See Coaching Notes menu under Field Umpires

For all the 2008 Coaching session Powerpoint Presentations

Bulletin as follows July 1 2008:-

Although this week’s bulletin applies to all levels of football from the senior grades right down, we ask that it is especially brought to the attention of team managers and coaches of the U18, U16 and U14 teams. It has come to the attention of the GFUL coaching staff that there are some teams not always complying with the Spirit of the Laws or with Codes of Behaviour. The umpires are under instruction to pay strict attention to the following for the balance of the season and in preparation for finals.

• Rough-house play. There are some teams with players who appear too interested in playing the “man” rather than maintaining focus on the football. Late tackles, after-disposal hits or tackles, slinging of opponents onto the ground and the physical niggling of opponents off-the-ball are not in the spirit of the game, especially for under age competitions and will not be tolerated. Coaches should not be instructing their young, learning players to emulate this part of the AFL players methods. Free kicks will be applied without warning and send-offs may be given at the umpires’ discretion. We will not tolerate under-age players trying to hurt opponents.

Please note: Within the "spirit of the laws" of Australian football, although a tackle may be legal, if it is also dangerous, e.g. burying a player hard into the ground or a spear tackle, a free kick can be awarded to the player offended against.

• Swearing and disputing of decisions. A zero tolerance approach is instructed to all umpires for the remainder of the season. There is no need for any under-age player to express frustration at a poor kick or an umpiring decision by swearing. Free kicks, 50 metre penalties and send-offs will result without game day warnings. It will not matter if the swearing is a show of frustration, to the umpire or to an opponent, it will not be tolerated.
• Coach and officials behaviour. They should always be positive in encouraging their young players. Coaches and officials should never be criticizing umpires or opponents. Any disputation of umpiring decisions and any abuse to umpires and/or opponents will be penalized by free kicks, 50 metre penalties and if this does not work red cards will be issued against the offender. Any official red carded is not allowed inside the arena fence either during game time or during quarter breaks. Captains are entitled to ask umpires questions. This needs to be handled courteously by captain and umpire. The coach may request the captain to approach an umpire at the breaks. If a coach has a concern with a particular umpiring performance, this can be directed in writing and / or by phone call to the GFUL Director of Umpiring. Any formal complaint is followed up and will be responded to.
• Only those officials listed on the team sheet are allowed inside the arena fence at the coaches’ box. All other parents and supporters are to remain behind the fence. We would advise that coaches ensure that these non-officials are asked to stay away from the coaches’ box area to avoid an umpire mistaking unwarranted comments from non-officials as coming from the coaches’ box personnel.
• It is all too often apparent, that officials of under age teams are not aware of the requirement to list all officials on the team sheet. Where more than one water carrier or trainer is used, these are to be numbered and their uniform must show that number accordingly.
• Club runners, water carriers, trainers and club goal umpires need to be aware of their roles and obligations. They are not entitled to make comment to or question or verbally criticize umpires, opponent’s players or actively coach or encourage their team when on the field of play.
  • Runners are to deliver the coach’s message and leave the arena immediately
  • Water carriers deliver a drink after a score and leave the arena immediately
  • None of the runners, water carriers or trainers is to remain on the ground observing the play or to hover on the field of play taking up space.
  • Any breaches will result in free kicks, 50 metre penalties and even yellow or red cards issued which then prevent that official from returning to the field and not be allowed a replacement

Umpires are available to visit clubs, senior or junior, to discuss umpiring decisions, spirit of the law, etc, or to assist with practice match training.

Steve Keating                      Brendan Beveridge

Director of Umpiring              Chairman

GFUL                GFUL

Mobile: 0421 613 130

"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."

Field Umpires Focus Areas 2007

1. Ball-Up - Back out to 20/25 meters: at present too close

2. Look back at from where ball is kicked : delay eyes, have a good look

3. Protect the ball player from bumping front on – (new rule)

4. Spirit of the Law – Tackling player in possession/prior opportunity

5. Watching forward of the ball to be kicked – not the ball – as end zone umpires

6. Urgency in running ; particularly in 3-umpire games

7. Tapping to retain – deep into forward line: communicate your intention

8. Clear the ground of personnel not on the team sheet and spectators: pre-warn coaches before the game

9. Match Reports – Line markings, delay to start times, 2 new footballs: don’t accept mediocrity from clubs

10. Read and understand the 3-umpire system

11 Have a game plan – discuss it prior to the game with colleagues, including boundary and goal umpires.

12. Have fun and enjoy yourself