Rule 18: Game management
Rule 18 outlines the how of game management — the procedures and escalation mechanisms umpires should follow during a match. For a detailed breakdown, see our Game Management page. Rule 19 focuses on the why behind these actions (i.e., when and why sanctions are applied), and is discussed separately here.
While most of Rule 18 is procedural, there are a few specific areas that warrant closer interpretation and clarification — which are outlined below.
Are Warnings Advanced?
There has been debate around whether a warning, especially when issued after an advance, should itself be advanced. Current interpretation suggests:
Supporting Evidence from the Rule Book:
Structural Evidence:
The rulebook lists advancing and warning as separate actions. The absence of any mention of advancing under the Warnings section further supports this distinction.
Rule 19.1 vs Rule 18.23:
While Rule 19.1 states that the game management action for repeated/intentional infringing is a penalty pass which is advanced, this is superseded by Rule 18.23 which states:
"If a player does not change their behaviour following proactive advice from an umpire or an advanced and/or escalated sanction, the umpire will issue a warning to the player."
This indicates the 'advance' should be replaced by a 'warning'.
Rule 18.20:
Rule 18.20 states (paraphrased):
"Advancing/escalating a sanction is generally not appropriate for dangerous play unless the behaviour delays play."
While this relates to a suspension, this supports the interpretation given above.
Team Infringements
Rule 18.22 - Team Cumulative Sanctions
"If a team has cumulative advanced and/or escalated sanctions, the umpire must issue a warning to the next infringer for that team where game management action is required."
Key Guidance:
- Repeated Infringements Across a Team: If multiple players from a team are on advances, this often signals that the team behaviour as a whole is not improving.
- Proactive Communication: At quarter time, speak to the team captain. Explain that further infringements will result in warnings due to cumulative sanctions.
- Clear Communication: If a warning must be issued under Rule 18.22, communicate clearly to the infringing player and both teams that the warning is due to prior cumulative team conduct — not an immediate individual escalation.
Failure to Take the Court
Another case of a team game management action is Failure to Take the Court:
- Sanction: If a team delays taking the court after a break, an advance is issued against the team.
- Setting the Penalty: No player stands out of play — it's a team sanction.
- If repeated: Consider warning the captain, as they are accountable for getting their team on court on time.
Acts of Foul Play Not Seen by the Controlling Umpire
In rare cases, the co-umpire may intervene when a serious act of foul play has occurred that the controlling umpire has clearly missed. Such intervention must be limited to situations requiring a warning, suspension, or ordering off, and only where the controlling umpire did not see the incident or the full extent of it.
Appropriate Intervention
- Incidents that occurred off the ball
- Where the controlling umpire was unsighted (e.g., due to being on the wrong side)
- Serious foul play requiring warning, suspension, or ordering off
Inappropriate Intervention
It is not appropriate to intervene simply because you disagree with a decision the controlling umpire made after having a clear view of the incident.
Process for Intervention
The co-umpire blows the whistle to hold time.
The co-umpire provides the controlling umpire with a clear and specific description of the incident and recommends an appropriate game management action. For example:
"I saw the Blue GA elbow the Red GD with force, making contact with her face. I recommend an ordering off for intentional dangerous play."
The co-umpire then returns to their position, and the controlling umpire makes the final decision and restarts play.
Discipline of Team Officials and Bench Players
Rule 18 also addresses how to manage bench conduct.
Bench Movement
This cover individuals leaving the bench area except for bench players leaving the bench to warm up.
Step 1: Informal Management
Umpires should first attempt to manage this informally — a quiet word with the coach often suffices.
Step 2: Formal Action
Stop play (when the team to be penalised has possession) and issue a free pass from where play was stopped.
Co-umpire Consultation
If you're the non-controlling umpire, hold time and discuss with your co-umpire, allowing them to apply the sanction.
Bench Behaviour
This covers inappropriate comments or conduct by team officials or bench players.
Management Process
Initial Management
Attempt informal management first.
If Behaviour Continues
- Hold time
- Assess the situation:
- If in your co-umpire's half: consult them and allow them to apply the sanction
- If a specific individual can be identified: warn that person directly
- If individual cannot be identified: apply Rule 18.45 and apply the warning to the whole team bench