Embedded Files
Before the game
Before the game
All umpires must sign on at the desk outside the Umpires Room before going to their court.
Arrive at your court with enough time to complete all pre-game duties and meet your co-umpire.
At the court
At the court
Introduce yourself to your co-umpire.
Decide which sideline each of you will control.
Agree on the team names you will use during the game.
Check that all players (including reserves) have short, smooth fingernails.
Ensure no jewellery is worn (this includes taped earrings).
Confirm with the captains who has the first centre pass and which direction each team will play.
Check that each team has a minimum of five players ready to take the court.
Check that the match ball is correctly inflated.
Inspect the court and surrounds for hazards.
Make sure the goal post padding is secure.
Area of control
Area of control
Two umpires control a game, each looking after the half of the court to their right.
The court is divided in half across the centre line, from sideline to sideline.
Each umpire controls:
their goal third
their half of the centre third (up to the centre circle)
their goal line
their designated sideline
throw-ins from the goal line in their goal third
Umpires make decisions only in their own half, unless specific rules require otherwise.
Centre passes
Centre passes
The first centre pass in each quarter or half is started by the umpire controlling the goal end of the team taking the centre pass.
After a goal is scored both umpires signal the direction of the next centre pass.
The umpire controlling the end where the goal was scored blows the whistle for the next centre pass.
Keeping track of centre passes
Keeping track of centre passes
Most umpires use a wristband (or hair tie) to keep track of centre passes.
At the start of the game, both umpires wear the band on the wrist pointing towards the end where play will begin.
After each goal is scored, the umpire moves the band to the other wrist.
The next centre pass is taken by the team shooting towards the goal end the band is pointing to.
The band does not change hands during the break.
After the break, the centre pass is taken by the team shooting towards the goal end the band is on.
Important:
If a centre pass is not taken before the end of a quarter, the umpires switch the band to the other wrist during the break so it correctly indicates which team will take the next centre pass.
Positioning
Positioning
Positioning is critical for making correct decisions. The key is to see the play clearly — players will lose confidence if it’s obvious the umpire is guessing.
Keep your body facing the court at all times.
Move along the sideline and behind the goal line to get the best view.
Ideally, stay off the court during play.
Position yourself in line with play or slightly ahead, anticipating where the ball will go.
Move early — get into position before the ball is released and arrive as it is caught.
Keep your eyes constantly moving, looking off the ball, early, wide, and often.
Good positioning allows you to see clearly, move with play, and make confident decisions.
Other protocols
Other protocols
Nails and jewellery checks
Nails and jewellery checks
Umpires should check players’ fingernails to ensure they are short and smooth, and that no adornments or jewellery are worn. (NB covering/taping of piercings is not permitted).
Adornments which cannot be removed for religious / medical reasons (eg medic alert bracelet, flat wedding ring, thin red string bracelet, glucose monitor) may be worn provided that they are securely covered with padding / tape (such as strapping or kinesiology tape - not bandaids). If you are unsure please refer the player to the Umpire on Duty in the Umpire’s room.
Injuries, illness and blood
Injuries, illness and blood
Stoppages for injury, illness, or blood are managed in line with the Rules of Netball. When time is called, the injured, ill, or bleeding player must leave the court within 30 seconds unless they cannot be safely moved. Treatment is provided off the court, and the Primary Care Provider (in junior games, usually the Team Manager) may come onto the court to assist the player to leave.
Umpires should use common sense and discretion when a player is unable to ask for time to be held, such as when they are distressed, seriously injured, or a young child. If a player cannot be safely moved from the court, a spectator should be sent to the Admin window so the Executive team can determine how and where the game will continue.
Disciplinary action
Disciplinary action
If there were any game management issues or breaches of the Codes of Behaviour during the game, 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.
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