Umpires Manual Central Coast 2012

Umpires Manual

Central Coast 2012

Contents

Topic Page Introduction 3 Coaches Contacts 4 Education of an Umpire 5 Umpire Opportunity Pathway 5 What is Regional Squad? 5 How do I get involved in Senior Football? 6 Preparation 7 Training/Coaching Session details 7 Appointments Process 8 Unavailability 8 Wet Weather 8 Match Preparation 9 What to pack for your game? 9 Match Day Checklist – What to do and when 10 Before the game 10 At each break 10 After the match 10 Match Requirements 11 Quarter Lengths and breaks 11 Football Sizes 12 Player Numbers 12 Relevant AFL GSJ by laws 13 Gloves 13 Undergarments 13 Boundary Umpires and Goal Umpires 13 Duty of Care - Bad Weather 14 Spirit of the game 14 Tackling Under 13/14’s 14 Mercy Rule 14 Team/Club Official Roles 14 Racial/Religious Vilification 15 Umpire Abuse Free kick 16 Spectator Abuse Free kick 16 Spectators to close to the field of play 16 After the Match 17 Paperwork – How to fill out 17 Send off/Order off 17 Yellow Card and Report 17 Red Card and Report 17 Yellow Card, where player is not reported 18 Reporting Procedure 19 Action during a match 19 Filling out a report/Notifying umpires coach 19 Modified Rules 20 Payment – How much and where to collect 22 Ground Locations 23 Paperwork Information 24

Introduction

Welcome to Season 2012 as an AFL GSJ umpire. To those that are returning for another exciting season, thanks and welcome back. To those that are new umpires, congratulations on taking up a new challenge.

This manual has been designed as a resource for you, to assist you in your role as an AFL GSJ umpire. As an umpire you should read this manual and become familiar with its contents, at the same time you should also have it with you on match day as a quick reference guide.

An umpire is required to be a person of sound character, willing to accept advice and constructive criticism and above all, to interpret the rules of the game in a fair and consistent manner. He or she must always act in a manner, which places the umpire above reproach with honesty, integrity, trust and respect as you are representing AFL GSJ and the umpiring group.

The AFL GSJ wishes you all the best for season 2012.

Coaches and Regional Umpire Manager contacts

Regional Umpire Manager: Carl Fletcher

Email: [email protected]

Mobile Phone: 0425 256 504

Umpires Appointments Manager: Craig Friend

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 0401 633 660

Umpires Coach – North: Darrel Luck

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 0419 162 521

Umpires Coaches – South: Joshua Duffy Sykes & Lachlan Head

Education of an Umpire

The AFL has a National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme that has three levels of competency for Field Umpires and two levels for Boundary and Goal umpires. As a junior umpire you can undertake Level 1 Accreditation. When you have completed the program successfully you will receive a nationally recognised certificate as a Level 1 umpire.

Accreditation has theory components and observation of your performance in a match. Ask your coach to learn how you can become accredited.

Umpiring Opportunity Pathway

What is Regional Squad?

The Regional Junior Umpiring Squad Program is a development opportunity for talented junior umpires. At the end of each season the NSW/ACT AFL calls for nominations of field, boundary and goal umpires that are showing promise. These umpires are then selected by the NSW/ACT Umpire Department staff.

There are four Regional Junior Umpiring Squads across NSW/ACT:

South East

South West

Northern (Central Coast/Newcastle/Black Diamond/Mid North Coast/North Coast/Tamworth)

Sydney (Sydney South/Sydney Harbour/Western Sydney)

The Regional Junior Umpiring Squads will have an Induction day introducing them to the program, and organised training sessions with their local senior group over the course of the year. The umpires will also officiate at representative fixtures during the year.

How do I get involved in Senior Football?

As a junior umpire there are opportunities available to get involved in senior football as a Boundary or Goal umpire. The local senior group (AFL Sydney) have opportunities available and you should speak with your umpire coach if you’re interested.

When your umpire coach believes you are ready to field umpire with the senior umpires, they will give you the opportunity.

NSW/ACT Umpire Pathway

Umpires to trial for AFL can only be selected via NEAFL Grand Final

Umpires’ Development Academy Green Community Senior Shirt Football Leagues Umpire Regional Community Junior Umpiring Football Leagues Squads

Preparation

Training/Coaching session details

Just like a player, training is important for umpires to develop their fitness, umpiring skills and knowledge of the laws and their interpretations. It also provides the opportunity to get to know your fellow umpires and make new friends.

