Xblades AFL SYDNEY CLUB APPOINTED UMPIRES HANDBOOK 2017

Home , Blacktown ISP Oval, Drummoyne Oval, Henson Park, Sherrin, XBlades

xBlades AFL SYDNEY CLUB APPOINTED UMPIRES HANDBOOK 2017

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 2 CONTENTS

CONTENTS ...... 3 IMPORTANT CONTACTS ...... 5 2017 VENUE DIRECTORY ...... 6 CLUB UMPIRE REGISTRATION AND TRAINING ...... 8 Registration ...... 8 Umpire Accreditation ...... 8 Umpire Education ...... 8 AFL SYDNEY MATCH DAY REGULATIONS ...... 15 Ground Manager ...... 15 Times of Matches – Home and Away Season ...... 15 Team Sizes ...... 16 Footballs ...... 16 Team Officials ...... 17 Timekeepers ...... 17 Prior to Match Day ...... 18 At Home on Match Day ...... 18 At the Ground ...... 19 Completion of Match Reports and Reports of Players/Officials ...... 21 ORDER OFF, REPORTING & TRIBUNAL ...... 23 Yellow Card ...... 23 Red Card ...... 23 Recording of Send Offs ...... 24 Reporting Method ...... 25 Lodging a Report ...... 26 Prescribed Penalty Procedure ...... 28 Tribunal ...... 29 Racial/Religious Vilification ...... 30 RISK MANAGEMENT ...... 31 UMPIRES MATCH REPORT ...... 35 NOTICE OF REPORT AND OFFENCE GRADE TEMPLATE ...... 35

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 3

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 4 IMPORTANT CONTACTS Pierce Field 0405 297 347 (Mobile) Umpiring Development Coordinator - AFL Sydney [email protected]

AFL Sydney Football Operations

Lauren Bunting 0422 911 240 (Mobile) Football Operations Manager – AFL Sydney [email protected]

Bob Robinson 0417 029 254 (Mobile) Regulatory Manager - Tribunals [email protected]

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 5 2017 VENUE DIRECTORY VENUE ADDRESS

Alan Davidson Oval Sydney Park Rd, Alexandria

Bensons Lane Bensons Ln, Richmond

Blacktown ISP Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill

Charles McLaughlin Reserve Crestwood Dr, Baulkham Hills

Cook Park Cnr Wilson St & Pages Rd, St Marys

Drummoyne Oval Bayswater St, Drummoyne

Dukes Oval Park St, Emu Plains

Ern Holmes Oval Brittania Ave, Pennant Hills

Fairfax Reserve Sir Warwick Fairfax Dr, Harrington Park

Figtree Oval 11 Princess Highway, Figtree

Gipps Rd Oval Gipps Rd, Greystanes

Greenway Park Greenway Drive, West Hoxton

Greygums Oval Greygums Rd, Cranebrook

Gwawley Oval Cnr Taren Point Rd & Box Rd, Caringbah

Hannaford Oval Broughton St, Wilton

Heathcote Oval Wilson Pde, Heathcote

Henson Park Sydenham Rd, Marrickville

Hollymount Park Alice Street, Woonona

Kanebridge Oval Cnr Withers and Commercial Rd, Rouse Hill

Kelso Oval Henry Lawson Dr, Panania

Kully Bay Oval Northcliffe Drive, Warrawong

Mahoney Park (HJ Mahoney Mem Res) Cnr Illawarra Rd & Wharf St, Marrickville

Mike Kenny Oval (Greenway Park) Shepherds Park, Cherrybrook

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 6 Mona Park Cnr Mona Rd & Chisholm St, Auburn

Monarch Oval 416 Fields Rd ,Macquarie Fields

Mortgage Choice Oval Pacific Hwy, St Leonards

North Dalton Park Pioneer Rd, Towradgi (Nth Wollongong)

Olds Park 545 Forest Rd, Penshurst NSW Peakhurst

Picken Oval 40 Hampton St, Croydon Park

Pioneers Park Anzac Pde, Malabar

Riverview Tambourine Bay Rd, Lane Cove

Rosedale Park Cnr Stroud & National St, Warwick Farm

Spotless Stadium Grand Pde, Sydney Olympic Park

St Pauls Oval Sydney University, City Rd Camperdown

Sydney Uni No 1 Oval Parramatta Rd, Camperdown

The Ponds Cnr The Ponds Boul & Lilypad Ave, The Ponds

Trumper Park Glenmore Rd, Paddington

University Oval (Macquarie University) Culloden Road, Macquarie Park

University Oval - Northern (Mac Uni) Talavera Rd, Macquarie Park

Waratah Oval No.4 Oval, Rawson Pde, Sutherland

Waverley Oval Bondi Rd, Bondi Junction

Weldon Oval 39 Stirgess Ave, Curl Curl

Whalan Reserve Wilkes Cr, Whalan

Wrights Reserve Pye Rd, Quakers Hill

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 7 CLUB UMPIRE REGISTRATION AND TRAINING

