Umpire interactions

There are very specific rules about this*. No one may approach (i.e. speak to) an umpire during game play unless calling an injury.

  • The team captain may approach an umpire during quarter breaks.
  • A coach can only approach an umpire with the captain, and ONLY if the team is Under 11 or below.

If a team captain approaches an umpire during a quarter break, they can only ask about rule clarifications, such as:

  • what a certain call means

  • where a particular action falls within the rules.

They must not:

  • tell the umpire what they should be doing

  • ask about rules targeting a particular player (e.g. is it contact when the GA does this)

If you are unsatisfied with the umpire’s answer, find a court or umpire supervisor.

*International Netball Federation rules and SAUCNA playing conditions.

Umpires in training

An orange cap or armband means an umpire is learning. They are often young and inexperienced.

Do not approach them or complain from the sidelines about the umpiring (this applies to everyone - including coaches and spectators). If you have a concern, find a court or umpire supervisor walking around in hi-vis.