Training details are below:

Southern Group – Coaches: Joshua Duffy Sykes & Lachlan Head

Location: Adcock Park, Racecourse Rd, West Gosford

Night: Tuesday

Time: 6.00pm-7.00pm

Northern Group – Coach: Darrel Luck

Location: Don Small Oval, Wolsley Ave, Tacoma

Night: Thursday

Time: 6.00pm-7.00pm

Appointments process

Appointments will be sent out by email each week on Monday night. When you receive the appointment it is critical that you reply and confirm your appointment to the umpire appointments manager by the Wednesday night.

Appointments take a lot of time to organise so please be respectful to your coach by following this process.

If your email/contact details change at any time please inform your coach ASAP

Unavailability

It is your responsibility to inform your Regional Manager and coach if you are unavailable to umpire on a particular day. Please inform them with at least a weeks notice! When the email is sent out, you will need to respond to the umpire manager by the requested date

Wet Weather

In the case of wet weather possibly affecting the weekends matches, please check your email during Friday evening. In the event of cancellations, all changes will be sent via email. Please reply to confirm you received the changes, to save the coaches making many phone calls.

Match Preparation

When preparing for a match on the weekend you should be well rested, be well hydrated, and have eaten a good dinner/breakfast to ensure you have the energy to umpire the match. In the week leading up to the game you should read different sections of the law book, and watch sections of the laws DVD to make sure you’re prepared for any decision that might pop up.

It is important that you arrive 30 minutes before the match to ensure you are ready to start on time. This means that if you can’t drive then you need to organise transport to the ground with a parent or a friend. Arriving late can cause delay/inconvenience for your fellow umpire and the teams involved.

What to pack for your game?

Your umpiring bag should be packed the night before to ensure you have a relaxed start to game day, and don’t have last minute stress looking for your equipment. It is a good idea to pack something to eat in case there is no canteen (happens occasionally). Also bring some water with you. With new ground managers, they are still learning and may inadvertently forget to get water to you. Below is a list of recommended items:

Appointment Details Runners or boots

Laws Book Yellow/Red Cards

Umpires Handbook (this book) Pen/Pencil/pocket note pad

Modified Rules (in this book) 2 Whistles (one on the fingers, one in your whistle pocket of shorts!)

Reporting Pad (Youth Umpires only) Wristbands

Uniform (Shirt, Shorts, Socks) Tracksuit/towel/Drink bottle/suncream

Water to drink before and after the game. Something to eat after the game.

Match Day Checklist – What to do and when

Before the Game

Introduce yourself to: Arrive early 30mins before start - Coaches

- Team officials - Captains

Find Ground Manager, introduce Check Boots, Nails and Jewellery of yourself to them and other umpire. players Change into uniform, collect football and visit teams Any player that needs to make changes need to be re checked.

Do teams have Boundary (where Warm up - Is the ground safe to play required) and Goal Umpires? on? Check for sprinkler heads, glass, divots etc

Enter the ground 5mins before the Call the Captains to the centre for coin toss start. When 25m onto the ground raise ball above your head. There - Away team calls the toss should be someone to escort you

- If no coin use whistle behind back onto the ground - Move to position and start match!

At Each Break

- Take a drink - Discuss the game with your fellow umpire, - Listen out for siren so that game mentor and/or coach

runs to time - Discuss and write down players numbers - Someone should bring out a that might be playing well drink as an escort

After the match

Collect the match ball and leave the ground Fill out the Match Paperwork (instructions in this manual) - Shake hands with players and coaches as leaving (if a team is agitated leave - Match Report sheet them be and walk off) - Player Votes (where applicable) - There should be an escort with you as - The Ground Manager has these you leave the ground forms and team sheets

Finally,

Take the Match Report home to submit - If there is a report, then make notes of online (details in this manual) the incident and lodge this online as part of your match report - Thank the Ground Manager and ask Matchwhere Requirements to collect payment

Match Requirements

The following section outlines additional requirements that apply to all AFL GSJ matches. Please make sure you are familiar with these details.

Quarter lengths and breaks (per age group)

Age Group Quarter lengths

Under 9/10 4 x 10minute quarters (no time on)

Under 4 x 15minute quarters (no time on) 11/12/13/14

Under 15/16 4 x 20minute quarters (no time on)

Breaks during games will be:

Under 9/10 Under 11/12/13/14 Under 15/16

¼ Time 4minutes 4minutes 4minutes

½ Time 4minutes 7minutes 10minutes

¾ Time 4minutes 4minutes 4minutes

Timekeepers will sound a siren one (1) minute prior to the scheduled completion of each break. Umpires should then blow their whistle and ask teams to move if they have not started to break for position.

