Think of the questions your customers ask most frequently and write them here along with the answers.
A: Rule 18.3.2
“…….. The penalised player may not move or attempt to take part in play either physically or verbally until the ball has left the hands of the thrower. …..”
The penalty can be taken again, or advantage can apply whichever the umpire deems appropriate.
A: No. However it is an interpretation of a rule that has been more widely used in recent seasons.
Rule 18.1.2 says: “ The player taking the penalty must take up the position clearly directed and indicated by the umpire…..”
Rule 19.2 “…. Where the delay involves the incorrect setting or taking of a penalty,despite clear directions and indications by the umpire, the infringer shall be penalised… “
Umpires should note that it would be very unfair to reverse the penalty if the position of it had not been made absolutely clear.
However it is the players responsibility to check they are taking the penalty from the place indicated. If in doubt, ASK.
Umpires should also be aware of penalised players trying to slow the game down by taking a long time to get to the point of a penalty pass/shot or back on court for a throw in.
A: This will be very much dependant on why the warning was given and under what circumstances.
Was the warning official i.e. did play stop for it, was it reported to the other umpire? Or was it a quiet word as play continued?
What was it for? Dangerous play or persistent, deliberate breaking of the rules? The umpires have a number of options open to them to deal with all sorts of problems which might occur on court. These are covered in Rule 20. Which option she takes is down to each individual umpire.
A: No. Although technically she should have waited for the umpire to call the stoppage for illness, under the circumstances that appeared to be impractical. Both teams can make substations during stoppages for illness or injury. The player could have returned to court after the next interval.
See rules 6 & 7
A: REPLAYED BALL
The rule states: 13.3 A player who has caught or held the ball may not:
(ii) throw the ball and play it before it has been touched by another player
(iii) toss the ball into the air and replay it
(iv) drop the ball and replay it
(v) bounce the ball and replay it
The important point are the words in bold. In your opinion the player had to have caught or held the ball. A brief touch of the ball isn't a catch or hold. Ask yourself "did she have control of the ball?" If the answer is a definite no then you don't penalise the player for replayed ball.
N.B. Players who are more skilful will need less time on the ball to have control. Therefore what you penalise in Div 1 you might not in div 6!
A: Under Umpiring Forum:
Could all umpires be aware that league rules prevent them from umpiring two consecutive matches, other than in exceptional circumstances.
There must be one 'rest' game between matches. This cannot be a game in which they participate as a player.
If this rule is ignored the club to which they are attached could have points deducted.