Registration In order to officiate as a Club Appointed Umpire in the AFL Sydney competition, all umpires must be registered with Footyweb on the following link https://membership.sportstg.com/regoform.cgi?aID=7428&pKey=24531b0b96cccf3 263b73bf037fa8a2d&cID=168907&formID=37437

Umpire Accreditation All club umpires must either complete or hold a current AFL Club Umpire Accreditation or an AFL NUAS Level 1 or Level 2 Field Umpire Accreditaiton.

In order to complete the Club Umpire Accreditation, umpires can visit the link below to complete the course. There is no cost for completion: http://www.aflcommunityclub.com.au/index.php?id=836

One umpires have completed the course, please send a copy of your certificate to the AFL Sydney Umpiring Development Coordinator – [email protected]

AFL NSW/ACT will then log onto your Footyweb profile PROVIDED you have registered for the current season.

Umpire Education Throughout season 2017, AFL NSW/ACT will provide regular email updates to all registered club umpires to ensure they remain up to date with laws and skill education.

AFL NSW/ACT will also offer club umpire training sessions at AFL Sydney clubs in order to provide new, current and potential umpires to aid with skill development.

Please contact the AFL Sydney Umpiring Development Coordinator for further information about hosting one of these training sessions.

Club umpires are also welcome to attend AFL Sydney Umpire Training at any stage throughout season 2017.

Please take note of the session venues and dates on the following pages.

If you would like to attend please let the Umpiring Development Coordinator know at [email protected]

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 8 AFL SYDNEY UMPIRE TRAINING DETAILS North North Sydney Oval, Miller St, North Sydney Tuesdays, weekly from 6:30pm – 8:00pm

West Blacktown International Sportspark, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill Thursdays, weekly from 6:30pm – 8:00pm

South Olds Park, Forest Road, Penshurst Monthly (April, May, June, July) – first Monday of the month, 6:30pm to 8:00pm

In 2017 the AFL Sydney Umpires will be trialling combined sessions, in order to develop relationships between our three training centres at Canterbury Velodrome.

To maximise attendance, on the weeks with combined sessions there will be no training at the North and West bases. Dates are as follows:

Thursday 27 April Tuesday 30 May Tuesday 27 June

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 9 TRAINING VENUES

North When: Tuesday Nights, 6:30pm – 8:00pm How Often: Weekly Where: North Sydney Oval, Miller St, North Sydney (entrance at stand diagonally opposite from North Sydney Hotel

Directions Car: From Warringah Fwy, turn onto Falcon St and left onto Miller St Public Transport: North Sydney railway station on the T1 Line is a short walk from the ground on Miller St

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 10 West When: Thursday Nights, 6:30pm – 8:00pm How Often: Weekly Where: Blacktown International Sports Park, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill

Directions Car: Take Wallgrove Road exit at M4 or M7, continue down Rooty Hill Road Sth, turn right onto Eastern Road Public Transport: 20 minute walk from either Rooty Hill or Doonside railway stations on the T4 Western Line or 728 bus from Blacktown or Mt Druitt railway stations on the T4 Western Line will drop you on Eastern Road

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 11 South When: Monday Nights, 6:30pm – 8:00pm How Often: 1ST Monday of each month (April, May, June, July) Where: Olds Park, Forest Road, Penshurst

Directions Car: Enter ground from Forest Road Public Transport: Penshurst railway station on the T4 Illawarra Line is approximately a 20 min walk away form the venue. The 943 bus to Lugarno from Penshurst station also stops outside the ground

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 12 Central/Combined Venue When: 6:30pm – 8:00pm How Often: As listed in Handbook and Calendar Where: Canterbury Velodrome, Bayview Ave, Earlwood

Directions Car: Enter ground via Bayview Ave Public Transport: Tempe railway station on the T4 Illawarra Line is approximately a 5 min walk

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 13 CLUB UMPIRE REQUIREMENTS AND RULES Where AFL Sydney has only appointed one field umpire, only the home team is required to provide a club field umpire. However, if the away team provides one, then the match is to be officiated by the three umpires.