If minimum Player numbers are not present fifteen (15) minutes (or at qtr time in the under 9/10’s) after the scheduled time of commencement, then the offending team will forfeit the match. For such matches where teams do not have the minimum numbers at the scheduled start time but Players are still due to arrive, the game shall commence but with reduced Player numbers on each team. Teams must still have equal numbers on the field. After the required 15 minutes (or qtr time in the under 9/10’s) if minimum numbers are not achieved the match becomes a scratch match

Football sizes

Under 9/10 Size 2 (leather or synthetic by coach agreement)

Under 11/12 Size 3 (leather or synthetic by coach agreement)

Under 13/14 Size 4 leather

Under 15/16 Full size leather

In the event of wet weather conditions, the umpire with the agreement of coaches has the discretion to allow the use of a wet weather (synthetic) football.

Player Numbers

In all cases, teams must have the MINIMUM number of Players available at the scheduled commencement of a match to constitute an official match (Refer also Rule 11.2 listed above under Quarter lengths)

If during the course of a game a Player injured has to leave the ground but there are no replacements in that team the Field Umpire and opposition coach are to be advised accordingly. The other side is to remove a Player to keep the numbers on the ground even (except for send offs). For a Player returning to the field the same process in reverse applies.

To encourage maximum participation and teams to stand alone in terms of Player numbers, the term Match Number specifies the ideal number of on-field Players per team. Where a team has the number of Players shown as Match Number (but the other team has more), then borrowing Players from the opposition team is not compulsory to balance overall numbers. Where a team does not have the number of Players shown as Match Number (and the other team has more than the first team), then it is compulsory to borrow/loan available Players to balance on-field Player numbers as far as possible up to the number shown as Match Number. During school holidays to assist clubs to field teams the numbers below can be reduced by two (2) players.

The following table shows Minimum Number and Match Number by age group.

Age Group Minimum # Match # Maximum # Interchange U9’s – U10’s 9 12 15 unlimited U11’s – U12’s 9 12 15 6 U13’s – U16’s 12 16 18 8

Relevant GSJ by laws

Gloves

Use of gloves by Players in competition is not allowed. Umpires have discretionary power to allow the use of a glove(s) in special circumstances such as injury.

Undergarments (such as Skins)

Undergarments (lycra shorts) must be either neutral colour or black or white. Full length undergarments (items other than the playing jumper or shorts) are not permitted.

Boundary Umpires and Goal Umpires

Each Club is to ensure the competency of any person who accepts responsibility as a Goal or Boundary Umpire. The Field Umpire has the power to order replacements for any Boundary or Goal Umpire. The Field Umpire has the power to consult with, and if necessary, overrule a Goal or Boundary Umpire where, in the Field Umpire’s opinion, an obvious error has occurred. No third party is permitted to be involved in any such consultation (notwithstanding the Laws).

All Goal and Boundary Umpires should introduce themselves to the Field Umpire(s) prior to the commencement of the game.

Goal Umpires

A Goal Umpire must be provided by each competing team and is required to be dressed in something that is clearly identifiable. A white coat is recommended and they must have a set of white flags and scorecard.

Boundary Umpires Boundary Umpires are to be supplied for Under 13’s to Under 16’s age groups and are required to be dressed with a white top to assist in recognition by the Field Umpire(s) and use an audible whistle.

In the case that a team does not provide suitable Boundary Umpires, a member of that team will be responsible for throwing in the ball on the non-umpired side of the ground. In the case where neither team provides a Boundary Umpire the attacking side will throw the ball in. Where a team has not provided a Boundary Umpire this must be noted on the appropriate match day paperwork.

Duty of Care – Bad Weather

Umpires and Clubs (in particular Ground Managers) should be aware of the dangers of allowing play during thunder/electrical storms. Play should cease if lightning is seen in the vicinity of the playing field. No risks should be taken in this regard.

Spirit of the Game

At the end of a game all Players, coaches and umpires should gather in the centre of the ground and shake hands.

Tackling Under 13/14’s

Tackling is permitted as per the Laws of Australian Football however in Under 13’s and Under 14’s:

No Player shall be deliberately slung, dumped or thrown to the ground via any tackle.

