Luton Dunstable & District Netball League

This page is for tips and updates for our umpires - there will be a different tip each month (or most months, anway!).  It is also to give information to teams about umpiring and we will publish details here of any forthcoming umpiring courses.

TIP OF THE MONTH (AUGUST/SEPTEMBER):

Getting round the lines: umpires should make sure that they position themselves correctly on the goal line in order that they have the best possible view of any contacts/obstructions in and around the circle. Umpires should keep up with play and be as mobile as possible.

TIP OF THE MONTH (MAY):

Injuries

With regards to injuries during a game of netball could all teams please refer to Rule 7.1.1 - ‘Play may be stopped for injury or illness after a call for time by an on court player.’   The decision to stop play and when to stop play shall be at the discretion of the umpire.

Umpires do need to use discretion and common sense should prevail, if a player is obviously ill or bleeding on court then "time" should be called by the umpire.

TIP OF THE MONTH (JANUARY):

Do not umpire outside of your comfort zone! Beginner umpires are advised not to umpire above 3rd and 4th division. Only those umpires who have completed their C Award Training Course and are working towards their C Test should consider umpiring in the 2nd and 1st Divisions.

Check your credentials! Beginner Umpire Awards last for 4 years.  After that a Beginner Umpire can no longer umpire and must re-take her Beginner Umpire Test.

For more information on becoming an umpire, progressing to the next level as an umpire or on being mentored or mentoring, contact the umpiring secretary, Isobel Gosling on: isobelgosling@mac.com 

TIP OF THE MONTH (NOVEMBER):

The Centre Pass, rules 11 & 12

The umpire must blow the whistle to restart play as soon as the Centre steps in to the Centre Circle.  The umpire should not wait for other players to get on side before blowing the whistle.

Any players who are off side (see rule 11) when the centre steps into the circle and the whistle is blown should be penalised e.g. opposing Wing Defence in the centre third when whistle is blown who is still walking back to the goal third. 

TIP OF THE MONTH (JUNE):

Simultaneous off side, rule 11

If at a centre pass 2 players from opposing teams simultaneously enter the centre third before the whistle has blown for the centre pass to be taken then:

(1) if neither player makes contact with the ball they are not penalised and play should be allowed to continue,

(2) if one player touches or catches the ball a toss up is taken between the 2 players concerned wher the player caught or touched the ball.

Therefore the centre pass should not be retaken.  If only one player is off side, the umpire should either penalise that player by awarding a free pass, or play the advantage. 

TIP OF THE MONTH (MARCH):

Obstruction/Contact, setting of penalties, rules 16 & 17

The following rules apply for the setting of a penalty pass/shot for obstruction and contact.

Under rule 16 (obstruction) the penalty pass/shot is to be taken where the infringer is standing, unless this places the offending team at a disadvantage.  So, for example, if GK stands less than 3 feet from the landing foot of GS in the circle and obstruction occurs (i.e. they are attempting intercept or defend the ball), then the penalty/shot shall be set and taken where the GK was standing if that is nearer to the post and gives the GS an advantage.  If, however, GK is defending from behind, the penalty/shot will not be set back where GK was standing but instead will be taken from where GS is standing.

For contact (rule 17) the position is the same.  The non-offending team must not be disadvantaged, and so (using our example above) the penalty/shot is taken from where GK is standing unless this places GS at a disadvantage, (as would be the case if GK was standing behind GS when contact occured).  However, where contact occurs in circumstances were the two players are very close together (e.g. GK is standing to the side of GS and pushes her off the ball), GS should not be permitted to take a two-footed step in towards the post.

Umpires are reminded that where they have clearly indicated and directed the position where a penalty is to be taken and it is taken from the wrong position, a free pass should be awarded to the other team.

TIP OF THE MONTH (FEBRUARY):

Blood Policy, rule 7.2

An umpire is required to hold time when a player who is bleeding is noticed and no on Court player has called time.

The umpire shall decide on the length of time for the stoppage and shall ensure that play is restarted as soon as possible.

During the stoppage normal rules on substitution, team changes and re-starting the game apply.

The umpire must ensure that the wound is adequately covered, that blood stained clothing is removed or cleaned and that the ball and court are cleaned if necessary.

Umpires are also reminded to bring their rule books with them to every match in case there is need for a rule clarification.  Up-to-date rule books can sometimes be purchased from the league, see the contact us section and contact the Match Secretary.

SCORERS:

Teams are reminded that the use of a scorer must be agreed in advance with the opposing team and their umpire.  Each team must provide a scorer if scorers are to be used.  Scorers must themselves be qualified umpires or must have attended the table course officals course.

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION OF UMPIRES

Teams are also reminded that they should confirm with their umpire the week before the game that their umpire is still available and should not double-book umpires.  In the event of cancellation or postponement of a game teams should notify their umpire immediately.