Where AFL Sydney are unable to appoint a field umpire, two club appointed umpires are required to start the game, one from each club.

A match cannot commence with only one field umpire. Please contact the Football Operations Manager if this occurs.

In Division Three, Division Four, Division Five, Under 19s Division Two and Women’s Division One, if no club boundary umpires are provided, the field umpire will have a ball up 10m from the boundary line where the ball left the field of play.

Club Field Umpires must be dressed in a green umpiring shirt, black shorts, black socks, runners and football boots.

Club Boundary Umpires must be dressed in a white shirt, club shorts, runners or football boots.

Club Goal Umpires must be equipped with two flags, and dressed in a club shirt or white coat.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 14 AFL SYDNEY MATCH DAY REGULATIONS

Ground Manager The home club must appoint a Ground Manager who will be responsible for the match day requirements and match paperwork for the day. The Ground Manager should introduce him/herself to the Umpires and officials of the visiting club on arrival and acquaint them with the ground facilities as well as provide details of the closest emergency medical facilities. Should the Ground Manager be replaced during the day, the newly appointed person should inform both the Umpires and visiting club of the change.

The Ground Manager is expected to wear a clearly visible jacket provided by the League so that he/she is readily identifiable.

At the completion of each match, the Ground Manager will collect the following from the umpires:

- Team Lists - Goal Umpire scorecards

Times of Matches – Home and Away Season Grade Time for Quarter Time Half Time Three Quarter Time Quarters (min) (min) (min) (min)

Premier Division 20 (plus 6 20 6 time on)

Division One 22 5 15 5

Women’s Premier Division 20 5 15 5

U19’s Division One 20 5 15 5

Division Two 22 5 15 5

U19’s Division Two 20 5 15 5

Division Three 22 5 15 5

Women’s Division One 20 5 15 5

Division Four 22 5 15 5

Division Five 22 5 15 5

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 15 Team Sizes Men’s Competitions

There will be eighteen (18) on field plus four (4) interchange players for all competitions with the exception of Divisions Four, Five and Under 19s where the following shall apply:

• Maximum number of players that can be listed on the team list is 22 • If one, or both, teams have eighteen (18) players or less listed on the team list the number of ‘on field’ players at the start of the match shall be sixteen (16) players on the field, unless both teams agree to start with seventeen (17) or eighteen (18) ‘on field’ players. • If both teams have more than eighteen (18) players listed on the team list the number of ‘on field’ players at the start of the match shall be eighteen (18) players.

Women’s Competition

There will be eighteen (18) on field plus four (4) interchange players with the following exception of Division One where the following shall apply:

• If one, or both, teams have eighteen (18) players or less listed on the team list the number of ‘on field’ players at the start of the match shall be fifteen (15) players on the field, unless both teams agree to start with sixteen (16), seventeen (17) or eighteen (18) ‘on field’ players. • If both teams have more than eighteen (18) players listed on the team list the number of ‘on field’ players at the start of the match shall be eighteen (18) players

Footballs Sherrin ‘KB’ Footballs for men’s competitions and Sherrin size 4 for women’s competitions (with the exception of 2017 where size 4.5 is acceptable for Women’s Division 1) are the only football to be used in AFL Sydney matches.

The only exception to this is Men’s Divisions Four and Five and Under 19’s Division Two matches where Sherrin Match size 5 may be used.

For all Premier Division matches, a new football (Red for day, Yellow ‘Veg Tan’ for night – matches starting at 3pm onwards) is to be used. The host club is to provide this football as well as a second ball (spare ball), which is only to be used should the game ball be unable to be retrieved within a reasonable period of time. Should the spare ball need to be used, it should be replaced by the game ball at the earliest practical time.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 16 For all other matches, two suitable used Sherrin footballs shall suffice, with the umpire to determine which ball will be the game ball. A suitable used ball is one that has been used for a maximum of two games previously.

Team Officials Each team is permitted to have the following officials listed on the team sheet and within the bench area during a match

• 1 x Runner (must wear pink runners top) • 4 x Trainer/Water/Carrier/Medic (must wear blue trainers top) o Water carriers may not be below fourteen (14) years of age • 4 x other officials (i.e. coach, assistant coach, line coach, team manager)

All officials must be listed on the team sheet

Timekeepers Premier Division Each club must provide a timekeeper for all matches

All other divisions Home team must provide a timekeeper

In the event of a dispute or disagreement between the two timekeepers, such dispute must be reported to the Field Umpire. The Umpire will then note it in the match report.

