Effective communication is a highly important skill that umpires need to develop to enhance their umpiring performance and make the game enjoyable for all players.
Good communication starts from the moment an umpire arrives at the ground, extends to polite and appropriate interaction with players and officials before the game and, of course, is mainly seen during the conduct of a match. It concludes with proper and appropriate action and exchanges with officials and maybe even spectators after a match.
Blow your whistle strongly; use strong/firm verbal and visual communication to players (BLOW, SHOW and GO).
Verbal communication of the decision – “Push in the back, your free kick No. 7” – should be delivered in a strong, firm manner and voice. Don’t screech or shout at players; rather project your voice with strength and firmness.
Visual signals should be performed in the correct manner on every occasion. You should then move promptly to take up position for the next act of play. Don’t hang around waiting to see what happens next, but have a couple of glances behind as you move off in case there is a late bump or tackle.
During matches, the umpire needs to communicate their decisions and directions to players and have them respond correctly. Therefore, it is crucial that the umpire communicates effectively.
This section of the website explains the ways in which an umpire communicates with players and the techniques they use to have players follow instructions.
Successful umpires contribute most of their success to being good, effective communicators. When the umpire controls the match, as they
should, it is also important to encourage an understanding and mutual respect with the players. The umpire must endeavour to create an environment where the players will follow directions respectfully
VERBAL/NON-VERBAL
Not only does the umpire verbally instruct players, they also communicates with their whistle, signals and body language.
Players appreciate an umpire who communicates their decisions well. They have much more faith and confidence in the umpire when they understand what the umpire is doing.
STEPS IN GOOD COMMUNICATIONS ARE:
1. Blowing the whistle loudly gets the attention of everyone.
2. Communicating with players in the immediate vicinity of the action is done verbally.
3. Communicating decisions to surrounding players and spectators is done with strong and clear indications.
STRONG WHISTLE
Successful umpires communicate their decisions effectively by:
1. Blowing the whistle strongly.
2. Verbally describing their decisions clearly and concisely.
3. Providing an indication signal correctly and positively.
BODY LANGUAGE
The use of appropriate body language enhances effective communication. The umpire must be seen by players and officials as non-threatening and non-intimidating.
Positive forms of body language which achieve this are: smiling and nodding, being non-invasive, eye to eye contact and appropriate presence.
The umpire needs to be aware of not intruding into the player’s personal space. When speaking to players, remain at least an arm’s length distance away.
Another strong feature of an umpire’s body language is eye to eye contact with players. Whenever an umpire speaks to or listens to a player, they should maintain eye contact. This displays to the player the umpire’s self-confidence and ability to manage the game.
MUTUAL RESPECT
Respect cannot just simply be expected, it must be earned. Umpires earn respect with what they say and do’ and how they ‘say and do it’.
The key to earning respect from players is to treat them the same way you would like to be treated. Treat the players as equals. You may consider speaking with them on a first name basis.
It is important the umpire uses words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when issuing directions to players. Provided this is not overdone, it has a big impact on earning respect from players.
RESOLVING CONFLICT
There are moments when a player may lose focus and become aggressive and/or abusive towards an umpire. One of the golden rules in dealing with conflict is to always remain calm.
While others may be emotional and have lost focus, it is important that the umpire has a calming influence and does not ‘add fuel to the fire’ by retaliating in the same manner. When you remain calm, you are able to think more clearly, take stock of the situation better and respond in the appropriate manner.
When speaking to players who are emotional, there are some proven guidelines to be followed:
1. Keep calm.
2. Treat players with respect.
3. Use positive and appropriate body language.
4. Be a good listener.
5. Avoid sarcasm when speaking to players.
