The major responsibility of a field umpire in a match is to make decisions.
Not all of these decisions involve infringements by a player, and could include where the ball goes, what the score is or to let the play flow and not blow the whistle at all.
This section of the website looks at the important factors that prepare umpires to be able to make decisions correctly and confidently.
Footy is an extremely fast game and the umpire often has only a split second to make a decision. It is a skill to be able to evaluate the situations that arise in a match in a calm and focused manner.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAWS
An important factor in decision-making is having a thorough knowledge of the laws of the game.
In order to make accurate decisions, the umpire must be able to identify incidents that are against the laws of the game.
During the hectic pace of a match, the umpire is called upon to judge an incident instantly, which requires them to call on their knowledge of the laws without delay.
Like anything we learn, a great deal of confidence can be gained if we are able to recall things quickly and correctly.
Gaining the confidence of the players, coaches, and spectators can be influenced by how quickly the umpire reacts to an infringement of the rules.
When an umpire makes a decision in a positive and decisive manner, they appear confident and in control.
When an umpire responds quickly to an incident and makes a correct decision, it removes any doubt that the umpire has been influenced by anything other than what they have just observed.
OBSERVATION
As a field umpire, your observation of what happens on the ground is vital to getting decisions right. The information below will help you get it right when it comes to observing the action. Sometimes this calls for ignoring our natural instinct to watch the ball.
WHERE TO LOOK
1. START OF THE GAME
- Key players.
- Scan the whole ground.
2. AFTER A DISPOSAL
- Player who has just disposed of the ball. (You may naturally want to follow the ball.) This is called ‘holding your gaze’.
- Next, look to the players about to take possession.
- Players in the immediate vicinity (be aware of shepherds).
3. GENERAL PLAY
- Players contesting the ball.
- Awareness of players off the ball.
4. SET KICKS/PLAY
- The player with the ball.
- Awareness of the player on the mark.
- Awareness of the players in the vicinity. Remember to ensure that the protected 10-metre zone is enforced.
- Forward of the play.
5. AFTER A SCORE
- Goal umpire for ‘All Clear’.
- Players involved in the last act of play, including on return to the centre of the ground after a goal.
- Awareness of players in a huddle after a missed shot for goal.
6. BALL-UPS
Your natural instinct may be to watch the ball or to look behind yourself as you back out. Remember, it is your job to watch the ruck contest and make sure there is no illegal interference from any players.
Always remember that good observation will allow you to make the right decisions on the ground. By getting into the right position, you will always be in the best place to observe play and see the free kicks that should be paid.