Mercy Rule

The Goal Umpires are to inform the Field Umpire at half time or three quarter time, where the score differential between the teams equals or exceeds a set amount (i.e. ninety (90) points for youth ages and sixty (60) points for modified ages).

The Field Umpire will instruct the Goal Umpires and any scoreboard attendants to cease further scoring for the remainder of the match.

Where the Mercy Rule is applied, the match shall continue for the remainder of the allocated time of play, with the coaches encouraged to even-up the skill levels of the teams.

The official recorded result for the match shall be:

Losing team - the score of the losing team, at the time the Mercy Rule was applied; Winning Team - the score of the losing team, at the time the Mercy Rule was applied, plus a margin equal to the points’ differential for that grade.

Team/Club Officials roles

Ground Manager

On match day, the Ground Manager is the go to person. They are the ones that set up the ground and will have all the match paperwork. They will be able to assist you if you have any problems or concerns. The ground manager or umpires escort is responsible for escorting the umpires on and off the ground during the day, and will bring out the drinks. During the day you will also have dealings with Coaches, Runners, Water carriers and trainers. Always be friendly in your dealings with these club volunteers.

Coaches

The coaches role is to coach their players. Coaches must stay on the sideline, apart from under 9/10’s where they can be on the field (15m from play).

Runners

In the Under 13’s to Under 16’s age groups two (2) runners are allowed but only one on the ground at a time. In all other age groups, only one (1) is allowed. The runner is to wear a clearly visible and identifiable coloured top as determined by the Regional Committee. Only runners are permitted to deliver messages to Players and are not to loiter after delivering such messages.

Water Carriers & Trainers

Each team is allowed four (4) water carriers/trainers (identified as a minimum by a plain coloured t-shirt, as determined by the Regional Committee.). They should only enter the playing field on the scoring of a goal or when play is at the opposite end of the field.

Minimum age of water carriers will be:

For teams up to Under 11’s – 11 years or older

Under 12’s – 12 years or older

Under 13’s - 16’s – 13 years or older

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 Match Report Form.

If you did not hear what was said, then it is up to the club to take the matter further.

Umpire Abuse Free Kick

Abuse of umpires is not acceptable. The AFL Greater Sydney Juniors wants to support umpires, and continue to encourage all umpires to stay involved, while also recruiting new ones. It is crucial that all umpires do not accept abuse as part of the role, but instead penalise it and record it on the match paperwork. Remember that as umpires we strive to be consistent, and therefore we need to all take action on abuse.

Players, coaches and officials can be penalised for abuse, and reported. Umpires should use the abuse signal.

Spectator Abuse Free kick

Spectators can be penalised for abuse. A Free kick and 50m penalty will be paid where a spectator uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language and/or gesture towards an umpire. If you are to pay this free kick then you must be able to identify who has abused you, and which team they are with.

In paying the free kick you should then say, “Free Kick for Umpire Abuse from the TEAM’s spectator”. The Free kick shall then be taken from where the football is at the time. Umpires should use the abuse signal.

Sledging - Free kick and or Report

“Sledging” may be described as insulting or verbally intimidating a Player or Players.

Sledging is not appropriate in AFL GSJ football competitions. AFLGSJ has a “no tolerance” attitude toward sledging and the interpretation and application of the Laws and these Rules will reflect this “no tolerance” attitude. An umpire may give a warnng to a Player or Players sledging another Player or Players and where possible, should inform both captains of the warning as soon as reasonably practicable after issuing such a warning.

A Player who sledges another Player or Players shall, whether or not a warning has been given to that Player or any other Player, be ordered off the field for a period of time equivalent to one quarter or for the remainder of the game if the breach was committed in the last quarter. In this instance, the Umpire will hold up a Yellow card

For the purpose of these rules, sledging will be deemed to be an act of misconduct under the Law 15.10.1(f). Where the act is considered serious in nature then players can be reported under law 19.2.2 (p)

The Rules in relation to sledging will apply in addition to the Laws, including the Laws in relation to the use of an obscene gesture and using abusing, insulting, threatening or obscene langusge (law 15.10.1 (d)).

Spectators to close to field of play

Where required the Field umpire may ask spectators to provide more space beyond the boundary and may refrain from recommencing the game until the request is complied with.

