& Club Protocols

Expectation of Clubs 1. Clubs Code of Conduct The League’s code of conduct has been incorporated into its by-laws and penalties are now in place where breaches are found to have occurred. [For the purposes of the rule the Home Club’s executive assumes responsibility for dealing with the complaint.] Clubs are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents/carers of players, ’s, and spectators.

Zero Tolerance There is “zero tolerance” toward anyone who either physically or verbally or intimidates an umpire. On field, the umpire has the discretion to award a 50m penalty, send the player from the field, or report the player. Off the field, the umpire can report the club for not maintaining control of their spectators, officials or coaches. Code of Conduct breaches go to the Independent Tribunal and the penalties are severe.

Be Proactive If spectators are abusing the umpire, don’t wait for the to lodge a complaint through the Interchange Steward or their Escort. It is too late!

Make your club members aware of the consequences of umpire and ensure that committee members point this out to spectators on the day of the game.

2. Physical Treatment of Umpires The CMFNL have put into place a procedure whereby if an umpire needs treatment prior to a match, such as ankles strapped or legs massaged or becomes injured during the match, club medical staff are agreeable that they will assist in the treatment of this umpire where required.

3. Umpire Change Rooms The umpires are part of the game and are guests of your club. The ‘rule of thumb’ is; “what you do for your players you also do for the umpires”. There are minimum requirements and umpires appreciate clubs that exceed expectations:  Clean and tidy rooms.  Hot showers at the end of the game.  Bottled water, no alcoholic beverages.  Football(s) delivered prior to the game.

Expectation of Umpires

4. Umpires Code of Practice The Central Murray Football & Netball League Umpires Code of Practice enables the League to clearly state the professional expectations common to all umpires in the implementation of the League’s goals and priorities. The commitment of all umpires to consistently apply these values, follow the policies and practices will lead to the development of a supportive umpiring environment, as well as promoting the development of football.

Values Behaviours  We are committed to continual improvement of our umpiring skills and A professional attitude sharing excellent practices is valued and  We keep ourselves up to date with current umpiring practice and expected in all programs activities  We take responsibility for our own professional improvement  We share professional ideas and expertise with our colleagues  We display fairness and uniformity in applying the Laws of Australian Football and the CMFNL By-Laws  We are honest in our assessment of situations  We are consistent and courteous in calling all infractions On the field we display  We condemn deliberate fouls as being unsporting and promote fair play fairness and and appropriate sporting behaviour consistency  We ensure that the health and safety of the players is the number one priority when making decisions  We do not engage in physical and/or verbal , abuse or conduct toward any player, , or supporter  We act and present ourselves at all times in a professional manner and as a positive role model Each individual is  We foster a supportive and tolerant environment treated with respect  We value and appreciate the strengths and skills of others and trust  We treat all players, coaches, officials, spectators and colleagues equitably, fairly and courteously  We promote respect and loyalty to the practices of our organisation  On the field we share ideas and work load  We willingly provide feedback when asked  We participate in and contribute ideas to discussion and planning Cooperation and  We recognise and acknowledge what we can achieve as an organisation teamwork are valued  We value the role of all individuals in our organisation and respect their right to express a point of view  We adhere to decisions reached by consensus

5. Match Day Arrangements  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 potential problems exist, use common sense and diplomacy in raising the matter with the Home Club Grounds Manager.  Ensure the match day footballs meet the necessary requirements well before the commencement of the game.  Ensure all team sheets are submitted prior to the match and they are accurate, completed and signed. (Check that all club officials are listed)  Ensure 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.  Visit the player’s rooms about 10 to 15 minutes before the game. Do not interrupt the coach addressing his team. In senior matches you will be provided with two new footballs, the visiting captain chooses the one you will use. In each room, introduce yourself to the coach and captain. If there are new rules being introduced it is appropriate to remind players.  At the end of the match, Match Day paperwork will be completed and placed in the envelope. After the seniors, the Match Day envelope containing all paperwork will be delivered to the Match Day Secretary.  At the end of the senior’s game it is important that the Umpires’ room is tidied and any rubbish put in the bins.  It is expected that umpires before they depart their venues, socialise for a short time in the home club rooms. Umpires need to be seen as an integral part of the game.