CENTRAL MURRAY FOOTBALL & NETBALL LEAGUE Football Umpires Handbook
This manual is to assist all new umpires. Where you cannot find an answer to your concern, look on our website or consult your coaches.
Contents
1. Introduction 2
2. The Central Murray Football & Netball League 2
3. Membership of the CMFNL Umpires 2
4. Umpire Registration 2
5. Selection & Appointment Policy 3
6. Accreditation of Umpires 3
7. Code of Practice 4
8. Umpiring Appointments – I am unavailable 5
9. Match Day Travel Arrangements 5
10. Match Day Protocols 5
11. Match Day Duties 7
12. Match Requirements 8
13. Umpire Escorts 9
14. Remuneration and Appointment Fee 10
15. Uniform 10
16. Tax 10
17. Pay Slips and Timesheets 11
18. Protocols for dealing with abuse from off-field 11
19. Reporting 11
20. Tribunal 12
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1. INTRODUCTION This CMFNL Umpire’s handbook has been developed to assist, you the umpire, with the associated administrative requirements and information relating to being an umpire in the Central Murray Football & Netball League competition. This handbook is not intended to be comprehensive and more information is provided to the umpires at the commencement of the season and as rules are updated or modified. Our expectation is you become familiar with the contents of this handbook and to refer to this handbook on the occasions you need specific information. An umpire is required to be a person of sound character, willing to accept advice and constructive feedback and above all, to interpret the rules of the game in a fair and consistent manner. We must always act in a manner, which places the umpire above reproach with Honesty, Integrity, Trust and Respect as you are maintaining the integrity of CMFNL.
2. THE CENTRAL MURRAY FOOTBALL & NETBALL LEAGUE The Central Murray Football & Netball League comprises 11 clubs which stretch from Balranald in the north to Cohuna in the south. The affairs of the League are managed by the Board of Management, which comprises 7 elected members. The day-to-day operational issues have been contracted to the Regional Administration Centre (RAC). Other than your coaches any concerns should be addressed to the Operational Manager of the RAC. David Alderuccio Mob. 0408 807 325 Email: [email protected]
3. MEMBERSHIP OF THE CMFNL UMPIRES The CMFNL Umpires is an inclusive organisation and we operate by a set of values. We welcome all new members who share our values, as articulated by our Code of Practice.
All new members are expected to read the Code of Practice and if joining our ranks uphold these values and these behaviours in this code.
The CMFNL Board on advice from the Operations Manager and Coaches has the power to refuse membership, place a member on probation, or suspend a member if, in their opinion, the member has previously displayed behaviour which is contrary to our Code of Practice or brought (or potentially brought) the CMFNL or the CMFN Umpires into disrepute.
If a member or potential member is aggrieved by any decision of the Umpire coaches/Operations Manager/Board, they can appeal their decision by writing to the CMFNL Board of Management, outlining the grievance and specifying the outcome they would like. Please see the CMFNL Dispute & Grievance Policy which can be found on our website.
4. UMPIRE REGISTRATION Before any person can officiate at a CMFNL game as an umpire they must register themselves on Fox Sports Pulse. “Google the Central Murray Football & Netball League and Fox Sports Pulse” and go to the CMFNL home page. Click on the
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Following your registration being approved and processed (this usually takes 24 hours) you will receive an email from SCHEDULA providing you with a password to access your SCHEDULA account. [www.schedula.com.au] The Schedula website is where all of our appointments and payments are processed by the CMFNL. When you first use this website you will be asked to change your password. Your login is your email address. Become familiar with this website, as it where your payslips and umpiring history is maintained. Your email address is your unique login; it cannot be shared by another CMFNL registered umpire.
5. SELECTION & APPOINTMENT POLICY The selection and appointment of personnel for the weekly umpiring positions is fair, open and transparent. In the home & away games the process will be an inclusive part of a broader improvement strategy for further developing the skills of the umpires through mentoring, 360o feedback and observation in a supportive environment which encourages continuous improvement. Please read the policy on our website.