After the match

After the match you have not finished your role until the paperwork is filled out correctly. If you are going to be playing for a team later in the day, or staying at the ground it is important to change out of your umpiring uniform. Remember that while you are in the uniform, you are representing the entire umpiring group.

Paperwork – How to fill out

The match paperwork is an important part of your role as an umpire. After the match the umpire will be provided with a Match Report Form pro-forma to complete. Umpires should work together to complete all details as required. All grades require the umpire to fill in a match report, while only Youth football (13’s-16’s) require the umpire votes sheet to be completed. After the match one of the umpires must take the form home and submit the form online. Please refer to the Paperwork information at the end of this manual.

Send Off/Order Off

Yellow Card and Report

A Player who is reported by an Umpire/s for a breach of the Laws shall be ordered from the field for a period of time equivalent to one quarter or for the remainder of the game if the breach was committed in the last quarter. In this instance, the Umpire will hold up a yellow card. In the case of a Yellow Card the player can be replaced immediately.

Red Card and Report

A Player who is reported by an Umpire/s for a breach of the Laws 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 the Umpire will hold up a red card. A Player sent from the field with a red card for the remainder of the game must leave the field completely and cannot sit with the interchange players or the coaches. In the case of a Red Card the player can be replaced after a period of 15 minutes.

Serious breaches include 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.

 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.

Yellow Card, where player is not reported

At the discretion of the Umpire, a Player may be ordered from the field for a period of time equivalent to one quarter and not be reported. In this instance an Umpire will hold up a yellow card.

In all instances, a Player For the purposes of this Rule ordered off shall leave the any send-off will result in the playing area immediately Player concerned remaining off through the interchange area. the field for a period of time In the case of a yellow card equivalent to one quarter

send-off for a period of time excluding breaks between equivalent to one quarter the quarters. For example, a Player timekeeper shall indicate when sent off five (5) minutes before

the Player is permitted to halftime in an Under 13 game resume playing. In this case the would be permitted to resume Player must sit with the playing ten (10) minutes after timekeeper. the third quarter commenced.

The ordered-off Player will be removed from the playing field for a

period of time equivalent to one quarter for the first offence and for the remainder of the game for the second offence

Players who use audible obscenities regardless of to whom they are directed at will be removed from the playing field for a period of time

equivalent to one quarter. If the obscenity is directed at the Umpire, or for a second offence, the Player shall be reported.

The Umpire will recommence the game once the Player has left the playing field. In the event of a Player failing or refusing to leave the field when ordered off, the Player shall be reported for misconduct and the Player’s team shall forfeit the match.

Any time a player is sent from the field with a Yellow or Red Card, the umpire must:

- Stop the match, advise of the offence and signal the appropriate card - Record the players number, the offence and the quarter on your note pad - If for an offence against another player then record that player’s number and the location on the field. - Resume the match when the player has left the field

Reporting Procedure

Action during Match

Where an Umpire reports a player or Official during the course of a Match, the Umpire shall use best endeavours to inform the player or official of the Report:

i. at the time of the incident;

ii. before the commencement of the next quarter; or,

iii. where the incident occurs in the final quarter, after the completion of the Match.

 The Umpire shall use best endeavours to inform the player or official against whom a reportable offence has been committed of the Report.

 An Umpire may inform the captain, acting captain or an Official of a Team of the Report where it is impracticable to inform the Player or Official who has been reported.

 Apart from informing a Player or Official of the Report, an Umpire shall not speak with the reported Player or Official or any other Player or Official about a Report which has been made.

 The failure of an Umpire to inform a Player or Official of the Report does not invalidate the making of the Report.

Filling out a report/notifying umpires coach

When completing a Report you must note it on the AFL GSJ Match Report Form pro-forma, before taking it home to submit online. The table below is from the Match Report form. You need to include the players name from the team sheet, the club, the quarter, what the offence was, and whether you gave a red or yellow card, and whether the player was reported.

 As soon as reasonably possible after the match, you must verbally advise the Regional Umpire Manager of the Report

Players Send-Offs, Code Of Conduct Violations, Modified Ruled Report(s)

NAME CLUB QTR OFFENCE CARD REPORT

(Y/R) (Y/N)

Standard Modified Rules 2012

UNDER 9 UNDER 11 UNDER 10 UNDER 12 1. Playing Field 105 m x 80m (cones or lines to mark zones) 110m x 80m (min.) Increased by agreement. The Field is divided into 3 equal zones Increased by agreement.

