Umpires Tips
The aim of this page is to publish feedback from the local umpires meetings so that
other umpires and fellow players may benefit from these discussions and thereby life the
level of umpiring in the Natal Midlands and decrease the level of umpire abuse that is
extremely prevalent in the local leagues at the moment. As I get inofrmation it will be
published and if you have any input please pass it on via an email to me so that more
people can benefit.
We are witnessing a high degree of umpires starting to get sick and tired of the level
of abuse that is levelled at them thus leading to them not wanting to umpire anymore.
Without umpires yuo cannot have a game, simple!
Some tips for umpires:
- Communication with your co-umpire is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your game and have a short discussion with your
co-umpire highlighting each others shortfalls and how to work around them. Agree on
particular aspects of the game, eg: the amount of advantage to allow, when is the lifted
ball dangerous and so on. This will allow the game to flow with both umpires being
consistent throughout the game.
- Give clear hand signals.
- Don't react to players chirping, blow what you see and stick to your decision.
- Good use of whistle tone is important. Let the players know that you're unhappy
with a tackle or a particular offence - they will think twice next time.
- Don't let the play get behind you, good positioning is vital.
- Use your cards effectively and when necessary - don't accept verbal abuse nor
off-the-ball incidents.
- And enjoy yourself out there.
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