6. ACCREDITATION OF UMPIRES It is mandatory for all umpires of Australian Football to be accredited. Accreditation provides the umpire with the knowledge required to ensure a match they are officiating in is conducted in a safe and enjoyable way. There are two levels of accreditation for umpires of Australian Football. Level 1 (Introductory Accreditation) provides the umpire with the basic fundamentals, whilst Level 2 (Advanced Accreditation) advances the umpire’s skill development. The AFL’s National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme is a training package for Australian Football umpires consisting of three tiers for field umpires and two tiers for both boundary and goal umpires. Accreditation Levels Playing Standard Level 1 Field, Boundary, Goal Junior Community Football Level 2 Field, Boundary, Goal Senior Community Football Level 3 Field State League Football Umpire Coach Level 1 Umpire Community Coach Level 2 Umpire Community Coach
Level 1 Umpire Accreditation Course It is mandatory that all umpires over the course of their first year will achieve at least Level 1 Accreditation. The theory part is completed online and the practical is completed through the use of an Umpiring Diary and three observed games.
To gain access to the AFL Level 1 Online Umpire Accreditation Course, simply click: http://www.afl.com.au/umpires/courses
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7. CODE OF PRACTICE The Central Murray Football & Netball League Umpires Code of Practice enables us to clearly state the professional expectations common to all umpires in the implementation of our 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 intimidation, abuse or conduct toward any player, official, 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 a Club teamwork are valued We value the role of all individuals in our Club and respect their right to express a point of view We adhere to decisions reached by consensus
As an umpire, we are an integral part of the game and we can help each player enjoy the game by demonstrating a positive attitude, by promoting good sporting behaviour, by being consistent and by communicating in a fair and honest manner. Try to clearly express our decisions to the players and spectators in a way that can be easily seen and understood.
Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and remember there is no substitute for a thorough knowledge of the Laws of the Game and our own integrity.
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8. UMPIRING APPOINTMENTS – I AM UNAVAILABLE The effectiveness of the CMFNLU is reflected in the manner in which individual umpires deal with their responsibilities to the CMFNL Umpires, the Operations Manager, the Head Coach and their colleagues. The Code of Practice clearly states the professional expectations common to all umpires in the implementation of our 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.
In practical terms this also means: If you are unable to fulfil your appointment, caused by personal or family illness, family bereavement or personal accident you should immediately notify the Umpire Coach. (SMS or phone is the quickest) If you are unable to officiate on specific days please complete the Unavailability Sheet, as soon as possible, or complete the details on SCHEDULA. Please don’t leave this to the last minute. If you have other constraints on where or when you can officiate please notify the Head Coach, as soon as possible. Please don’t leave it until the last minute to tell the Coach.
It is the responsibility of each umpire to inform the Head Coach of any issues they may have with appointments or availability.
All Umpiring appointments are published on the CMFNL website each Thursday evening: www.centralmurrayfnl.sportingpulse.net
9. MATCH DAY TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Getting to the Game: The appointments notice (on the website) gives information on the designated driver and passengers for that driver. Usually a SMS message confirms these travel arrangements. Confirm your travel arrangements with your driver. The designated pick up place is the Swan Hill Club on the corner of Curlewis and McCallum St. Travel is paid for all designated drivers and this role is shared among the umpires.
10. MATCH DAY PROTOCOLS A protocol has been developed and is regularly reviewed to ensure the work environment for our Umpires is never compromised and we are supportive of CMFNL and Club processes. These protocols are outlined below: 1. Physical Contact between Players and Umpires Given the physical and sometimes emotional nature of the game of Australian Rules football, there may be on occasions an unavoidable contact between umpires and players. On these rare occasions there may also be deliberate manhandling or assaulting of umpires, including verbal assault, even though the AFL and the CMFNL has in place deterrents to prevent such Umpires Handbook Page 5 conduct. If such a situation occurs the Operations Manager must be immediately notified. In the case of a junior umpire, the senior umpire at the ground is to be immediately notified either at the time of the occurrence or at the end of the quarter. There is “zero tolerance” toward anyone who either physically or verbally abuses an umpire. If you fail to report an incident you are letting yourself and your fellow umpires down. Remember, a colleague must umpire that same club next week! If you don’t challenge the behaviour, the player, club official or spectator has not learned he/she cannot abuse umpires. Behaviour which is unchallenged is encouraged!