2. Ball Size Size 2 Ball (synthetic or leather ball by agreement) Size 3 Ball (synthetic or leather ball by agreement) 3. The Team 9, 12 or 15 players with any number of reserves (Refer Reg Var for Match #’s) 12 to 15 players with any number of reserves Number of players on ground must be equal. Number of players on ground must be equal. Interchange may take place at any time, but all players Team consists of up to 5 equal numbers of forwards, backs and centres. Players remain in position for all of the should play 3 quarters. quarter after which the players must change zone. Interchange of players may take place at any time All players should play at least 3 quarters of the match where possible 4.Zones/Positions Players will be instructed to by the umpire to stay in their correct position. and transition of the When the ball is in transition from the back zone to the forward zone, it must be touched by a player in the mid ball zone. Failing this, a free kick will be awarded to the opposition team at the point where the ball entered the end zone. 5. Scoring Only forward zone players can score from within the forward zone. Forward players are marked with a clearly After a behind, the player kicking in cannot dispose to themselves identifiable armband. Where a non forward scores, a free kick will be awarded to the opposition team at the point where the ball entered the end zone. After a behind, the player kicking in cannot dispose to themselves 6. Playing Time 4 x 10 Minute Quarters 4 x 12 or 15 min Quarters (Refer Reg Var) 7. Starting and A ball up is conducted between 2 centre players of similar height as nominated by the umpire. The umpire should A ball up is contested between 2 centre players of similar height as nominated by the umpire in the restarting play nominate different pairs of players for subsequent ball ups after goals are scored. There is no full possession centre of the ground. Only centre line players attend centre bounces (20m clearance from all other allowed. players). The umpire is to enforce a similar 20m area for field ball ups. The full possession rule is applied as follows: No Full possession permitted - A player contesting the ball up may not grab the ball and play on; and - The player must knock, palm or punch the ball to a teammate or open ground, and may not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player or hit the ground. 8. Scrimmage and Field ball ups are contested by 2 players of similar height (selected by the umpire) after all other players have been Field ball ups are contested by 2 players of equal size selected by the umpire. Before the ball up, the field ball ups sent back to their positions. There is no full possession permitted. umpire should clear the area by sending players back to their positions. No more then 3 players from each team shall be closer to the ball up than about 20 metres. No Full possession permitted From a kick – a free kick is awarded to the closest opponent. A player cannot kick for goal from this free kick. If in From a kick – a free kick is awarded to the closest opponent. A player cannot kick for goal from this 9. Out of Bounds doubt – ball up 5m in from boundary. free kick. If in doubt – ball up 5m in from boundary Off hands or body – ball up 5m in from the boundary. No Full possession permitted Off hands or body – ball up 5m in from the boundary. No Full possession permitted.

A player’s prime objective should be to gain possession of the ball (eyes on the ball). Restrained side (shoulder to 10. Gaining shoulder) contact is permitted when players are contesting a loose ball, provided that the ball is within 5 metres. Possession ‘Running with’ the player rather than ‘running at’ the player must be the intention. Front on contact or contact from behind is strictly prohibited.

The ball is possessed by controlling it, catching it, grabbing it, or laying 2 hands on it when it is on the ground. Once the ball is possessed, other players may apply a hold and release tackle (refer to tackling rule)

UNDER 9 UNDER 11 UNDER 10 UNDER 12 Players can “Hold and Release” an opposition player in possession of the ball by grabbing the jumper only with one A player in possession of the ball may be tackled by an opponent wrapping both arms ( the wrap or two hands. When in possession of the ball there is strictly no bumping, slinging or deliberately bringing the player around tackle) around the area below the top of the shoulders and on/above the knees. in possession of the ball to the ground. Grabbing the arms or applying a wrap around tackle is not permitted. The tackle may be from either side or from behind providing the tackle from behind does not thrust forward the player with the ball. No Player shall be deliberately dumped or thrown to the ground by a 11. Tackling If a player in possession of the ball is “Held and Released” without a prior opportunity to dispose of the ball they tackle.Where such a penalty is awarded the umpire will use the sling signal. have 3 seconds to dispose of or attempt to properly dispose of the ball by handballing or kicking. If a player in - A player in possession of the ball,when held by an opponent applying the wrap around possession of the ball has had prior opportunity before being “Held and Released” a free kick is awarded against the tackle, should be given a reasonable chance to dispose of the ball by kick or by handball, or player in possession, for holding the ball. by attempting to kick or handball. If he or she fails to do so, a free kick shall be awarded to the tackler for holding the ball When the player is ‘Held and Released’ the umpire acknowledges that the hold has been applied (by calling out - The field umpire shall conduct a ball up when the player with the ball has it held to the body “Release”) and instructs the player in possession to then dispose of the ball within 3, 2, 1 seconds (counting by an opponent, unless the player has had a reasonable time to dispose of it prior to being backwards out loud). A player in possession cannot be Held and Released again within the 3 seconds. tackled. In that case, a free kick shall be awarded to the tackler for holding the ball Players cannot: - The field umpire shall allow play to continue if the ball is knocked out of a players hands by  knock the ball out of an opponent’s hands an opponent  push the player in the side - A player, who is held by an opponent when not in possession of the ball, shall be awarded  steal the ball from another player a free kick  bump an opponent (other than in rule 10 above) - Knocking or stealing the ball from an opponent’s hands is permitted

