Effective communication is a key ingredient for effective umpiring.

While it is imperative that the Umpire controls the match – players, officials and spectators expect this – it is also essential that he or she does so in a manner, which encourages mutual respect and understanding between players and umpires.

This contributes to creating a positive environment which is an essential part of umpiring.

The ability to handle players and situations is important to the conduct of the match. Umpires who are skilled in this area will be better equipped to umpire their matches and therefore find umpiring much more enjoyable.

In controlling the match, the umpire is called upon to make certain decisions and these must be carried out. It is important, therefore, that umpires be firm and assertive in their approach. Umpires have developed strategies and techniques in the art of effective communication that have stood the test of time and proven to be beneficial to umpires, players and the conduct of the match.

Included among those strategies and techniques are the following:

1. KEEP CALM

Umpires must remain calm in all circumstances. The ability to remain “cool under fire” communicates to others a sense of control, composure, maturity and skill in handling turbulent situations.

By remaining calm, the Field Umpire can think clearly thereby avoiding any tendency to “rush things” and become flustered.

Thinking clearly allows the umpire to prioritise the options and to choose the most appropriate course of action.

2. TREAT PLAYERS WITH RESPECT

Umpires have to earn respect. Respect is earned by what Umpires “say and do” and how they “say and do it”.

Umpires should treat players in a manner that they themselves would like to be treated, as equals – preferably on a first name (nick-name if appropriate) basis.

Umpires should not speak down to players or patronise them.  All players know and understand that the umpire makes the final decision so there is no need for the umpire to continually reinforce this fact by making comments such as “I’m the umpire, what I say goes”.

3. USE POSITIVE AND APPROPRIATE BODY LANGUAGE

Good umpires exhibit self confidence. This can be achieved by using appropriate and positive body language, smiling or nodding at appropriate times.

When speaking to players, don’t intrude into their personal space, stand further than an arm’s length away, don’t point your finger or thrust out your chest.

Wherever possible, if you are listening to a player or talking to him, maintain eye-to-eye contact.

Correct and positive indications for decisions that the umpire makes are other non-verbal actions that demonstrate self confidence.

4. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY

Communication is a two way process, talking and listening.

Listening attentively means participating actively in the communication process by acknowledging and responding (where appropriate and possible) to the speaker’s words and feelings.

Not all comments directed to umpires during a match could be classified as a complaint. A question or comment made in a rational and mature manner needs a rational and mature response.

5. COMMUNICATING DECISIONS

Competent umpires communicate their decisions effectively and strongly.

Positive communication of a decision reflects self confidence and demonstrates a security in the knowledge that the decision was correct.

Players appreciate umpires who communicate their decisions effectively. They have a lot more confidence in umpires when they know and understand what they are doing.

6. DO NOT EMBARRASS PLAYERS

Good umpires do not embarrass or belittle players. Most competent umpires avoid being the centre of attention and work hard at not embarrassing the players.

7. PENALISE ACTIONS, NOT CHARACTERS

At times, the umpire may have to caution a player to cease certain actions to avoid being reported. When communicating this, the umpire should be mindful to focus comments on the offending behaviour or actions, not on the person’s character or personality. This is particularly important when the player is angry or frustrated.

8. SELECTIVELY IGNORE COMMENTS

Some issues are better left alone, not every remark requires a response, especially if the remark was viewed as a natural expression of frustration.

On occasions, it may be better to ignore the remark at that time but take the opportunity to follow up at a later stage if necessary, when the player may be more responsive.

9. AVOID SARCASM

Sarcasm is a barrier to effective communication. The purpose of sarcasm is to hurt the feelings or reduce the self esteem of others; it is unprofessional and has no place in umpiring.

10. DO NOT TRY TO HAVE THE LAST WORD

In many instances the umpire will not change the player’s mind then and there. It is good practice for umpires to answer a question. Your answer should be brief and direct yet provided in a calm and respectful manner.

By courtesy AFL website

There are several areas of fitness required by an umpire that form the basis of the umpire’s fitness training:

CARDIO-RESPIRATORY ENDURANCE

Working muscles need oxygen and nutrients to operate efficiently. Cardiorespiratory endurance is the ability to supply these essential ingredients through the heart, lungs, and circulatory system.

It is possible to increase your cardiorespiratory endurance by including ‘aerobic’ activities in your exercise program. They are called ‘aerobic’ because they require an on-going supply of oxygen at a much faster rate than under resting conditions.

Our sports require a good aerobic base whether they involve running, swimming, or rowing. While many of the activities may be of short duration or repeated bursts, aerobic fitness or efficient heart, lungs and circulatory system will assist greatly in the ability to recover more quickly.

