Game management

Overview

Rule 18

Good sporting behaviour is expected at all times — during play, stoppages and intervals.

Umpires are expected to apply the rules fairly, communicate clearly, stay calm and decisive, and prioritise player safety. They must act respectfully and not coach or criticise players.

Players are expected to respond to rulings by the umpires and adjust their play accordingly. Team officials are also expected to respond appropriately to umpires' decisions.

Any foul play must be disciplined using the correct game management action.

The level of discipline given will match the seriousness of the behaviour, with fairness and player safety as the priority.

Game management actions

The following game management actions can be taken (in addition to a sanction):

Proactive advice: a player is provided with specific feedback to change their behaviour.
Advance and/or escalate a sanction: a sanction may be advanced up to half a third (this may be to inside the goal circle if the infringement was in the goal third) and/or a free pass escalated to a penalty pass.
Issue a warning to a player: a player is warned that suspension will follow if the player continues to infringe any of the foul play rules.
Suspend a player: a player who is suspended takes no part in play for two minutes playing time.
Order a player off: a player who is ordered off takes no further part in the match. A team may replace this player after four minutes playing time

Warnings, suspensions and ordering off are all immediately binding on the co-umpire. This means if one umpire gives a player a warning and that player continues to infringe the foul play rules at the other umpire’s end of the court, the other umpire would then suspend that player.

How to give a warning, or suspend or order off a player

Hold time using the hand signal.
Use the specific term i.e "warning", "suspension" or "ordering off" and hand signal for the game management action.
Advise the player of the behaviour the game management action is being applied to.

Reporting

At BHN if there were any game management actions taken during a game, (for example advancing a penalty or giving a warning) umpires should complete the Disciplinary Action Report form found on the back of the scoresheet. For junior umpires, an umpiring coach or mentor may also fill out this report on their behalf.

The report should be completed immediately after the game—either before or soon after submitting the scoresheet to the Administration building. Umpires must write their full name on the report.

If you don't feel comfortable completing the report at the court, you can go to the Administration building or Umpires Room to do so instead.

Video

📽️ Watch the video below for an explanation of game management in netball.

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