducking, questions can be asked but no swearing etc so they know what to expect. Keep clear lines of sight to packs by often going diagonally rather than in straight lines and talk to the players eg get the ball out and explain the decisions. Blow the whistle loudly.
Major thing is don't start too technically as its a lower grade game and be consistent in your interpretation of what you see not what you believe you saw. Stamp down on any ill discipline or people will push it.
Best of luck - it can actually be quite rewarding.
All sounds like good advice, many thanks. Here's hoping a lot of my club mates don't try and push the boundaries in terms of trying to get away with more, or even backchat. Will have to cut that out early.
I agree with paying what I see, and keeping it simple, and no tolerance for ill discipline. If I follow that I should be ok
Don't talk to the captains and explain how you intend to umpire....you umpire to the rules. It also sets you up for failure a little.
DON'T tell them leading with the head is ducking, because that is incorrect.
If you are a player you will tend to get sucked in to the play, particularly around the packs, as that is where you would go as a player. As an umpire you need to stay your 20/25m away. Otherwise you will find yourself in the way and out of position for a quick kick.
Not if, but when you make a mistake, forget about it. Don't let it linger in your mind as you will be more likely to make another one. Accept you will screw up and don't dwell on it, just call it how you see it.
And the thing everyone hates in SAAFL, work with the players not against them! If someone asks you a question reasonably answer it reasonably. If they question your decision, don't go power hungry and pay 25m's, just explain what you saw. Work with the players.