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 have agreed that they will assist in the treatment of this umpire where required. Umpires are encouraged to immediately contact the Operations Manager if the injury is debilitating or will result in time off from their workplace. 3. Arrival at the Ground Arrival at the ground should be at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the match. This time will be needed to change, meet your other umpires, prepare yourself and for Central Umpires to visit both teams in their rooms. It is also an opportunity to check that all of the necessary paperwork is in place in the umpires’ room. 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 potential problems exist, use common sense and diplomacy in raising the matter with the Home Club Grounds Manager. Get changed so that you are dressed at least 15 minutes before the game starts. The following hints will help your appearance and comfort: Clean well-presented uniform. Carry a spare whistle in your pocket on the inside of your shorts and also a card and pen for noting reportable offences. A red and yellow card for send offs. 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 (make sure you get their names). You should be unobtrusive and establish a friendly contact at this stage. (Never attempt to advise how you are going to umpire or interpret a particular rule. No matter how careful you are, your statement will be ridiculed as soon as a controversial decision arises.) Be on the ground at least five minutes before starting time. If possible, before making your way onto the ground, introduce yourselves to club goal and boundary umpires if applicable. Enter the ground in an orderly group. It is important to present to Clubs and the spectators that we are a professional organisation, well presented, well organised and trained. Club boundary umpires are frequently inexperienced and should be encouraged. Once you are 10 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! 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 the start of each break, the interchange stewards should visit the umpires to receive reports on any incidents of spectator abuse or poor behaviour. These reports must be passed onto the Ground
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Manager for action and noted on the back of the Club Excellence Award forms or the incident detailed on the Code of Conduct Report Form. All Field Umpires must: 1. Ensure the match day footballs meet the necessary requirements well before the commencement of the game. 2. Ensure all team sheets are submitted prior to the match and they are accurate, completed and signed. (Check that all club officials are listed) 3. 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. 4. Check to ensure all junior players are wearing helmets. Note on the Club Excellence Award players not wearing helmets, or any other clothing concerns. Boundary Umpires Get changed so that you are dressed at least 15 minutes before the game starts. The uniform expectations are the same as field umpires. Walk directly to the centre following behind the field umpires. Do a warm up jog around the outside of the centre square. Goal Umpires Get changed so that you are dressed at least 15 minutes before the game starts. The uniform expectations are the same as field umpires. Ensure you give all umpires a time call to walking onto the ground. The countdown should begin with 15 minutes to go prior to walking onto the ground. Walk directly to the centre following behind the field and boundary umpires.
11. MATCH DAY DUTIES The Interchange stewards will escort umpires from the ground to the change room. Take your time in completing paper work. Only officiating umpires and umpire coaching staff should be present in the change rooms immediately after the match. A representative from each club will approach the Umpires room approximately fifteen (15) minutes after the completion of each match to obtain the “All Clear”, unless this has been given as the umpires walk off the ground. Should there be any player reports from the match please inform the clubs at this time and tell them to return in 15 minutes. The completion of the Report Forms and their distribution is the responsibility of the senior central umpires. Remember you are the CMFNL eyes for the match and as such, if breaches of the By-Laws occur, it is important that you record them to ensure they can be corrected in the future. Paperwork It is important that the paperwork is completed as accurately as possible. Forms to be completed as soon as possible: 1. Team Lists Each club is to provide their team lists prior to the commencement time for the match. For the Seniors 15 minutes, for Reserves and Colts they should be available at the commencement of the game. At the end of the Reserves and Colts games it is only necessary to confirm the Team List details are accurate. When the senior team list is received you are required to check the following: o The number of players listed does not exceed the maximum required for that competition. o The names of all officials (i.e. coaches, runners, water carriers etc) are included. o All listed players have a number jumper recorded. o The club official is to be requested to correct any errors on the team list. o Team Lists go into the match day envelope. 2. Club Excellence Award (to be completed for the Colts and Seniors) o All questions must be thoroughly completed. If any points are deducted then additional comments must be made to support your conclusions on the back of the
