Reserve Umpire Role

As defined in the Rules of Netball, the reserve umpire is a match official seated at the umpires' bench who is ready to replace an umpire in the event of illness/injury during a match.

We are rarely fortunate enough to have a reserve umpire at local leagues, and even at national-level competitions, the role isn't always filled. This can make your first appointment as a reserve umpire feel a bit daunting. On this page, we break down the role clearly so you know exactly what to expect—and can approach it with confidence.

Reserve umpires are typically appointed for high-level games. If you're new to this environment, we also link to additional guidance on high-level match protocols to help you prepare fully.

Nail Check

Observe the umpires during the nail check process to familiarise yourself with the teams and identify captains, vice-captains, and primary carers.

Toss

Conduct the captains' toss immediately after the nail check. While the home team is responsible for providing the coin, it's useful to have a spare on hand to avoid delays. The home team tosses the coin, and the away team calls. Once complete, inform the umpires and scorers of the outcome, including the direction of the first centre pass and the shooting ends.

Buzzers

If buzzers are in use, collect them from the official bench and test them with the timekeeper. Once confirmed, pass them to the umpires.

Kit and Fitness Checks

Confirm with the umpires where spare kit (e.g. whistles, bands) is stored. Check if either umpire has a niggle or issue that could affect their ability to continue during the game.

Centre Pass Signal

As per Rule 4.14(f), the reserve umpire should signal the centre pass direction with a hand. The signal should be clear and visible to the umpires, but it does not need to be a large gesture.

At the start of each quarter, the reserve umpire should stand in front of the spare chair (next to the official bench) and remain standing until play is about to begin, at which point they may take their seat. The signal should also be given after every goal to confirm the next centre pass direction.

Game Support

Throughout the match, the reserve umpire should remain fully alert to everything happening on court. Umpires may ask for the reserve umpire's view on a situation if it has happened near to them or outside of the umpires' view.

Use a small notepad to discreetly record any game management actions taken by the umpires, starting from proactive advice. This serves as a useful reference during the match, as the official bench only records warnings and above. Stay alert to team changes so you can accurately track which on-court players are on game management actions. If unsure, consult the official bench for clarification. Be prepared for umpires to ask which players are currently on game management actions.

Be responsive to any requests from the umpires—such as replacing a whistle. If the far-side umpire requires assistance, be prepared to move quickly and efficiently around the court.

You must be fully kitted and ready to step in immediately in the event of an umpire being unable to continue. This includes:

• Whistle on your fingers
• Centre pass band
• Sweatband for buzzer and microphone pack holder (if used)

You should not wear tracksuit bottoms and if wearing a jacket, keep it draped over your shoulders for quick removal.

If replacing the bench-side umpire, you can step in directly to replace them while in the support position. If replacing the far-side umpire, move quickly across the court. The umpires may hold time if necessary, but a seamless transition without interruption is ideal.

You're responsible for managing players who are suspended or ordered off.

Key Points:

• Prevent any communication (verbal or non-verbal) between the suspended or ordered off player and their teammates or bench during play.
• Confirm in advance whether the suspended player or a substitute will be returning to court—this helps avoid confusion later.
• Prompt the returning player to stand and be ready as the suspension period approaches its end. Once the time has fully elapsed, notify the bench-side umpire so the player can return to court at the next break in play.

If late-arriving players need nail checks, or previously flagged players must be re-checked, the reserve umpire should handle this.

Ensure benches comply with regulations:

• Only team officials and players in full kit named on the team sheet may sit on the bench.
• Manage low-level behaviour (e.g. encroaching coaches or vocal benches) proactively with polite reminders.
• If behaviour escalates, alert the bench-side umpire with a brief explanation and recommended action (e.g. warning to coach).

During breaks, stand behind the umpire chairs for clear court visibility. If players request clarification, reposition to hear the conversation.

Be available to offer honest, constructive feedback if the umpires ask for input on incidents or trends from the previous quarter. Focus on supportive, factual observations that can help improve performance. Keep the tone collaborative, particularly when working with umpires you don't know well.

Concussion Protocol

According to Rule 4.14(h), the reserve umpire must inform the bench-side umpire if a concussion observer or primary carer requests play to be stopped due to a suspected concussion. This should be done without delay—move quickly along the sideline to gain the umpire's attention if necessary.

Court Monitoring

You must remain court-side at all times and monitor the area during breaks, especially if umpires leave the field of play. Alert the umpires if there are any changes to the field of play that require their attention.

After the match, approach the coach and captain of each team to ask if they would like any post-match clarification. Teams should come one at a time. Invite assessors to join the conversation if they are present.