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As a general rule, two umpires will fulfill the main duties of netball officials (instead of having the game officiated by a match referee). Their primary function is the interpretation and application of rules in netball.
Two scorers and two timekeepers would make up the full team of Technical Officials. TOs would help the umpires officiate international competitions or local elite events.
What is the Role of an Umpire in Netball?
Netball umpire responsibilities include conducting inspections and making rule decisions (using clear communication skills).
Umpires are also responsible for ensuring the general health and safety of all the players with extra accountability to spectators who may be watching the game.
Netball umpires should focus on enforcing the regulations and controlling fair play. But, the chief duty of umpiring officials in netball, usually females, is applying the laws of the IFNA.
In fact, you might see the role of officials and umpires in netball as a 'third team' functioning in coexistence with the players inside the court.
But wait - there's more:
The fast-flowing game would not flow as 'smoothly' as it does without netball officials. They all play an important part in delivering a comprehensive and responsible strategy.
This is particularly true around the elite international arenas. Even so, professionalism and fairness is evident at club level too.
Section 7 of the netball game rulebook is key. It covers the official umpire's functional role and responsibilities of a match referee.
But, it has limited guidance on some match play interpretations. Check the basic guide on correct umpiring terms used by officiating officials and their assistants.
Important: The primary roles and responsibilities of an umpire in netball is applying all the rules according to the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA).
Netball Officials Appearance
So, what do netball umpires wear for clothing as a uniform? For most games, all officials will wear a plain white shirt, dark coloured shorts, and white socks.
The basic appearance of a netball umpire, male or female, should include track shoes footwear or proper running trainers. Officiating umpires also need to have a whistle and a band for signalling centre calls.
Netball Officials Roles and Responsibilities
Umpire Checks 'Before' the Game Begins
The officials of netball competitions should complete a 'pre-game' inspection and check the safety of the court. A pre match review of the facilities should also include:
- Measuring the goal post dimensions and confirming that the netball ball is regulation size. Umpiring netball games also means ensuring that everyone prepares their scorecards.
- Ensuring all the players are wearing appropriate uniforms, making sure that no players are wearing sharp jewellery or have long fingernails.
- Equipping themselves with either a pea or finger whistle and wearing the appropriate attire for umpires as recommended by the IFNA.
- Confirming the position of the timekeepers, scorers, and the team benches - in readiness for the coin toss!
Netball Officiating Rules and Duties During Play
- All England netball umpires should have comprehensive knowledge of all the match rules and protocols used in the game. It includes netball health and safety along with public security for any nonparticipants.
- Exclusive control of players and game flow is the main function of the two umpires and extra officials.
- All umpiring rules and infringement decisions will be final and without appeal.
- One of the key roles and responsibilities of officials in netball is being familiar at working with colleagues. All officials must be knowledgeable on conducting their own pre match responsibilities.
- The referee, when used, should enforce injury time regulations and adjudicate all penalty decisions with unbiased consistency.
- Officiate with fairness and a respectful understanding nature towards match pressures and player volatility.
- Play continues without interruption if the ball contacts an umpire during the game. An exception may occur if the official chooses to play a toss ball between two opposing players.
- Netball officials should not penalize infringements if it places the offended team at a disadvantage.
- The umpire should be clear at stating the nature of all infringements and penalties. Further clarification of a foul or player misconduct may follow with the use of hand signals.
- Blowing the whistle for one of the rules infringements means the penalty must be duly awarded.
- Netball umpiring rules and regulations do not allow officials to use coaching techniques for any team during a match.
- Umpires can answer questions, when asked by a team captain, to help clarify INFA rules. But, it can only take place at one of the quarter breaks or after the game has finished.
- When a match referee officiates, they should reaffirm the score to each team at the end of each quarter and during rest breaks.
Note: Consistency is also one of the key roles and responsibilities of officials in netball. As an umpire, you will be responsible for adjudicating the rules under the codified netball rule book 2022 PDF (and without bias).
Netball Umpire Hand Signals
The umpires and officials must observe the game with scrutiny. They will be responsible for making infringement decisions and awarding penalties (where applicable).
Umpiring hand signals help to clarify judgement on decisions and determine which player is at fault. For example, signalling will show whether a defender or an attacker caused a contact and obstruction foul.
You might be wondering:
Many of the regulations have similarities to those used in basketball rules. As such, players should take a penalty from the side of the court closest to the umpire's position. Wrongly taken penalties would result in a free pass to the opposition.
Netball Umpiring Rules after the Game
The final role of officials in netball takes place when the game has finished. They should carry out and oversee all necessary score card reports. Make sure you document any endorsements (e.g. late team arrivals).
Follow that by endorsing both scorecards. Print your name, making sure that the names of all scorers and team captains have also been added.
Note: The England netball website has more information on what qualifications you need to become an umpire. Keep in mind that you need to be at least thirteen (13) years old to be an umpire in netball.
Duties of a Netball Coach
- A coach may instruct and guide their own players with certain types of skills training during a game.
- Both coaches should have a working knowledge of all the match regulations and rules of governance.