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sheet. Any reports, send-offs, 50m penalties or other sanctions in the game must be reflected in the Club Excellence Award. o A central umpire must sign this form on behalf of all central umpires. 3. Payroll Form (To be completed and signed by all umpires) o The form is a time sheet and is used as evidence to show that you have officiated at the match. o The umpire travel and match payments are calculated from this form. o If you haven’t been given permission to claim travel, don’t try to make a claim. 4. Voting Cards are to be placed in the sealed envelopes at the end of the match o Best & Fairest Voting Slip. (Colts and Seniors) o Blue Ribbon-Bob Lane Award. (Colts only) 5. Best & Fairest and other Awards Central Umpires should take time in completing the voting slip and should throughout the intervals be discussing the best players. (This discussion can take place with all other umpires, if deemed appropriate.) This will avoid possible voting of players who did not play well through the course of the game. Voting should take into account play all day, not just the last quarter. Field Umpires are to award votes to the players adjudged by them as the best and fairest players on the day irrespective of whether such players have been found guilty of an offence in a match during that season and irrespective of whether any of such players have been reported on the day. Care should be taken to state the player's initial and number, particularly when two or more players of the same surname are engaged in a match. Care must be taken to enter all required details. Cards and forms must be printed and be legible. All officiating Central Umpires are to sign the Voting Slip and then place it in the envelope. 6. Match Day Envelope (Senior’s Umpires) All team sheets for the three grades, Club Excellence Sheet, Pay Roll form, all goal umpire cards, Best & Fairest envelopes are to be put into the match day envelope and hand delivered to the match day secretary office by a senior umpire. 7. Umpires Room Left Neat and Tidy At the end of the senior’s game it is important that the Umpires’ room is tidied and any rubbish put in outside bins. It is expected that umpires before they depart their venues, socialise for a short time in the home club rooms. This will assist in breaking down barriers between players and umpires, as well as, improving relationships between clubs, their members and umpires. Umpires need to be seen as an integral part of the game.
12. MATCH REQUIREMENTS Where an infringement relating to uniform, age of water carriers, helmets etc these infringements must be written on the back of the Club Excellence Award. Also, any lateness onto the playing arena will be punished when the timekeeper cards are checked by the Operations Manager. The Operations Manager will deal with all fines when he checks documents after match day. Secretary The home club Secretary is responsible for the match day requirements and match paperwork for the day. The Secretary should introduce him/herself to the umpires and officials of the visiting club on arrival. Match Starting Times Starting times may vary in some games. Umpires should check their appointments for the correct times. Finals times are different to cater for additional time on periods. Starting times should be posted in each of the umpire rooms. Warning Sirens Umpires enter the playing field prior to the start of the game and half-time Once Five minutes prior to scheduled starting time of the match and third quarter Once Two minutes prior to scheduled starting time of all quarters Twice One minute prior to scheduled starting time of all quarters Once
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Scheduled starting time of all quarters Once Footballs in Matches Two Sherrin footballs of a suitable standard must be provided for use in each match. The umpires should have the visiting captain decide which ball shall be used for the match. For CMFNL Seniors, two new footballs must be provided. In all other grades, used footballs of a standard and size considered satisfactory by the Field Umpire shall suffice. Footballs must be returned to the Ground Manager at the conclusion of the game. Player Uniforms Players of each team must play in their club uniform as registered with the League and wear numbers on the back of their jumpers corresponding to the numbers shown on the Team List. All numbers must be whole numbers between 1 and 99 inclusive. No two players or more from the same team are permitted to wear the same number. Inspection of Equipment No player shall be permitted to play in a match wearing apparel or protective equipment which may cause injury to him or other players. The Field Umpires may at their discretion inspect players’ equipment either before or at any time during the match. It is best to do this once on the ground, before play begins. Team Officials (Runners, Trainers, Water Carriers) No person who is a registered player or an official of any club of an open or junior age team, who is under disqualification or suspension by his home club or League, shall act as an official runner or water carrier in any competition match, or any other match in which a AFL Vic Country affiliated club or League is participating. Coaches Further provided that no coach or assistant coach of a AFL Vic Country team shall act as a runner, trainer or water carrier in a match in which the team that he coaches is participating. Listing of Officials All official runners, trainers and water carriers shall be listed on the official team sheet and for the purposes of interpretation of this regulation shall be deemed to be officials of the club for the match. Number of Trainers/Water Carriers No team shall be permitted to have more than the combined total of 6 trainers and water carriers, except were the AFL Vic Country Heat/Cold Policy is invoked. Doctors Registered doctors are not required to be registered as an official on the day or included on the official team sheet. Duties of Team Officials All official runners, trainers and water carriers are to be dressed in a uniform determined by the league. The sole duty of the runner shall be to confer with the player or players of his/her club and to immediately leave the playing arena. The sole duty of a water carrier shall be to convey water to players and to immediately leave the playing arena. The duty of a trainer shall be to render medical assistance. The officiating field umpire may, upon infringement of this rule, order the runner, trainer or water carrier of the offending club from the arena for a period of 15 minutes. Any infringement of this rule or other infringement reported by the officiating umpire that shall include a field umpire, boundary umpire, goal umpire and emergency umpire, shall be referred to the leagues independent tribunal.