12. Smothering Not permitted Smothering is permitted

No barging, fending off or chopping past opponents is permitted. A free kick shall be awarded to the nearest No barging or chopping past opponents is permitted. Fending off with open hand to the body 13. Barging opponent (provided it is not above the shoulders or in the back) is permitted. 14. Shepherding Not permitted Shepherding permitted as per the laws of Australian Football. 15. Marking A mark is awarded irrespective of the distance the ball has travelled to any player who catches the ball directly from A mark is awarded when a player catches the ball directly from another player’s kick that has travelled the kick of another player. Where a player drops a mark but has eyes on the ball, and hands out in front or above at least 10 metres their head, and makes good contact on the ball then a mark can be awarded for a good attempt. 16. Distance Run A player running with the ball must bounce it within 10 metres. Only one bounce is permitted. Players cannot A player running with the ball must bounce it within 15 metres, only 2 bounces are permitted. Players and Bouncing the dispose of the ball to themselves intentionally. cannot dispose of the ball to themselves intentionally. Ball

17. Kicking Off Not permitted unless accidental Not permitted unless accidental the Ground 18. Distance penalty A 10m advancement may be awarded to a player after a mark or free kick if he or she is hindered by an opposition A 25m advancement may be awarded to a player after a mark or free kick if he or she is hindered by an player opposition player 19. Order off rule As per Rule 9 of AFL GSJ By Laws. As per Rule 9 of AFL GSJ By Laws.

20. Spirit of the Players, Coaches and Officials and Umpires to shake hands before and after game. Players, Coaches and Officials and Umpires to shake hands before and after game. Game No scores or ladders to be kept. 10 goal mercy rule. 21. Coaches Coaches allowed on field to teach but no closer than 15m from play. Coaches are not allowed on the field. Messages delivered by a runner who must be an adult or a player that is mature enough to umpire the game...

Payment – How much and where to collect

Umpire Fees are highlighted in the table below. When you have completed all match day paperwork and handed it in to the ground manager, you are then free to collect your payment and leave the ground. When collecting payment you should speak with the ground manager. They will then either sort your payment or direct you to the appropriate person.

All Regions Finals Fees Central Coast & Newcastle

Semi & Preliminary Finals

Non Accredited Accredited Field No Change

One Two One Two Boundary $15

U 9 20 15 20 15 Goal $10

U 10 20 15 25 20 Grand Finals

U 11 20 15 25 20 Field $10 increase

U 12 25 20 35 30 Boundary $20

U 13 35 25 45 35 Goal $15

U 14 40 30 50 40

U 15 45 35 55 45

U 16 50 40 65 50

Mentor Fee 15

Late arrival of umpire

Should an Umpire arrive late to an appointed match then the level of payment will be made on a pro-rata basis.

The pro-rata calculation is to be on the basis of whole quarters officiated during the game.

Standby Appointment

Where an Umpire takes control of a game that is underway (due to another Umpires non-arrival) then the minimum fee payable will be pro-rata to the whole quarters officiated during the game.