MUSCULAR STRENGTH

When a muscle or muscle group can produce its maximum force or highest tension level against a resistance, it is said to have strength. Strength is a basic requirement for almost all sports and is important in many daily activities. Without strength your muscles would find it impossible to endure.

AEROBIC ENDURANCE

Aerobic Endurance refers to the ability of the muscles to resist fatigue when repeating a sub-maximal effort over a period of time where oxygen intake and consumption are equal. Eg jogging or walking.

ANAEROBIC POWER/ENDURANCE

Anaerobic fitness is the ability to resist fatigue when repeating near maximum effort over a given time when oxygen consumption is greater than intake. Eg running or sprinting.

Speed, agility, and quickness are important components in tennis, athletics, hockey, various football codes, basketball, badminton, squash, volleyball and table tennis.

(Many of the above listed sports are played over an extended period of time and although all include short bursts of energy, they do require cardiorespiratory endurance capabilities to assist in coping with oxygen debt).

Anaerobic power requires the muscles to provide instant or short-term energy when the uptake of oxygen is not always readily available. Extreme examples would include events such as shot-put, long-jump, and sprints, as they rely on the stored glycogen in the muscles.

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility refers to the range of motion around the joints or series of joints. The development of flexibility assists in the prevention of muscular tears and strains.

In order for a joint to move fluidly through its complete range of movement, in needs to be flexible. Lack of flexibility is triggered by differing factors such as the bone structure of a joint and the size and strength of the muscles, as well as ligaments and other connective tissues.

The ability of muscles to stretch to their optimum length is dependent on these factors. By including stretching exercises in your daily routine, you can greatly improve your flexibility. Stretching warms up the muscles by increasing the blood flow. By doing this you allow muscles and tendons to become more flexible, which in turn will decrease stiffness and reduce the chance of strains and sprains.

MUSCULAR ENDURANCE

When a muscle has the ability to maintain sub-maximum force levels while contracting a muscle or muscle group repeatedly for extended periods it is said to have endurance, e.g. rowing.

AGILITY

Agility is the ability to change direction quickly while travelling at speed. This is an important element to an umpire’s running and positioning skills.

Article supplied by courtesy AFL website.

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Umpiring Australian Football is a challenging and exciting sporting activity which can, and does, provide a great deal of self satisfaction and enjoyment.
Introduction
Umpiring Australian Football is a challenging and exciting sporting activity which can, and does, provide a great deal of self satisfaction and enjoyment.

Good umpiring enhances the game as a spectacle and contributes to the enjoyment of players, officials and spectators. Poor umpiring detracts from the game and invariably results in dissatisfaction and frustration for players, officials and spectators. It is in the best interests of the game and the participants for us all to promote and enhance the image of umpiring as an attractive sporting career. In this way, it will be possible to attract good people to umpiring and encourage them to stay.

The coach has an important role in this regard. He is the most influential role model for the players. His behaviour toward umpires will be reflected in his players’ behaviour.

You and the Umpires
Complete the following assessment which will provide a guide as to your behaviour towards umpires.

Your answers to these questions will give you an indication of how you behave toward umpires. As a coach you are an influential Role Model and your players will more often than not emulate your behaviour.

1. Knowledge of the Laws

Do you read the ‘law book’?

Do you encourage your players to read the ‘law book’?

Are you familiar with the ‘spirit of the laws’?

Do you discuss the ‘spirit of the laws’ with your players?

Do you invite umpires to training to assist in developing a better understanding of the laws?

Do you raise your concerns with the Umpires’ Adviser?

Do you actively teach and encourage players to play within the laws?

2. At the Match

Are umpires made welcome by your club?

Do you seek input as to how your club looks after umpires?

Does your club appoint someone to look after umpires?

Does your club provide escorts for the umpires leaving the ground at half-time and after the match?

Do you welcome the umpires when they visit your rooms before the match?

3. During the Match

Do you shout at the umpires?

Do you shout comments about decisions in earshot of your players or the umpires?

Do you refer to the umpires when you address your players?

Do you refer to the umpires so as they can hear during your address to the players?

Do you permit your players to dispute decisions or back chat umpires?

4. After the Match

Does your club look after the umpires after the match?

Do you discuss the match with the umpires?

Do you tend to ignore the umpires after the match?

Do you encourage your players to talk to the umpires socially?

Spirit of the Laws
Umpires are encouraged to interpret and apply the laws in accordance with the Spirit of the Laws which, in fact, determine the manner in which the game should be played.

Within the Law
The successful coaches of the future will be those who educate players to develop their individual and team skills in accordance with the laws.

The coach is the role model for his team members on match day. He sets the example through his words and actions. It is important that coaches and umpires develop a responsible and professional approach for the benefit of the game.

Supplied by

Brian Clarke

General Manager

Aussie Rules International