As an umpiring group, we are asked many times during the season about reportable offences and reporting players during games.
Without making excuses, sometimes situations develop and umpires can miss what many would consider to be a straight forward reportable offence. If umpires are quick to react to any ‘hot spots’ during a game, then that can often quell what can potentially get out of hand and lead to reportable offences occurring.
Recently we have seen the situations in the AFL where Barry Hall was interfered with and most recently the Steven Baker/Steven Johnson incidents. In both circumstances, in my opinion, if the umpires had reacted quicker to the developing situations, by not only talking to the players, but paying free kicks, then that could have easily defused those situations. Then again, with the amount of media that covers today’s games, I’m surprised that some players in the AFL would want to resort to those sorts of tactics.
Sometimes things can happen out of the umpire’s view and quickly develop into a nasty incident. That’s where it becomes important for all officials to be aware of their responsibilities to the game, and if there is a reportable offence, which may have been missed by the umpires, then those officials should lodge a report themselves. Please note the highlighted portion of the Law.
19. REPORTING PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS
19.1 OBLIGATION TO REPORT
19.1.1 To Controlling Body
An Umpire shall report to the Controlling Body any Player or Official who commits or engages in conduct which may constitute a Reportable Offence:
(a) during a Match; or
(b) on the day of the Match and within the immediate proximity of the Arena where the Match is conducted.
19.1.2 Interpretation — “Within the Immediate Proximity of the Arena”
Without limiting their ordinary meaning, the words “within the immediate proximity of the Arena” shall include any area within 500 metres of the Arena where the Match is conducted.
19.1.3 Other Appointed Persons
In addition to an Umpire, a Controlling Body may authorise a person or persons to report any Player or Official who commits or engages in conduct which may constitute a Reportable Offence. Any person so authorised shall have the same powers and duties as imposed upon an Umpire under this Law 19.
Next week we will take a look at some of the specific reportable offences and the interpretations of those offences.
Last Modified on 15/07/2010 18:06