- Trainers should enforce fair spirit in the game and the behavioral responsibilities of the squad and promote player compliance with the rules.
- Each team coach should show respect towards all the match officials, the opposing coach, and all players.
Responsibilities for the Players
- All players should wear appropriate apparel for the game. This includes, but not limited to, wearing athletic shoes or safe running footwear appropriate for ball sports.
- All participants should be familiar with all the rules infringements. This includes understanding the correct procedure for taking throw-ins and penalties and from which position on the court.
- All the players should have a working knowledge of the new netball rules 2022 and their own responsibilities for participation.
Use of Technology in Netball
Note: Using modern technology in the game has helped to make some giant leaps in recent years. For example, the short video [3:04 seconds] shows how RF tracking is helping sports coaches get valuable data from the girls as they move around the court.
Advanced Netball Rules
10 Rules of Netball: Browse the top ten regulations with simplified tips for complete beginners.
Netball Equipment List: A checklist of all the training gear and match kit used by players and officials.
Netball Safety Rules: Important guide explains how health and safety regulations affect the game.
Terms Used in Netball: Alphabetical list of terminology and phrases to help improve your knowledge.
Timekeeper in Netball: Check out the duties and responsibilities for accurate timekeeping in netball.
Roles and Responsibilities of Officials in Netball
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FAQs
Who are the game officials in netball? ›
There are two key strands to officiating: Match Officials (two umpires and a reserve) and Technical Officials (scorers, timekeepers and any other officials specified for an event).
What is the roles and responsibilities of an umpire? ›The umpires ensure that the match is played in accordance with the laws of the game. The role of the referee is to ensure that all of the rules (or laws) of the game are followed by performers. The referee can apply the rules on the field of play, although a referee can also manage the game from off‐field.
What is the referee called in netball? ›In the game of Netball the match at hand is Presided over by 2 umpires, typically female, with a comprehensive knowledge of the rules. There are also 2 timekeepers and 2 scorekeepers who inform the umpires, and players of time remaining, and scores.
What are the major roles of game officials? ›the major roles of game officials in team sports is enforcing the sports rules in a game by overseeing the entire game. They make sure players are following the rules and approve scores that are made. They have ultimate authority. How are skill-related fitness goals different from health-related fitness goals?
What do game officials do? ›They need to keep watch over start and stop times, call attention to infractions when necessary, and regulate play. All sports officials must be prepared to settle disputes by participants and enforce any penalties according to the rules of the game.
What are the duties of the umpire in a game of netball? ›Netball umpire responsibilities include conducting inspections and making rule decisions (using clear communication skills). Umpires are also responsible for ensuring the general health and safety of all the players with extra accountability to spectators who may be watching the game.
What are the duties of officials in athletics? ›- Clerk of the Course. This official is the secretary of the athletics meeting. ...
- Starter. The starter ensures that all athletes obey and abide by the rules and regulations and make sure there is an even start of the race, preventing any athletes from beating the gun.
- Marks Men.
His responsibility is to ensure the rules are followed without warning the competitiveness of the play. So the referee has to be apprised with all the rules and apply them whenever necessary. For example, in the case where a player commits more than one foul the referee must punish the more serious offense.
What are three duties of an official in a netball game? ›- Player and Equipment Inspections. Before the game begins, umpires inspect the court, goalposts and the ball to ensure that they conform with the rules of the game. ...
- Ensuring Safety During the Game. ...
- Giving Decisions. ...
- Communicating.
Netball Whistle and Communication
Umpires and referees use a finger whistle to state their decisions and emphasize playing regulations. As a rule, most officials in netball will make a short sharp blow using a finger whistle.
What qualifications do officials need in netball? ›
First, you take an officiating course run by Netball England, then gain experience in the sport through coaching sessions or at a local club. Within two years of doing the course, budding officials are required to undergo a practical assessment.
What are the 7 qualities of good officials? ›- INTEGRITY. A great sports official is the last guardian of honesty in athletics. ...
- HUSTLE. Since officiating is a game of angles and positioning, officiating hustle describes movement and court position. ...
- JUDGMENT. ...
- COMMUNICATION. ...
- CONSISTENCY. ...
- COURAGE. ...
- COMMON SENSE.
- Enforces the laws of the game.
- Control the match in co-operation with the assistant referees.
- Acts as time keeper and keep a record of the match.
- Restart the match after it has been stopped.
- Takes disciplinary action against player, guilty of cautionable and sending-off offenses.
A referee is an official, in a variety of sports and competition, responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport, including sportsmanship decisions such as ejection.
Who are the officials present in the game? ›The game officials shall be a Crew Chief, Referee, Umpire and Replay Center They will be assisted by an official scorer, two trained timers, and courtside administrator.
How many officials are in a game? ›During professional and most college football games, seven officials operate on the field.
How many officials there are in the game? ›There are three officials are there in a Basketball game - 1 referee and 2 umpires. Basketball is a team sport, each having 5 players.
Does netball have umpires or referees? ›Umpires. Two umpires have control of the game and make the on-court decisions about the run of play.
