Beginning a Match
The match begins with a jump ball in the middle of the field, similar to basketball. When you can see that both teams are in position and you have confirmed that they are ready to start, you can begin the match.
To begin the match:
- Raise your arm and hold the ball in the air
- Blow your whistle
- Throw the ball up in the air
Go through the same process after each goal and at the beginning of each half.
NOTE: Only 3 players from each team may be inside the central zone until the ball has been thrown up.
1. Start the match
Hold the ball and raise your arm, statue of liberty style, in the air.
Your whistle will be in your other hand.
Blow a long, loud whistle to indicate the match is ready to begin.
Throw the ball up in the air.
2. Half Time / End of Match
When time expires, at the end of each half, the timekeeper will sound the siren (if available). If no timekeeper or siren is available, you will have to keep time on the field. To end the half or match, blow your whistle in 3 consecutive short bursts, and then raise both arms in the air.
Note: Similar to the signal for a touchdown in American football.
During the Match
The following are the most common umpire decisions and corresponding signals. Each decision is to be made with a loud, clear whistle and the appropriate signal. The use of the whistle and the signal should be performed in a confident, clear and decisive manner. In addition, a verbal explanation of the decision should be given. For example, “High tackle, your free kick number 5, Tigers.”
NOTE: When awarding a free kick, the field Umpire points in the direction of the goal that the team receiving the free kick is defending – this is the opposite of soccer.
To award a free kick when a foul has occurred:
1. Blow your whistle
2. Use the appropriate signal to communicate the free kick
3. Point with your outstretched arm in the direction of the goals the team receiving the free kick is defending
FREE KICKS
1. High Tackle
Definition: Any attempt to tackle an opposition player above the shoulders will result in a free kick to the player who was tackled.
Signal: Blow the whistle, touch one hand to the opposite shoulder.
Explanation: “High tackle, your free kick number 8, Cats.”
2. Tripping
Definition: When a player trips, or attempts to trip an opposition player, whether by the use of hand, arm, foot or leg.
Signal: Blow the whistle, raise one leg and touch the shin with both hands.
Explanation: “Tripping, your free kick number 10, Swans.”
3. Illegal Disposal
Definition: When a player throws or hands the football to another player.
Signal: Blow the whistle, extend both arms straight out to your sides, slight lean forward.
Explanation: “Throw, your free kick number 1, Bulldogs.”
4. In the Back
Definition: When a player pushes or tackles an opposition player from behind.
Signal: Blow the whistle, extend both arms straight out in front of you.
Explanation: “In the back, your free kick number 9, Saints.”
5. Holding the man
Definition: When a player holds or throws an opposition player who is not in possession of the football, including after that player has disposed of the ball.
Signal: Blow the whistle, grip your shirt in both hands, at the waist.
Explanation: “Holding the man, your free kick number 20, Lions.”
6. Running too far (Holding the football)
Definition: When a player carries the football for more than 15 metres without bouncing or touching the ball to the ground.
Signal: Blow the whistle, with your arms in a parallel position make several circles. Similar to the signal for travelling in basketball.
Explanation: “Holding the ball, your free kick number 18, Eagles.”
7. Illegal Shepherd
Definition: When a player pushes, bumps, holds or blocks an opposition player when the football is further than 5 metres away or out of play.
Signal: Blow the whistle, stretch your arms out to your sides, parallel to the ground.
Explanation: “Illegal shepherd, your free kick number 9, Bombers.”
Signals – Scoring (for assisting the goal umpire)
8. Goal
Definition: A Goal is scored when the football is kicked through the goal posts by a player of the attacking team without being touched by any other player.
Signal: Hold your hands, palms facing each other, at head height.
Explanation: “All clear”.
As there is no free kick to be paid, the goal umpire is clear to signal a goal.
9. No Score
Definition: A No Score occurs when a member of the attacking team attempts to kick a goal, but misses.
A No Score occurs when any of the following takes place:
(a) the football is kicked either side of the goal posts or
(b) the football is touched by any other player; or
(c) a Player from the defending team Kicks, handballs, knocks or otherwise takes the football through the goal posts.
Signal: Cross both arms in front of your chest.
Explanation: “No score, kick in”.
Summary of Signals
- Start game
- High tackle
- Push in the back
- Holding the ball
- Holding the man
- Incorrect disposal
- Kicking in danger
- All clear (goal)
- No Score (missed goal)
- Ball Up
- Play on
- Advantage
- Trip
- Throw
- Illegal shepherd/block
- Deliberate out of bounds
- Runing too far
- End of game