Umpire Escorts For each match, the home club must appoint a suitable person to ensure the safety of (ideally the Ground Manager or appointee). The Umpires Escort is to escort the umpires (including club umpires):

• From their change-rooms to the centre of the field prior to the commencement of a match

• From their assembly point on the field to their change-rooms at half time.

• From their change-rooms to the centre of the field after the half time break.

• From their assembly point on the field to their change-rooms at the conclusion of the match.

In addition, the Umpires Escort is to stand with the umpires during the quarter and three-quarter time intervals and arrange for water to be provided to the umpires, if required. The Umpires Escort is expected to wear a clearly visible jacket provided by the League so that he/she is more readily identifiable.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 17 MATCH PREPERATION & MATCH DAY

Prior to Match Day To maximise your performance on match day it is important to ensure that your diet is adequate to cope with the demands of game day.

Ensure your diet includes an adequate carbohydrate intake that is low in GI and that is from natural sources (e.g. whole grains, vegetables and fruits). Beware of overeating carbohydrates. A formula to use for carbohydrate intake is 5/10 grams per kilogram of body mass per day - 80kg Umpire = 400-800g of carbohydrate each day

Hydration days prior to the game, according to recent studies, are more important then hydration on match day. It is recommended that at least three litres of water be consumed on each of the three days prior to match day.

Avoid a late night before your match. You will be letting down yourself, fellow Umpires, the two football teams and their supporters if you are not fully rested and fit for the contest.

At Home on Match Day Your equipment should be packed the evening prior to your appointment. Leaving the task until the last hour can cause panic when something cannot be found. It is wise to use the one bag and nothing else so that permanent articles of equipment can be kept in it.

A recommended checklist is as follows:

- Umpires Handbook - Drink Bottle - Law Book - Towel - Pen and notebook for reporting - Spare laces - Running shoes - Umpiring Uniform - Whistles x 2 - Red/Yellow Cards (Field Umpires) - Wrist bands

Modern light running shoes are suitable for most conditions although some Umpires carry football boots for particularly muddy grounds. Footwear should be cleaned well in advance of match day. Do not forget to wash the shoelaces regularly.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 18 Make sure whistles are clean and that they are adequately taped so that the grip does not cut into your fingers. Soaking the whistle overnight will guard against potential problems.

A normal sized meal 3 to 4 hours prior to the game is recommended. It should be high in carbohydrates (low GI), moderate in protein and low in fat. Umpires should drink at least 1 to 1½ litres of water on the morning prior to the game. If conditions are hot or humid adding salt or gastrolyte to water or using sports drinks may be beneficial.

At the Ground Arrival at the ground should be at least 70 minutes for Field, and 45 minutes for Boundary and Goal umpires before the game is due to commence. This time will be needed to change, prepare yourself and for Field Umpires to visit both teams in their Rooms.

DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN THE UMPIRES ROOM WHILE IT IS UNATTENDED, THE CLUB IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURITY

Warm-up exercises must be thorough. This should include a warm-up jog, static stretches, dynamic stretches and run throughs all prior to walking out on the ground.

Field Umpires Regardless of which game you are umpiring it is imperative to inspect the ground. The inspection needs to take into account that all ground markings are correct, goal and behind posts have the correct padding and the ground surface is clear of any dangerous hazards (such as raised sprinkler heads). If any problems exist, use common sense and diplomacy in raising the matter/s with the Ground Manager.

Get changed so that you are dressed and ready for warm up exercises at least 20 minutes before the game starts. The following hints will help your appearance and comfort:

• clean freshly pressed uniform. • carry a spare whistle in your pocket on the inside of your shorts and also a notepad/card and pen for noting reporting offences. • red and yellow card for send offs.

Visit the player’s rooms about 30 to 40 minutes before the game. Do not interrupt the coach addressing his team (do some warm up exercises while waiting). In all matches you will be provided with two footballs, the new football is to be chosen at all times.

In each room, introduce yourself to the coach and captain (make sure you get their names). Take time in the rooms to chat to players. Never command centre stage by

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 19 addressing player’s en-masse. You should be unobtrusive and establish a friendly contact at this stage. Ensure that if club boundary and/or goal umpires are to be used you check with the Team Manager, while visiting the rooms, they have the required Umpires and will be appropriately attired.

Be on the ground at least seven minutes before starting time. If possible, before making your way onto the ground introduce, yourself to club goal and boundary umpires if applicable.

