During the game, conflicts will arise.
It must be managed in order to keep the umpires in control of the game. Use all your resources in the Control ladder:
| 1. Prepare | Know the rules. Maintain a calm posture; shoulders down, hands visible |
| 2. Listen Actively | Let the speaker finish. Use open questions: “Can you explain what you saw?” |
| 3. Acknowledge & Clarify | “I understand you are upset about the challenge/decision. ” Restate facts: “You felt the ball was played dangerously” |
| 4. Explain Decision | Keep it very brief and factual. Avoid sentences like "I think", "I feel" "Perhaps". Avoid confrontation and argumentation |
| 5. Offer Next Steps | “Let’s reset quickly and continue. ” If tension remains, call a short break to speak with captain(s). Seek support from the other umpire. |
| 6. Post match | Always have a debrief with the other umpire. Use the umpire chat to ask questions |