13. UMPIRE ESCORTS In line with AFL Vic Country policy all CMFNL clubs will provide umpire escorts by expanding the current duties of Interchange Stewards to include responsibility for completion of the following for each match:
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All clubs are required to provide an adult umpire escort for all matches their club is involved in during a season. The Umpire escort must wear the league approved identification, hi-vis vests (1 per club) which identify the Club of each official. The Umpire escort shall be required to escort and assist the umpires at all breaks in play to ensure that any incidents are controlled in a reasonable manner. As well Clubs are to ensure that: The official is listed on the team sheet, The official is to remain neutral whilst performing this role. This translates to non-barracking during the game, or calling out from the interchange position, The official is able to assist the umpires if an incident arises, The official introduces himself to the umpires at the rooms prior to the game OR once he has obtained the vest from the official from the previous game, speaks to the umpires during the pre-game warm up, The official accompanies the umpires on and off the ground and stands with the umpires at all scheduled breaks in play, The official moves quickly to the umpires at the end of each quarter, The official does not give comment on the umpires’ performance; nor seeks clarification on rule interpretations or specific incidents occurring during the match, The official in the event of an incident involving the umpires, remains with the umpires and ensure their safe departure from the ground, The official notes any issues which the umpires might want addressed by a club and passes it on to the Club president or secretary, Breaches of this by-law will be referred to the Operations Manager for Investigation with any penalties to be determined by the independent tribunal.
14. REMUNERATION AND APPOINTMENT FEE All umpire appointments attract an appointment fee and this percentage of you match fee is set at the commencement of each year. This appointment fee is the lowest in AFL Vic Country. The normal range is 12 – 27% deductions. This appointment fee pays for umpire coaching costs, your work cover insurance (approximately $45), some training equipment. As we are not a standalone organisation, most of our associated costs (ground rental, administration, travel etc.) are borne by the CMFNL. The CMFNL pays directly into your nominated bank account fortnightly. When registering as n umpire, this information will be needed for your Schedula profile.
15. UNIFORM The CMFNL uniform is only to be worn by currently registered CMFNL football umpires and may not be worn unless the game is an authorised CMFNL game. The uniform is unique to our registered umpire organisation and should not be worn if you resign or retire from the game. The uniform is mandated for all games in the CMFNL and an Umpire Uniform Order Form is available from the Operations Manager or from the Coaches. The cost of the uniform is deducted from the pay of each umpire, unless you decide to pay cash up front. If you decide to retire or leave the CMFNL, the CMFNL will offer to purchase your used shirt and shorts. Due to health reasons caps, wristbands and socks are not expected to be returned.
16. TAX The remuneration received as an Umpire is classified by the ATO as hobby income. This means that your payments do not have to be declared as taxable income. This also means that any costs, such as, equipment, uniform and other expenses cannot be claimed as a deductable expense on your tax.