Once you are 25 metres onto the ground, hold the ball aloft until acknowledged by the timekeepers, use common sense if they blow the siren before you reach this point.

Walk directly to the centre – do not stroll! Place the ball on the ground and do a warm up jog of at least 500 metres (approximately three (3) times around the outside of the centre square). This time should be used to mentally prepare yourself for the first few minutes of the game.

If teams enter the ground on time, give players a reasonable time for their warm-up, then call the captains to the centre for the tossing of a coin to determine in which direction each team will kick. It is normal for a goal Umpire to provide the coin and the visiting captain to “call” the toss. Be proactive with starting times. At breaks one Umpire should visit each team and remind them that the restart is not far away.

All Field Umpires must:

• Ensure the match day footballs meet the necessary requirements well before the commencement of the game. • Ensure all team sheets are submitted 30 minutes prior to the match and that they are filled in correctly o There are no duplicate numbers o There are no more players listed greater than the permitted number for that division o There are no more officials listed greater than the permitted number for AFL Sydney • Ensure that all disciplines are ready to enter the Oval seven (7) minutes before the scheduled starting time of the match. • Ensure all club footballs are removed from the field three (3) minutes before the scheduled match commencement and team officials are seated on the bench, which is located well back from the boundary line and the match starts on time.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 20 • Ensure all match footballs are returned to the Ground Manager (not players) at the conclusion of the match.

Completion of Match Reports and Reports of Players/Officials Field Umpires are then required to complete the Umpires Match Report, which also includes any Reports of Players/Officials or Incident Reports via the QR Codes below (for completion on a mobile device) or the AFL Sydney website (for completion on a PC/Mac).

Match Reports must be completed at the first available opportunity immediately after the match – ideally via smartphone after the match. It is crucial this is completed as this acts as the paysheet for all three disciplines.

The first listed field umpire (umpire 1) on the appointments must complete the match reports.

The following information is required for the Match Report:

• Match Details (teams, venue, date etc) • Umpires names • Ground Manager name (if identified) • Did the match commence on time? • Were the correct footballs provided? • Were the players in correct uniform? • Were trainers, runners and water carriers in correct uniform? • Were club umpires provided? (if applicable) • Were club umpires correctly attired? (if applicable)? • Was the siren effective throughout the match? • Was an umpires escort provided by the home club? • Was the scoreboard operated? • Were ground markings adequate? • Was there a stretcher available? • Were team sheets correct? • Was the umpires change room in good condition? • Was there the correct number of officials on the bench? • Did the team managers approach you for an all clear at the end of the game? (within 15min) • Any reports or incidents?

You may also enter any general comments about the match you believe that AFL NSW/ACT need to be aware of – they can be positive or negative.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 21 Best and Fairest Votes

Umpires must also complete best and fairest votes on this form.

Reports and Incidents

Umpires must also complete any match reports or incident referrals (Premier Division only) on the Notice of Report and Offence Grade Template.

Further information is provided in the ‘Order Off, Reporting & Tribunal’ section on page 26.

To complete the match report, scan the QR code below or visit the AFL Sydney Website.

AFL SYDNEY UMPIRES MATCH REPORT

AFL SYDNEY NOTICE OF REPORT AND OFFENCE GRADE TEMPPLATE

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 22 ORDER OFF, REPORTING & TRIBUNAL Rule 12 – 2017 AFL Sydney By-Laws

Yellow Card 12.1 A player who is reported by a field umpire or field umpires for a breach of the laws of the game shall be ordered from the field for a period of fifteen minutes. In this instance an umpire will hold up a yellow card.

12.2 At the discretion of the field umpire, a player may be ordered from the field for a period of fifteen minutes and not be reported. In this instance an umpire will hold up a yellow card.

12.3 A player ordered off with a yellow card is required to leave the playing area immediately through the interchange area. The offending players club is responsible for obtaining the all clear from the timekeepers for such player to resume playing.

12.4 For the purposes of this rule, a yellow card will result in the player concerned remaining off the field for a flat period of fifteen minutes, excluding breaks between quarters. E.g. a player sent off five minutes before half time would be permitted to resume playing ten minutes after the third quarter commenced.

12.5 All players who are ordered from the field with a yellow card can be replaced immediately.

Red Card 12.6 A player who has been given a yellow card by a field umpire or field umpires for a breach of the laws of the game twice in the same match for separate incidents, or who is reported for a serious breach (as listed below) shall be ordered from the field for the remainder of the match. In this instance an umpire will hold up a red card.