What are the three duties of referee? ›Three duties of a Referee during a football match are: Enforces the Laws of the Game. Controls the match in cooperation with the other match officials. Acts as a timekeeper to keep a record of the match.
What are the duties and responsibilities of the first referee? ›What's a First Referee? The first referee, aka the first official aka the 'up" referee starts the match, judges each play and calls the technical fouls, assigns points and sideouts as they occur to each qualifying team and also makes the final decision on questionable plays.
What is the role of the main referee? ›
His responsibility is to ensure the rules are followed without waning the competitiveness of the play. So the referee has to be apprised with all the rules and apply them whenever necessary. For example, in the case where a player commits more than one foul the referee must punish the more serious offense.
What is the most important role in netball? ›Every position on the court is important in netball.
“At the moment, I would say it is the goal keeper,” she says when asked which position is the most important. “There are so many targets in every team, the defence is crucial in my opinion. Trying to get the ball from seven-foot shooters is a pretty big task.”
The umpire will blow the whistle to start play once the Centre has placed one foot wholly in the circle.
How do you communicate with officials? ›- Talk as little as possible. ...
- Yelling is a Distraction. ...
- Ask a Question. ...
- Question Asked, Question Answered. ...
- Respectful communication is the key. ...
- Work with the officials. ...
- Expect Mistakes.
The Umpire who blows the whistle for the start of the game after each interval is the Umpire into whose goal end area the centre pass will be travelling. the Umpire in goal end area the last goal was scored.
What are the 4 qualities of an officiating officials? ›Qualities such as integrity, honesty, trustworthiness and respect are integral to the role of the official.
Do netball officials have to be physically fit? ›All umpires require a basic level of fitness in order to maintain good positioning and concentration throughout the game. To keep fit you should be involved in fi tness sessions or train regularly.
What are the qualifications of officials? ›Good communication, management, leadership and motivational skills. High level of physical fitness as officiating most sports like football, baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer, requires a lot of running and endurance. Good control over emotions as referees are placed in highly charged situations that are stressful.
Who are the officials present in the game? ›The game officials shall be a Crew Chief, Referee, Umpire and Replay Center They will be assisted by an official scorer, two trained timers, and courtside administrator.
Who is the official in charge of netball? ›As a general rule, two umpires will fulfill the main duties of netball officials (instead of having the game officiated by a match referee). Their primary function is the interpretation and application of rules in netball. Two scorers and two timekeepers would make up the full team of Technical Officials.
What are game officials called? ›
A referee is an official, in a variety of sports and competition, responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport, including sportsmanship decisions such as ejection.
How many officials there are in the game? ›There are three officials are there in a Basketball game - 1 referee and 2 umpires. Basketball is a team sport, each having 5 players.
Who are the team officials? ›Team Officials means all or any of the persons involved in the management of a team or club, which includes: the coach; manager; safety person/trainer; equipment manager; team physician; President and other members of the Executive and/or Board of Directors of a team or club.
What are the officiating officials? ›An official is someone who controls the actual play of a competition (e.g. umpire, referee or judge) and administers the rules and laws of the sport to ensure the proper conduct of a sporting fixture in a safe environment.
What are the responsibilities of the player and the referee? ›His responsibility is to ensure the rules are followed without waning the competitiveness of the play. So the referee has to be apprised with all the rules and apply them whenever necessary. For example, in the case where a player commits more than one foul the referee must punish the more serious offense.
What are three duties of an official in a netball game? ›- Player and Equipment Inspections. Before the game begins, umpires inspect the court, goalposts and the ball to ensure that they conform with the rules of the game. ...
- Ensuring Safety During the Game. ...
- Giving Decisions. ...
- Communicating.
National organisations
The INF is responsible for Netball across the Globe with currently (March 2022) 88 Members, 65 Full Members and 23 Associate Members across 5 Regions; Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
Umpires. Two umpires have control of the game and make the on-court decisions about the run of play.
What are the 4 responsibilities of sports officials? ›...
Roles
- Ensure Laws and rules are followed.
- Make a judgement on performance.
- Often their decision will determine whether someone has won or not.
The sports official is a role model who is charged with enforcing the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship. It provides a unique opportunity to positively influence young people. Officiating affords an individual the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills and to hone one's judgment skills.
What are the qualities of good officials of the game? ›
Qualities such as integrity, honesty, trustworthiness and respect are integral to the role of the official. This includes how they behave and relate to others prior to, during and after competition, how they present themselves as an official, and how they go about their role.
How many officials are in a netball game? ›During a competitive game of netball there are two referees and up to two scorekeepers and timekeepers officiating.
Who is the lead official? ›Frontcourt. The two officials on the court are referred to as the lead official and the trail official. The lead official, or the lead, is the official in a halfcourt setting normally positioned along the endline and is primarily responsible for the play under the basket and in the lane area.
Why are referees important? ›A Referee will provide a potential employer with information about your career experience, skills, character, and conduct. This information confirms what you've said on your application documents and in an interview with a third party's opinion.