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17. PAY SLIPS AND TIMESHEETS Each Umpire will receive notification of their appointment via SMS or from the website. On arrival at the ground each umpire should complete and sign the Payroll Form located in the Umpire’s Room. This is the official and legal notification to the Operations Manager that you have officiated at the prescribed game. It is in effect a Timesheet. Based on this information the Operations Manager will make weekly payments into your account for match fees, and travel where appropriate. At the completion of the seniors the Match Day Payroll Form should be checked by the senior umpires and returned to the Club Secretary in the Match Day envelope. A payslip outlining payment and deduction details is always available for reading and printing on SCHEDULA. (www.schedula.com.au)
18. PROTOCOLS FOR DEALING WITH ABUSE FROM OFF-FIELD If during the game you are regularly abused from spectators, off-field, what do you do? At the next break, quarter time, half time or three quarter time notify the interchange steward and tell them the nature of your complaint and if possible identify the group or people involved. If the abuse continues, again notify the interchange steward. At the end of the match, complete the Code of Conduct, Notice of Report Form. If the other umpires heard the abuse, they can also sign the form. Not forgetting we are working in a “zero tolerance” environment, notifying the interchange stewards gives them the opportunity to report the matter to their Ground Manager and rectify the situation. Even if the abuse stopped after your complaint it is still a reportable matter.
19. REPORTING Two reports are possible in the CMFNL; a traditional VCFL Notice of Report Form for player or official misconduct, the other, a CMFNL Code of Conduct, Notice of Report Form. Become familiar with when and how to use both of these forms. For any on-field incidents the report shall be completed immediately after the match. A report shall be completed and if a player of each side is reported in relation to the same charge, then each copy shall be signed by the umpire or umpires making the charge. The field umpire shall take charge of a copy of all report sheets submitted to him at the completion of a match by boundary and/or goal umpires. As soon as practical after the completion of a match in which a player or club report has been made, the field umpire shall hand a copy of every report sheet to the appropriate official of the team of which the reported player is a member. For this purpose, each club shall be responsible for the attendance of an official at the umpires’ room 15 minutes after the end of each match. In the event of no official attending, the field umpire shall be deemed to have complied with the duty imposed on him/her by this Rule. Umpires shall lodge, or cause to be lodged, the remaining copy of any report sheets they have completed with the home club secretary for inclusion in the Match Day envelope. AFL Vic Country Notice of Report Form You must always check the team sheets for the name and number of the player you are reporting and of the player offended against. This would need to be checked a couple of times. Complete the details under Match, Grade and Player against the reportable offence under which you are reporting. Please ensure that sufficient details of the offence are provided. Seek advice from your colleagues when completing the report. A copy of the report is to be given to a Representative of each club, who should come to the Umpires' room, fifteen (15) minutes after the game, to get the ‘All Clear’. It is necessary to have the club representative sign their copy. Your set penalty recommendation will be considered by the Operations Manager at least by Monday upon completion and receipt of the Player Report Form. The club/player must then notify the League of acceptance or refusal to take the set penalty by 5.00pm on the Tuesday following the match.
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CMFNL Code of Conduct, Notice of Report Form 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.] The AFL Vic Country and the CMFNL have a “zero tolerance” toward any form of umpire abuse, from players, coaches, administrators, spectators or others. On field, the player can be given a 50m penalty or placed on report. Off field, the Club is reported for not managing and preventing the spectators from abusing umpires, other spectators or players. (See Appendices) When completing the CMFNL Code of Conduct Notice of Report form try to identify the culprits, but this is not essential, referring to them as a group on the wing is sufficient. This Code of Conduct can be used to also report abuse of players or others at the game.
20. TRIBUNAL 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 by Tuesday afternoon whether the Operations Manager has allowed the charged player to accept the set penalty or elected for a tribunal hearing. It is advisable that you assume you will be required at the tribunal. All Umpires are represented by a permanent CMFNL advocate who is appointed by the CMFNL Board. Being poorly prepared and not giving clear evidence is a reflection on your preparation and the professionalism of the Umpires! Be prepared! Be professional!
