Every team must have a Ground Marshal for every Competition Match and every Finals Series Match. The referee
will NOT start the Match unless both Teams have a Ground Marshal.
The Role of the Ground Marshal is to:
- Ensure your Team’s spectators / supporters are not in breach of the SJRU Code of Conduct and in particular there is NO verbal abuse of Match Officials or players.
- Ground Setup before Home Games
- Remove any person associated with your Team who does not comply with the directions issued to them by a
the referee. - Introduce yourself to the referee and assistant referee before the Match and ask if there is any particular duty
they require of you - Address breaches of the Code of Conduct by opposition spectators / supporters with the opposing Team’s ground marshal.
- Ensure all teams comply with the SJRU Competition Rules and in particular:-
o All coaches and reserve players to remain behind the ropes.
o Trainers / runners to remain within 10 metres of the half way line unless tending to an injured player or offering water during a break in play.
o Ensure Trainers do not coach teams while on the sideline.
o Ensure that your Teams replacements are made via the Assistant Referee / touch judge.
o Assist the referee and assistant referee with dealing with yellow card incidents related to players from your Team and in particular ensure the player remains seated on or near the half way line for the duration of the penalty. The penalty is 5 Minutes (Replacement allowed)
o Assist the referee and assistant referee with dealing with red card incidents related to players from your Team. The penalty is Duration of the Match (Replacement allowed)
- Offer on-field assistance to ensure care and comfort of the injured player
- If an ambulance is required then offer assistance with calling for the ambulance and ensure free access to the
injured player - Report cases of serious injury to players of your Team to your Club President
- Assist your Team Manager in completing the Sign-on Sheet for Yellow and Red Card incidents, uncontested scrums, Mercy Rule and any issues with ground set up.
The and NJRC take a strong stance against abuse of Match Officials. This extends to include any Ground Marshals, Assistant Referees / Touch Judges and Referees. Please control your parents, spectators, players and officials on the side lines and remind them of the Code of Conduct which EVERYONE is bound to. What you might think is not offensive, maybe offensive to someone else so please SSHH on the sidelines and let the children enjoy the game.
YOU ARE THE EXAMPLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN. IF YOU FOLLOW AND ABIDE BY THE CODE OF CONDUCT ….. THEY
WILL TOO!
- Ground Marshal – Generic Duties
- Set up
Ensure the ground is set up according to the diagram on the next screen. You can ask others to assist you in the set up but you are responsible for it being done correctly. This includes ensuring that;
• The crowd control rope is set out
• Goal post pads are fitted
• Corner posts, flags and team zones are set out
• Conditions of entry signage is displayed in obvious places
• The field must be free from debris including cans and glass
• Any sprinkler heads MUST be covered.
• Whilst for the second and subsequent games of the day some of these tasks are obsolete, it is worth checking goal pads haven’t shifted.
• Ensure game can start on time, to ensure schedule for the day can be maintained.
- Pre-Match
Introduce yourself to the Match Officials and other club’s Ground Marshal, Team Manager and Coach prior to the game. For the duration of the allocated game your sole responsibility is to complete the role of the Ground Marshal. You should wear the “Ground Marshal” fluorescent vest as an outer garment for the duration of your appointment in the role.
- Spectator Management
Manage the behaviour of spectators and team officials to ensure it complies with the ARU’s “Code of Conduct” guidelines.
- Player Management Red and Yellow Cards
Confirm player leaves the field appropriately, goes to the correct place for the duration of the penalty and is not heckled by the crowd or other players.
- Further Assistance for the Referee
Following a significant incident off the field of play, the referee may stop the game. Should this occur the Ground Marshal(s) should enter the field of play and speak to the Referee to determine what action needs to be taken.
- Serious Injury Management and Post Match
Assist to manage any serious injury, have relevant emergency phone numbers on hand and be familiar with serious injury protocols. This includes emergency entrance/exit points for an ambulance. Report any breaches of the “Expectations of Behaviour” via the incident reporting method for your competition, this may be as simple as ensuring the Ground Manager/President is aware of the incident. Shake hands with Match Officials and the other club’s Ground Marshal at the conclusion of the game. Be aware of the potential for conflict at the end of the game when Match Officials come together with Team Managers to sign the team sheets.
- Additional Notes on Ground Marshal Duties
- How to deal with Ground Set-up?
Competitions may have their own set-up requirements, this is an example of a common ground set-up, your competition may not include the team technical zones, or they may be outside the crowd control rope.
