Hi all,
I wanted to reach out to all umpires via Club Hub to help walk you through some queries you may have going into finals:
Arrival Time
The AFLSE umpiring department require officiating umpires in finals to be at their ground 45 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their game.
Scores Tied at the end of Regulation Time
If scores are tied at the end of regulation, goal umpires will first need to confirm this and wave off the score. If scores are still tied, there will be 2 x 5-minute periods played to determine a winner.
For the first 5-minute period, teams will kick in the direction they kicked during the fourth quarter. They will then swap direction for the second 5-minute period.
Team officials are not permitted to address their players if the scores are tied.
If scores remain tied at the 5-minute mark of the second added time period, the siren will not sound until a team takes the lead.
There is no time-on for these periods.
Uniform – On-field
All umpires are required to correctly wear AFL South East on-field umpiring apparel. This includes having the correct New Balance shirt tucked into your shorts and ensuring your socks are pulled up. Not only will this positively impact the way players, officials and spectators perceive your professionalism, it can be the difference between getting another final or not.
If you require on-field uniform, AFL South East has large quantities of stock on hand which can be purchased here – https://form.jotform.com/240379381722863.
If you have any queries regarding uniform, please contact the Umpire Operations Coordinator (Ryan Mann) or the Football Operations Assistant (Joe Bell).
Uniform – Off-field
We are aware that a large portion of our umpires are also players. Officiating umpires are not allowed to arrive at, or depart from, venues in their club apparel. We highly encourage umpires to arrive in the SUA’s off-field apparel. To purchase the off-field apparel, please visit www.sua.org.au/uniform-shop.html.
If you are unable to purchase SUA off-field apparel, please arrive and leave from venues in neat casual. Again, umpires will be assessed on presentation on and off the field so don’t let this be the reason you miss out on future finals!
Goal Umpiring
We are aware that this may be the first instance of AFL South East umpires officiating as goal umpires. We, as a department, will be relatively relaxed around performance and apparel. Your most important role as goal umpire will be to adjudicate goals and behinds.
You will also need to keep a record of any scores at both ends of the ground. Clubs will provide you with flags, pens and scorecards.
Please liaise with team managers to get these provided for you prior to the game.
For apparel, please wear your on-field umpiring top with shorts or dark tracksuit pants
AFL South East Junior Football Umpiring Criteria
Please find attached the criteria for finals appointments which will be relevant right through the finals football period
Matchday concerns
For any match day concerns, your first point of contact should be your coach. Alternatively, get in contact with the Umpire Operations Coordinator.
For concerns on the ground including player, official or spectator behaviour, liaise with both team managers.
Reports, votes and matchday paperwork
Although votes will not need to be completed,. matchday paperwork and (if required) reports should be followed as per the usual process. All the relevant resources can be found here in the Club Hub under ‘Junior Resources’.
Have fun!
Umpiring finals football at any level or competition is a privilege that not all umpires will get the opportunity to be a part of. Enjoy the experience and finish the year off well!
Regards,
Ryan Mann
2024 AFL SOUTH EAST JUNIOR FOOTBALL FINALS MEMO