12.7 Serious breaches are defined as where a player or official;

• Intentionally, recklessly or negligently makes contact with or strikes an umpire

• Attempts to make contact with or strike an umpire

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 23 • Behaves in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or in relation to an umpire

• Intentionally, recklessly or negligently kicks another person

• Commits an act of misconduct - if the umpire is of the opinion that the act constituting misconduct is serious in nature

12.8 A player ordered off with a red card is required to leave the playing area immediately through the interchange area. The offending player is not permitted to sit on the bench, or enter the playing arena at any time (including breaks) for the remainder of the match.

12.9 All players who are ordered from the field with a red card can be replaced after a period of fifteen (15) minutes has elapsed. The offending players club is responsible for obtaining the all clear from the timekeepers for the replacement player to resume playing.

12.10 For the purposes of this rule, a red card will result in the player concerned being unable to be replaced for a flat period of fifteen minutes, excluding breaks between quarters. E.g. a player sent off five minutes before half time would be permitted to be replaced until ten minutes after the third quarter commenced.

12.11 Any player who is issued with a red card shall also be reported by the field umpire(s)

Recording of Send Offs 12.12 When a player is sent off the umpire will show the appropriate yellow or red card to the timekeeper who will in turn acknowledge the send off by showing the same colour card to the umpire.

12.13 Timekeepers are required to record the time that players, who are ordered off by the field umpires, leave the field and shall be the sole judges as to when such players may resume playing, or be replaced (whichever is applicable). It is the offending players club’s responsibility to obtain the all clear from the timekeepers for such players to resume playing

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 24 Reporting Method • Quickly diffuse the situation by letting the offender and other players in the vicinity know that you are reporting the player o Inform the captain, acting captain or an official of a team of the report where it is impracticable to inform the player/official who has been reported. • Write down the reported player’s number, team, location on ground, quarter, and brief details (ie, which player was struck, which hand was used etc) • Apart from informing a player/official of the report, an umpire shall not speak with the reported player/official or any other player/official about a report which has been made. •

In the event of a Boundary or Goal umpire making a report, the reporting umpire should notify the field umpires at end of the quarter. In the event the incident has not been reported by the field umpire, the field umpire shall escort the reporting Boundary or Goal umpire to notify the reported player prior to the commencement of the next quarter (except if the incident occurs in the final quarter). In this instance, arrangements should be made for the reporting umpire and accompanying field umpire to do so in a manner that does not bring undue attention to the reporting umpire.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 25 Lodging a Report Umpires are to use the online Notice of Report and Offence Grade Template.

It is strongly recommended that you fill in the AFL NSW/ACT Reporting Notes form at either half time or full time to help you record details, before submitting the form on line.

Please also ensure you do the following:

• Always check the team sheets for the name and number of the player you are reporting and of the player offended against. ALWAYS double check. • Compile detailed notes on the offence before you leave the ground. For example, always identify which hand was used to strike a player, where they were struck, or in the case of offensive language, exactly what was said. Use the AFL NSW/ACT Reporting Notes as a guide at the back of this manual o If you can, lodge the report online with your smartphone before leaving • Ensure you inform the Team Manager of the club/s concerned when they come to obtain the ‘All Clear’ approximately fifteen (15) minutes after the game • The Notice of Report and Offence Grade Template is to be completed online by 7pm of the day of your match. • Umpires are also to send an SMS to the Regulatory Manager, Bob Robinson by 7pm of the day of your match. Please advise the name of the player reported, match, division and your name • The Regulatory Manager will contact you if there is a tribunal case

Upon selecting the report option on the Umpires Match Report, reporting umpires will be able to complete the Notice of Report and Offence Grade Template.

Whilst the Notice of Report section on the form needs to be filled out for ALL Reports, the Offence Grade template needs to be filled out for the following charges:

• Striking another player • Kicking another person • Kneeing another person • Stomping on another person • Charging another person • Engaging in rough conduct • Bumping or making forceful front on contact • Head-butting • Eye gouging • Making unreasonable or unnecessary contact to the face of an opponent

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 26 • Making unreasonable or unnecessary contact to an injured player • Scratching another person • Spitting • Using abusive, offensive or obscene language • Using abusive, offensive or obscene language towards or in relation to an umpire

The AFL NSW/ACT Tribunal Guidelines state the following in reference to grading.

Intentional conduct A Player intentionally commits a Classifiable Offence if the Player engages in the conduct constituting the Reportable Offence with the intention of committing that offence.