- Set out the Crowd Control Ropes at least 5 meters from both sidelines
- Put goal post pads, corner posts and flags in specified positions
- Mark out Team Technical Zones;
- 1 on each side of the half-way line
- Zones start a min. 5m from the half-way line
- Each zone must be <10m in length and <3m in width
- Must be >2m from the touch line
- Spectator Management
- Interaction with Match Officials
Only team captains may address the referee to seek clarity on rulings or misunderstandings. No coach or team manager can approach the referee at half time and some competitions have restrictions about approaching the referee after the game.
- Spectator Behaviour
Ensure spectators adhere to “Code of Conduct” by identifying and dealing with any breaches. What is a summary of the “Code of Conduct”:
Basically everyone Chill Out, Zero tolerance for abuse of Referee, Assistant Referees, Players or other Spectators. The Do’s and Don’ts summary from the SJRU is also a good guide to what is appropriate conduct from all those in attendance or involved in a Rugby game.
- Field of Play
Keep everyone except the Match Officials, Players and any authorised additional persons (trainers, team managers) behind the ropes.
- Team Zone
Manage the behaviour of players and coaches within the team zone. Everyone must stay within their Team Zone
- Half Time
Half time entry to field by coach, team manager and trainers. – NO PARENTS allowed on field during breaks in junior games, and no club players not directly involved in the game to be on the field.
- Code of Conduct
Report any breaches of the “Code of Conduct” via your competition guidelines
- Surveillance
Conduct surveillance of the venue for the duration of the match. As a guide you should meet the other club’s Ground Marshal and complete two laps of the playing enclosure at the following intervals:
• 10 Minutes into the 1st half
• 10 Minutes into the 2nd half
- Player Management
A Ground Marshal may need to assist the Referee and Assistant Referee in dealing with yellow and red card incidents related to players from your team, in particular you will ensure players remain seated on or near half way line for the duration of the penalty, as per competition guidelines. In event of a Yellow Card being issued, you should note the time the player leaves the field so you can assist the Match Officials in managing their return to play after the appropriate time has passed.
Note: Yellow and red cards may incite poor behaviour from the crowd. Ground Marshals should be aware of these incidents, in order to be prepared for a reaction from the crowd.
In U10s-U12’s, a yellow card is 5 minutes, with replacement allowed. In 13’s and up, a yellow card is 10 minutes with no replacement allowed.
In U10s-U12’s, a red card is player off for the remaining duration of the match, with replacement allowed. In 13’s and up, a red card is player off for the remaining duration of the match, with no replacement allowed.
- Player Injuries & Post Game
In the event of a Serious Injury, Ground Marshals should offer on field assistance to ensure care and comfort of the injured player.
If an ambulance is required, then the home team Ground Marshal should call for the ambulance and ensure free access to the injured player – they should arrange to meet the ambulance at ground entry and guide the vehicle to the injured player.
Assist Team Manager in completing any relevant documentation for your team, this will vary between Competitions and States but may include things like – any incidents recorded, uncontested scrums, issues with ground set-up. Ground Marshals should also ensure any cases of serious injury to players (from both teams) are reported to your Newport Club President or VP Juniors.
All SJRU Players, Coaches, Officials, Parents and Spectators must comply with Rugby Australia’s (ARU’s)
Expectations of Behaviour Guidelines which include the following:-
Do’s
- Encourage the players to abide by the Laws of the Game.
- Applaud all good play whether it is by your team or your opponents.
- Treat everyone as you yourself would like to be treated.
- Display exemplary behaviour and accept responsibility for your actions.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from the game.
- Most importantly have fun and enjoy “the game they play in heaven”.
Don’ts
- Abuse, criticise, threaten, ridicule or intimidate a player, coach, Match Official or spectator while attending the venue.
- Question the decisions of the Referee or Assistant Referees and never question their honesty or integrity.
- Enter the field of play unless invited to do so by the Referee.
- Discriminate because of a person’s sex, disability, ethnicity or religion.
- Swear, use bad language or harass anyone at the venue.
ABUSE OF PLAYERS OR MATCH OFFICIALS WILL NOT BE
TOLERATED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!
Failure to comply with these Expectations of Behaviour Guidelines will result in your expulsion from the
venue and being reported to the Sydney Junior Rugby Union Competition Manager.
