{"id":5122,"date":"2023-05-08T11:50:04","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T11:50:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theukrules.co.uk\/?page_id=5122"},"modified":"2023-09-06T02:49:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T02:49:14","slug":"umpiring-terms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.theukrules.co.uk\/rules\/sport\/netball\/umpiring-terms\/","title":{"rendered":"Netball Umpiring Hand Signals | Umpire Finger Whistle Use"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hand Signals and Whistle Use in Netball<\/h2>\n

One of the key roles of officials<\/a> is using precise and sequenced terminology to indicate, and then state, any rule infringements.<\/p>\n

Thus, umpires need to give clear voice calls combined with sharp whistle prompts. They also use gestures (hand signals) for further clarity.<\/p>\n

Doing so means all competitors receive appropriate and unambiguous enforcement of the regulations handed out by ruling officials.<\/p>\n

Players face many challenges during a match. Hence, umpires should make clear decisions using the correct and comprehensive phrasing.<\/p>\n

There is some help for trainee referees and inexperienced umpires in the IFNA Rule Book<\/a>. But, netball umpiring tips tend to be limited and minimal.<\/p>\n

Here’s the bottom line:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Try to keep things simple and use the right umpiring terminology<\/a>. Simply put, it should reflect which rule is being penalized on the court and with clarity.<\/p>\n

The officials sometimes refer to the proper sequencing as the 5 ‘W<\/strong>‘s. They play a similar role to those covered in our netball frequently asked questions<\/a>, and apply to most infractions in the game.<\/p>\n

This list will help you learn what to say (and what not to say) as an umpire. The explanations should follow that precise moment when you blow the netball whistle for an infringement or rules’ violation.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
5 ‘W’ Terms of Netball Umpiring<\/h5>\n
    \n
  1. What<\/strong>: What is the infringement?<\/li>\n
  2. Who<\/strong>: Who committed the rules violation?<\/li>\n
  3. What<\/strong>: What advantage has been awarded?<\/li>\n
  4. Who<\/strong>: Who is receiving the advantage?<\/li>\n
  5. Where<\/strong>: Where should the next play get taken from?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
    \n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    Note<\/strong>: A loud whistle and good strong voice are an umpire’s two chief tools. Whistleblowing stops the play and speech controls the game. Give clear instructions with brief reasoning behind your decision to both teams. The communication should also extend to any other umpires and assistants<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n


    \n

    <\/p>\n

    Umpiring Terms and their Meanings<\/h2>\n

    The expressions in bold font represent common umpiring terminologies and rulings. The phrases (explained in brackets) are brief descriptions of the correct netballing terminologies<\/a> that they relate to:<\/p>\n