Careless conduct A Player’s conduct will be regarded as Careless where it constitutes a breach of the duty of care owed by the Player to all other Players. In order to constitute such a breach of that duty of care, the conduct must be such that a reasonable Player would not regard it as prudent in all the circumstances. Further, a Player will be careless if they breach their duty to take reasonable care to avoid acts which can be reasonably foreseen to result in a Reportable Offence.

Impact (Low, Medium, High or Severe) In determining the level of impact, regard will be had to several factors.

Firstly, consideration will be given to the extent of force and in particular, any injury sustained by the Player who was offended against.

Secondly, strong consideration will be given to the potential to cause injury, particularly in the following cases:

• intentional head-high strikes, such as those with a swinging clenched fist, raised forearm or elbow;

• high bumps, particularly with significant head contact and/or Player momentum;

• any head-high contact with a Player who has his head over the ball, particularly when contact is made from an opponent approaching from a front-on position;

• forceful round arm swings that make head-high contact to a Player in a marking contest, ruck contest or when tackling;

• spear tackles; and

• driving an opponent into the ground when his arms are pinned.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 27 The absence of injury does not preclude the classification of impact as Severe.

Thirdly, consideration will be given not only to the impact between the offending Player and the victim Player, but also any other impact to the victim Player as a result of such impact.

In addition, consideration will be given to the body language of the offending Player in terms of flexing, turning, raising or positioning the body to either increase or reduce the force of impact. The absence of injury does not preclude the classification of impact as Severe.

Low impact (which is the minimum impact required for a Classifiable Offence to constitute a Reportable Offence) requires more than just a negligible impact. Most Reportable Offences require at least low impact and a collision or incident involving negligible force will not ordinarily result in a charge.

Contact (High/Groin, Body)

High contact is not limited to contact to the head and includes contact above the shoulders. Contact to the groin includes contact to the crease or hollow at the junction of the inner part of each thigh with the trunk together with the adjacent region and including the testicles.

Where contact is both High and to the Body, please classify it as high only.

Prescribed Penalty Procedure AFL Sydney have adopted a prescribed penalty system for reported players. It is intended that such a system may apply to players with a good record and who are reported for minor offences.

Prescribed Penalties will not be offered to the following:

• Players who have been reported for serious offences, i.e.: • Making, or attempting to make contact with or strikes an umpire • Kicking • Commits an act of misconduct – if the umpire is of the opinion that the act constituting misconduct is serious in nature • If a player has been found guilty of the same or more serious offence (5 weeks or more in the past 24 months) • Officials who are reported

Procedure Umpires shall report and charge players in the usual manner. The reporting umpire shall complete the player report template online by 9.00 pm on the Sunday following the match. Once the Player Report Form and Report Template has been received,

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 28 the Football Operations Manager will process the report and decide whether or not the offence and player is suitable for determination under the prescribed penalty system or if the report should be referred to the tribunal.

If the offence and/or player is suitable for determination under the Prescribed Penalty System, the prescribed penalty shall be offered to the club/player on the Monday following the match in which the player was reported. Club/player shall notify Sydney AFL of the acceptance or refusal to accept the set penalty no later than 3.00pm on the Tuesday following the match in which the player was reported. If accepted, the penalty shall be recorded against the player’s record kept by the league. If the prescribed penalty is rejected the report shall be referred to the tribunal for hearing at a time to be advised the Sydney AFL.

Tribunal Time and Location Tribunal hearings will be held on Wednesday night’s beginning at 6.30pm. They are held at the AFL NSW/ACT Head Office, Level 1, Sheridan Building, Sydney Football Stadium, Moore Park Road, Moore Park. Car parking is available in MP1 which is off Driver Avenue.

Umpires Advocate Umpires when advised of needing to attend the tribunal should contact the Umpires Advocate as provided by the NSWAFUA via email. The following process should occur in relation to a report going to the Tribunal:

• Send reporting notes to Advocate • Contact Advocate prior to the Tribunal • Ensure that you are at the Tribunal at least 15 minutes prior to the schedule start time of the Tribunal hearing.

Tribunal Procedure Should you make a report in your match you may be required to attend the tribunal hearing should the player decide not to accept a prescribed penalty or the offence does not warrant a prescribed penalty. Umpires will be notified on Tuesday afternoon whether a player has taken the prescribed penalty or elected for a tribunal hearing. It is advisable that you assume that you will be required at the tribunal.