Ground locations Club Ground Address Gosford Junior AFL Club Adcock Park Racecourse Road, West Gosford Killarney Vale Australian Football Club Adelaide Street Oval Adelaide Street, Tumbi Umbi Niagara Park Junior AFL Club Paddy Clifton Oval Showground Rd, Narara Northern Lakes Power AFL Northlakes Oval Emu Drive, San Remo 2262 Peninsula Swans Australian Football Club Rogers Park Ocean Beach Road, Woy Woy Saratoga Junior AFL Club Saratoga Oval Willaroo Rd, Saratoga Terrigal-Avoca Australian Football Club Hylton Moore (No. 5) Oval Cnr Coburg & Althorp Sts, East Gosford The Entrance Bateau Bay Australian Football Club Pat Morley AFL Oval Passage Road, Bateau Bay Wyong-Lakes Australian Football Club Don Small Oval Wolsley Ave, Tacoma

2011 Match Day Paperwork information

In 2011 it has been decided that umpires match day paperwork will now be submitted online. The online paperwork will assist the GSJ to prevent paperwork from being lost in the mail, improve the tracking of code of conduct issues, while also being able to respond in a more timely fashion to these breaches and to player reports, plus provide other benefits to regions. This document has been developed to explain the new process for Match Day paperwork.

1. After a match the umpires will complete the Match Report Form pro-forma shown on the following pages. The Ground Manager will provide this form to the umpires on game day. 2. Please ensure that all details are completed as required. 3. If there is a player send off or report then please identify the details of the player from the team sheet. The Ground Manager will provide the team sheets. 4. If you Report a player you MUST inform your Umpire Manager and still complete a Notice of Report Form. This form is available from the Ground Manager. a. Complete the form as per details in your GSJ Umpire manual b. Sign each carbon copy of the form and provide the original to the Ground Manager to submit to the AFL. 5. If there is a Code of Conduct issue with officials, parents or spectators then please ask the Ground Manager to advise who this person(s) is, and then record their details.

6. Umpires are required to provide votes for the best conducted team and club. Votes are provided on a scale of 5 being the highest vote, and 1 being the lowest vote 7. For matches involving Under 13 to Under 16 age groups the umpires are required to provide best and fairest player votes. This is on a scale of 3 being the highest vote and 1 being the lowest vote. The Ground Manager will provide the team sheets.

8. Once the form is completed at the ground one of the umpires will then take the form home to submit online. Paperwork must be submitted by 9am Monday following the match.

The link for the match day paperwork is as follows: Central Coast - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG5vNU1JMG84bFNwczdWU1RyRi1UcXc6MQ#gi d=0

This link will also be available through the AFL Greater Sydney Juniors website also:

www.aflgsj.com.au

When the webpage loads select the Umpires tab, and then select Paperwork. Then select Umpire Match Day paperwork, and your regional form link. 25

9. When you select the link the following web page will load. Use your match day form that is filled out at the ground to enter the details. This process should only take about 5mins to complete. The form uses drop down menu’s where possible, or simply type in the required details (i.e. Umpire Names) 10. The first page online is the match information. Please answer all relevant fields then click continue.

11. The second page on the form is the Additional Match Details. Please select the answers as per your match day form then click continue.

12. The third page is regarding player behaviour. If you have sent a player off or reported a player you must select YES and provide further information. If you did not have any player behaviour issues then select NO and it will skip to the next section.

13. If you selected YES for player behaviour you then need to provide details of the incident as per the match day form. Please also provide details in the comment box of the incident. 14. If the player has been reported you must:- a. Inform your Umpire Manager and complete the Notice of Report Form as advised earlier. b. Select the reportable offence from the Laws of Australian Football that are provided in a drop down menu. If the player was not reported you must select YELLOW CARD NO REPORT. c. The form provides room for up to three reports (if you have more then three reports then please contact your Umpire manager). After you have provided details select continue.

15. The next section is regarding officials, parents and spectator behaviour. If you have had code of conduct issues with officials, parents or spectators you must select YES and provide further information. If you did not have any behaviour issues then select NO and it will skip to the next section.

16. If you selected YES for officials, parents or spectator behaviour you will then provide details of the incident as per the Match Day form. You will be required to provide the persons name, club, the quarter, and the offence from a drop down menu. Please also provide details in the comment box of the incident. 17. If you have had issues with officials, parents or spectators you must inform your Umpire Manager. 18. The form provides room for up to three incidents (if you have more then three incidents then please contact your Umpire Manager), after you have provided details select continue.

19. The next section is voting for best conducted club and team. Please select the numbers based off your completed match day form then select continue

20. The final section is player votes. This is only to be completed for matches involving Under 13’s to Under 16’s age groups. Please ensure you complete the player name, jumper number and club as per details collected from the team sheet.

21. When you have completed the votes click submit and you will have successfully lodged your match day paperwork. Please ensure you keep the paper version of the form for one month after the match before you can recycle the form.