Rule 4: Match officials
This rule covers the roles, responsibilities, and procedures relating to the umpires and reserve umpire. Many related protocols are covered in more detail in other sections of the site. This page highlights the key points specific to Rule 4, and links to other pages where relevant.
Umpires' Toss
After the team checks, conduct the umpires' toss in accordance with Rule 4.5. The winner will control the side of the court nearest the official bench.
Umpire's Whistle
The umpire uses the whistle to:
- Signal 30 seconds and 10 seconds remaining before the start of each quarter (see Quarter Start and End Procedures)
- Signal 10 seconds remaining before the end of any stoppage
- Start and end each period of play and restart play after each goal
- Indicate infringements
- Signal out-of-court situations, but only if not obvious
- Notify the timekeepers to hold or restart timing
Umpire Terminology
When penalising an infringement, umpires should follow this structure:
Blow the whistle
Call the infringement clearly – stating the infringement, the infringing player, and team (if needed for clarity)
Use the appropriate hand signal
Indicate the position of the sanction or action
Example:
"Contact, Red GD."
Areas of Control
Each umpire controls the right half of the court from their position on the sideline or goal line. Umpires should move with play to maintain the best view of infringements. The only time an umpire should step onto the court is to 'cut the corner' when transitioning from the sideline to the goal line—provided the area is clear of players.
When the ball is in the co-umpire's goal third, the umpire moves into the support position: just inside the goal third, close to the transverse line.
Exceptions to Control Areas
An umpire may make decisions in their co-umpire's half in the following cases:
Sideline Calls
Each umpire is responsible for all out-of-court decisions along their own sideline, including determining which team is awarded the throw-in. They are also responsible for penalising any infringements by the player taking the throw-in or the player defending them.
Centre Pass
The controlling umpire is responsible for penalising any infringements by the Centre taking the pass or by the player defending them, regardless of which half of the court they are in.
Time Held
Either umpire may hold time for emergencies, or other extreme circumstances, or for acts of foul play not seen by their co-umpire (see below).
Other Key Scenarios
Ball Striking the Umpire
If the ball strikes an umpire who is on court or they interfere with play, time is not held unless a team is unfairly disadvantaged. If disadvantage occurs, possession is awarded to the team who was disadvantaged where the ball was when play stopped.
If the umpire is fully off-court and the ball strikes them, this is treated as out of court. Award a throw-in to the team that did not touch the ball last in court (Rule 15.1(b)).
Holding Time for Emergency or Foul Play
Either umpire may hold time in the event of an emergency or extreme circumstance. If a player is shooting at goal, they may complete the shot unless the situation requires immediate intervention – player safety should always take priority. If the shot has been released before time is held, the goal may still be scored (Rule 9.2).
For minor injuries, it is often best to delay holding time until the ball is back in your half or there is a natural break in play (e.g. a defensive goal-line throw-in). This minimises disruption to the opposing team and maintains the flow of the match. However, if there is any doubt about the severity of the injury, hold time immediately—player welfare must always come first.
Umpires may also hold time for acts of foul play not seen by the controlling umpire, but this must be limited to serious offences requiring a warning, suspension, or ordering off. This process is outlined on our Rule 18 interpretation page.
Reserve Umpire
Responsibilities of the reserve umpire are covered in full on the dedicated page below.
Reserve Umpire Role