Umpires will be advised by an SMS (provided you sent an SMS informing of the report) by 5pm on Tuesday if they are required to attend the tribunal. If Umpires have not heard by 5pm Tuesday they are advised to contact the Regulatory Manager on Wednesday morning. If an Umpire cannot attend the tribunal then they must inform the Regulatory Manager in writing of the non-attendance and reason why.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 29 Umpires will attend the tribunal and where possible have representation so that the advocate can support them as required.

Umpires need to ensure they have all relevant points in relation to your report and that where there is video evidence that you have viewed it prior to the hearing. At the hearing Umpires should be:

• Brief and to the point Do not ramble Do not speculate Be concise – know your facts (use the reporting notes, type a statement if you believe that will assist • Leave immediately after excused by the Chairperson, do not wait for a verdict. This is potentially a volatile moment.

Remember, you are a witness reporting on the events you saw. We are not there to prosecute.

Racial/Religious Vilification To vilify is to defame, slander or speak ill of someone regarding their race, religion, sex, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.

A complaint such as this must only be made by an umpire on the occasion of being absolutely certain of what has taken place. You must have seen and heard exactly what has happened without assuming or guessing. Before lodging the complaint you must then ask the offended player “Are you offended?” If they answer yes you must ask “Do you wish to take the matter further?” if they wish to take it further you must then record the exact incident on the Umpires Match Report Form. If you did not hear what was said, then it is up to the club to take the matter further.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 30 RISK MANAGEMENT Physical Contact between Players and Umpires Given the general nature of the game of Australian Football, there will on occasions be unavoidable contact between Umpires and players. There may also from time to time be deliberate manhandling or assaulting of Umpires even though the AFL has in place deterrents to prevent such conduct. It must therefore be recognized that, notwithstanding the risk management measures currently in place there may on occasions be contact between players and Umpires in which Umpires may sustain injury.

Personal Assault In the event of you being assaulted while carrying out your duties as an Umpire on match day, you must report the incident at the earliest opportunity to:

In the case of it being a Player/Official of a team, to the AFL Sydney Football Operations Manager in the form of a report. If the Official is not on the team sheet, a copy of the “Incident Referral Form” to the AFL Sydney Football Operations Manager.

In the case of being assaulted by a spectator, seek the help of the Club that the spectator belongs to, to identify the person’s name. A copy of the “Incident Referral Form” is to be sent to the AFL Sydney Football Operations Manager.

In both of the above instances, you should report the incident to the nearest police station and lodge a complaint. Make a detailed statement to police, which they will follow up.

Contact the Umpiring Development Coordinator of the incident as soon as practical after the incident.

NB: These steps must be taken to protect all umpires from continued assault. If you fail to report these incidents you are letting yourself and your fellow umpires down. Remember someone has to go back to the same ground next week.

In the Event of a Ground Invasion In the event of a ground invasion all Umpires are reminded that they must move as quickly as possible to the Umpire change Rooms. Umpires are instructed to remain in this area until all spectators have left the arena. All Umpires need to be aware of the risks associated with officiating in games attended by spectators and to be alert to situations that could arise.

Umpires at no stage should do or say anything that is likely to incite spectators. Umpires should at all times avoid making eye contact or reacting in any way to spectator’s comments or behavior.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 31 Treatment of Injured Umpires – During a Match AFL Sydney have put in to place a procedure whereby if an Umpires becomes seriously injured or seriously ill during a match, club medical staff have agreed that they will assist in the treatment of this Umpire where required. Umpires are encouraged to complete the Register of Injuries form as soon as practical.

AFL Sydney Club Appointed Umpires Handbook – 2017 32 REPORTING NOTES (FOR UMPIRES USE) Jot down for your personal reference all the details you can recall about the incident. It does not matter if you cannot recall all the information. Other umpires can assist you with the peripheral details but if asked you must say so eg “the other field umpire told me he was 60 m away on the opposite side of the major axis and was not looking at the incident”.

When What quarter and approx time through quarter Who No and team of offender No and team of victim Where Location of incident on the ground Direction Which way was each team attacking in that quarter Play Describe play immediately before the incident

Incident Describe offence and position of players involved: how many blows: left or right hand: how many landed: to what part of body Effect Condition of victim: blood?: did the blow cause him to go to ground: did he require treatment from a trainer

Ball Where was the ball when the incident occurred Distance How far were you away from the incident (use diagram) Other players Were other players in the immediate area Did they obscure your view Free Kick Did you award a free kick for the incident: specify offence Umpires Approximate position of the other umpires at the time of the incident Provocation Did you see or hear any previous exchange between these players Report What did you say to the player when reporting him Response What did the player say and/or do when told he was being reported