Code of Umpiring

1. Umpire Eligibility

1. To be an umpire, you must:

2. Be a member of Petanque New Zealand;

3. Be physically fit; and

4. Have passed the relevant umpire’s exam, giving the following ranking as appropriate:

   Level 1: Club umpire

   Level 2: Regional umpire

   Level 3: National umpire

   Level 4: International umpire (FIPJP exam)

2. Umpire’s Rules

An umpire is the representative of Petanque New Zealand and must implement its rules and by-laws. An umpire

1. Must be thoroughly conversant with the rules and be sufficiently authoritative and diplomatic to carry out the role.

2. Be familiar with Petanque New Zealand’s Tournament Conditions, Tournament Protocols, and Player Code of Conduct.

3. Must visibly wear his/her umpire’s badge.

4. Must have all the instruments necessary for the exercise of his/her functions (tape, umpire’s measure, callipers, etc.).

5. Must be present before the start of the competition to make sure that the starting time, format etc are respected.

6. Must, before the start of the tournament, inspect the pistes (boundaries, obstacles etc) and if necessary make any changes required.

7. Must inform players of any changes made.

8. May not act as umpire in a game in which he/she is competing.

3. Tournament Duties

1. The umpire must ensure that all players are eligible to enter the competition, in accordance with the requirements of Petanque New Zealand.

2. The umpire is to ensure that the draw is carried out in accordance with the specified tournament format.

3. The umpire is not to run or supervise the control/results table.

4. During the competition the umpire must make sure that:

   1. Players comply with Petanque New Zealand’s Player Code of Conduct.

   2. Rules are adhered to (the Rules of petanque, the Tournament Conditions, and any local administration rules for the tournament).

   3. No incident develops that will impugn the integrity of the umpire.

   4. In case of rain, the tournament is stopped only if he/she is certain that the rain will make the ground unplayable.

5. After the competition:

   1. Write the umpire’s report and send it to the National Director of Umpiring.

   2. During the distribution of trophies and prizes, mix and socialize with players and officials.

   3. At the end of the competition discuss difficult rulings with others umpires; this will help finding consistent solutions.

4. Umpire Code of Conduct

1. Never get involved in an argument with players during a tournament under your control. Once a decision is taken, walk away without discussion.

2. While measuring, do not hesitate to measure a few times if necessary before making a decision.

3. Do not enter a game to re-measure a point already measured by another umpire, or re-assess a situation where another umpire has lalready made a ruling.

4. Never criticize publicly any decisions made by another umpire.

5. Be circumspect in advising players of rule infringements. Do not unnecessarily interrupt the flow of a game.

6. Act with authority. The umpire is the only judge on the terrain. If necessary in difficult situations, call on the Disputes Committee for the event.

7. Be conscious of the importance of your duties. The authority, surety and correctness of your decisions will give confidence to the players and will avoid problems.

8. You must show no bias, preference nor favour to any team or player, nor show any discrimination or malice to any team or player for any reason.

9. In the case of a disagreement over the state of play in a game in which you are participating as a player, you must not dictate the state of play by using such phrases as “I know the rules I am an Umpire!” nor use your status of qualified umpire to coerce an opponent into complying with a decision

10. Be fair and reasonable but firm at all times and always remember you are there for the sport of petanque. You are charged with the responsibility and authority to make decisions and recommendations for further action.

March 2006

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