Umpires Appearing at the Tribunal All umpires should familiarize themselves with the procedure and the expectations of the Tribunal. Our website contains three documents which will help you to understand the Tribunal. An Advocate’s Manual, A Tribunal Running Sheet, Tribunal FAQ’s. Reportable Offences. Charge Sheet, Read it line by line looking for mistakes or inconsistencies. Have the other umpire read it through while at the game to ensure it is correct. Correct Date? Correct charge? Signed? Correct player named, as the offender and offended? Correct Clubs named? Correct Quarter? If more than one Umpire sees the incident, then both report the player, and both sign the Charge Sheet. As soon as practical after the incident write a complete account of the incident. This will become your evidence when you appear before the Tribunal. (i.e. That night, or immediately after the game is best.) Have someone else read it through, particularly if they were at the game.) Presenting your evidence Your role at the Tribunal is to present your evidence in a thoroughly prepared, professional manner and to ensure your evidence is clear and precise. Guilt or innocence is not your concern; the Tribunal will make this decision. As an organisation we will be measured on your professionalism not on whether the player is found guilty! We will be judged on the preparation you give to your evidence and the confident manner in which you present your version of events. Being Cross-Examined Everyone in the room has the right to question the Umpire’s version of events. It is important that you are well prepared and understand all of the circumstances involving the incident. Consider presenting your evidence in a written format and read the statement. Let questions from the Tribunal or the Umpires Advocate expand on your story.
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You are going to be questioned by the offending players advocate! Try to keep your answers to questions from the Players Advocate brief … Yes or No! Do not voluntarily expand your answer! Always refer the question back to the written evidence: “ … as I said in my statement …!” Keep it short, keep it simple and be brief. The more you say the more chance you have of discrediting your own evidence. Above all tell the truth and don’t guess! If you didn’t see part of the incident … when asked, tell the Tribunal what you missed. Our role at the Tribunal is not to ensure the Player is found guilty. Our role is to present the evidence as we saw the incident. Other witnesses may give contrary evidence. Like your evidence, these are personal perceptions … both can be correct, both can also be incorrect. The Tribunal’s role is to find the truth. Your role at the Tribunal is to ensure you give clear and unambiguous evidence. Don’t take anything personally, the Tribunal members decide on the guilt or innocence of the Player. A player being found not guilty does not reflect on you. A guilty verdict is not something to celebrate; it is a poor reflection on the offending player and his Club.
Umpires Handbook Page 13
Central Murray Football & Netball League Inc. Vic Country Central Murray NOTICE OF REPORT BREACH OF THE CMFNL CODE OF CONDUCT See By-Laws: THE AFL / CMFNL CODE of CONDUCT (Netball & Football) The CMNFL’s code of conduct has been incorporated into its by-laws and penalties are now in place where breaches are found to have occurred … Clubs are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents/carers of players, coach’s, officials and spectators. Club: ......
I hereby report the above mentioned Club during the match: ...... v ......
Played at: ...... Sport (tick): Netball Football
Date: ...... Grade: ......
Position of the Person Making the Complaint: Umpire Visiting Official Home Official Ground Manager
Person/s attending a match shall not: (From the By-Laws of the CMFNL) Tick (Offences which shall be heard at the Tribunal) a. Use offensive, abusive, intimidating or obscene language to any player, coach, umpire, official or other spectator b. Enter the playing surface during the course of a game without the prior approval of the Ground Manager appointed by the home club &/or CMFNL c. Dispute the decision of an umpire either during or after a game d. Assault or act with aggression to any person/s e. Behave in a way contrary to this Code of Conduct and/or the spirit of the game f. Behave in a way which disturbs the enjoyment of the match by any other person/s, or brings discredit to the home club and/or the CMFL g. Act in such a way as to exhibit racial, religious or ethnic intolerance, by language or other conduct, to any other person/s h. Refuse to accept the reasonable direction of the Ground Manager, official of the home club and/or CMFNL, or official of the team/club which that
person/s is supporting The Club may apply to the League Manager, to accept the minimum fine without appearing at the Tribunal. (Tick the box) If the Club chooses to contest the Report and the allegation is proven, the maximum fine for the level of the breach will be imposed by the Tribunal. (See By-Laws) Complainant to Complete
When did the incident (s) occur? ......
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Who was involved? ......
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Describe the circumstances of the incident: ......
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Name: ...... Signed: ......
Date: ......
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