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.