Level 1 Umpire Accreditation Manual - AFL Community

Unit 2 – Legal ResponsibilitiesLegal ResponsibilitiesThe Umpire is responsible for managing a matchand enforcing the laws.An Umpire has a responsibility to ensure that theenvironment in which the game is played is kept safe.Umpires could be deemed negligent and may beheld legally responsible if they fail to act as a ‘sensible’person would do and an injury to a player results.Negligence is the failure to show reasonable careand occurs when harm results from an unacceptabledegree of carelessness.To act ‘sensibly’, an Umpire has the responsibility to:• enforce the Laws of the game;• control and supervise the match, eg: not allowillegal or dangerous plays or tactics, remove youwho persistently breach the laws;• protect the players and officials, eg: ensurethat facilities are safe such as goal posts arepadded, cricket pitch is covered and sprinkleroutlets are covered;• stop a match should crowd violence threatenplayer safety;• ensure that equipment used is safe;• enforce safety guidelines regarding bloodand infectious diseases policies;• stop a match if conditions, including weather,become hazardous.Umpires have always had these responsibilitiesto ensure that matches are conducted safely andwith a minimum of injury risk.To ensure all is in order, an Umpire must takethe necessary initiatives and implement safepractices, as listed above. This will providea safe environment for all.ASSESSMENTYou will need to list the legal responsibilities of an umpire.MODULE 3 27