Go to Rugby Australia Code of Conduct for more information.
| What does the SJRU Competition Rules Say about the Ground Marshal role? 9.2.1 Ground Marshal(s) At all Matches both Teams / Districts / Clubs are to provide a Ground Marshal.If a Team / District / Club does not provide a Ground Marshal then the Team will be deemed to have forfeited the Match.The Ground Marshal for a Team may be anyone who isn’t the Coach or Trainer of the Team.The Ground Marshal must be identifiable by wearing the orange SJRU vest.The Ground Marshal shall be responsible for spectator and crowd control and their instructions and / or directions shall be obeyed at all times.If there is a difference between the decision of the Home Team Ground Marshal and the decision of the Away Team Ground Marshal then the decision of the Home Team Ground Marshal shall prevail.The Ground Marshal of each Team shall introduce themselves to each other prior to the start of the Match.The Ground Marshals shall introduce themselves to the referee prior to the commencement of the Match and be responsible for rectifying any issues which are brought to their attention by the referee throughout the course of the Match.The Ground Marshal provided by the Home Team shall ensure that the Away Team is made aware of the home ground changing, playing, medical, food and drink facilities available.Ground Marshals shall be responsible for:- the supervision of the venue and all appointed officials; andmaintenance of and patrolling of the Playing Enclosure including the Ground Marshals of both Teams doing a lap of the playing enclosure at approximately the ten (10) minute mark of the first half and at approximately the ten (10) minute mark of the second half; andpreventing the illegal entry of any person onto the Playing Enclosure; andassisting the Match Officials, Team Officials and first aid personnel perform their respective duties; andensuring Assistant Referees / touch judges are not calling out or coaching the players; andensuring Trainers are carrying out their duties correctly, including not calling out or coaching when inside the Playing Enclosure; andmanaging the behaviour of participants within the Team Zone; andpoint of contact for all enquiries; andresponsible for the control and behaviour of trainers, first aid officer, and spectators and that they comply with the Code of Conduct; andbe familiar with, and have available, a copy of the SJRU Match Day Manual which includes the ARU Medical and Safety Recommendations including the ARU Protocol for Serious Injury; andchecking with the referee on the policy for attending injured players; andreport any irregularities or breaches of the Competition Rules that they are unable to resolve to their District / Club President who will contact the Competition Manager to determine what further action, if any, should be taken; andthe implementation of this Competition Rule. (K) Home Team Ground Marshal(s) are also responsible for: setting up and dressing the ground in accordance with the Laws of Rugby and the Competition Rules; andensure that an appropriately stocked medical kit, and ice are available; andensuring that the SJRU Expectations of Behaviour sign is prominently displayed; andhaving access to all necessary keys and passes to ensure emergency access can be obtained to any section of the venue; andhaving access to an emergency list of contacts and addresses for:two (2) after hours doctors or local medical centre and / or facilities; andnearest public hospital and / or emergency facility; andthe local Police and Ambulance. | Newport Junior Rugby Additional Information Marshals may also use high vis Newport Ground marshal vests, SJRU vests, or other high vis Full copy of the Code of Conduct is included in the SJRU Match Day Folder which should be put on the sign-on table as part of field set up Full copy of the Medical and Safety recommendations plus Serious Injury protocols is included in the SJRU Match Day Folder. In general, if the injury either (a) requires that the player cannot be moved safely from the field of play, and/or (b) the player cannot be treated without expert medical assistance – an ambulance is called. If a player is ambulatory, such as with a shoulder/arm/collarbone injury, separate transport to expert medical assistance may be applicable If there are breaches of the Rules, which are unable to be resolved, please refer the matter to either Nigel Baker (President – [email protected], 0439 462 347) or John Glen (VP Juniors, [email protected], 0411 237 689) Set up as per the SJRU Match Day Manual Ice, and plastic bags for ice packs should be provided as part of Field Set-up to the designated first aider Behaviour signage should be displayed as part of Field Set-up A Standard P2 key (held by all Committee members, Age Coordinators, Club Coordinator – Rachel Wilson) opens the gate to allow Ambulance access at Porters and Newport Gateway Medical Centre (1 Mona Vale Rd, Mona Vale, 9998 3400, Open to 9 pm Friday, 8 pm Saturday and 6 pm Sunday) Mona Vale Medical Centre (18/20 Park Street, Mona Vale, Open to 2 pm Saturday and 4 pm Sunday) Mona Vale Hospital Accident and Emergency (18 Coronation Street, Mona Vale) |