Game Management: Techniques to keep the match under control

In a game where contest may be tight and teams are competing hard for a win, an Umpire needs to be confident and alert at all times. If an issue or incident occurs, they should have a number of techniques to keep the match under control.

These may include:

  • Change in whistle tone/volume
  • Change in voice tone/volume
  • Whistle length
  • Sustained eye contact
  • Tactical pause
  • Terminology reshuffle (state playing position first)
  • Body Language
  • Quiet Words (specific informal advice eg Stay onside)
  • Holding time to speak to players.

Some examples of when these techniques could be used include, but are not limited to:

  • Early signs of a potential persistent infringement building by a player.
  • Incorrect position of a penalty where this is not considered to be deliberate.

  • Accidentally delaying play e.g. fumbling of the ball whilst returning for the centre pass.
  • For infringements when the ball is not in play.
  • Inappropriate language from a player directed at themselves.
  • Less skilled players in the match may be clumsy.
  • Player loses temper with themselves momentarily.

Whistle

One of the most important tools an Umpire has is their whistle. Varying the tone and volume of your whistle can often let a player know they are reaching the end of your tolerance for a particular action/s or behaviour.

Varying the length of your whistle will immediately draw the attention of all participants to an action.  A sharp and quick whistle will make you appear decisive and confident in your decision making.

Having a whistle with a pea is invaluable. Pea-less whistles are harder to change the volume and tone and even harder to roll for the beginning and end of play.  A whistle with a pea will cut through the noise of a crowd and will appear more sharp and crisp to players and spectators alike.

“Practice using your whistle, especially when you are tired.”

Take it with when you go for a run or do interval training.  To talk and use an effective whistle without giving the impression that you are “tired”; is a skill to be trained.

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