How to make a complaint about an umpire

From time to time the standard of umpiring does not meet the standard you expect.  This can become obvious if an umpire does not control the game effectively and appears to have lost control, is not keeping up with the play or is missing too many calls.

There is a process to avoid this affecting the game completely.

Step 1:
If the umpire appears to be unsure of the rules then ask the team captain to seek clarification of the calls from the umpire.
This can only be done during an interval and the umpires will only answer the question asked of them.
Ideally this should be done as early as possible in the game so that any issues can be dealt with quickly.

Step 2:
If the team are not satisfied with the reply to the question or the issues continue then call for one of the umpire executives to come to observe the game.  Send a spectator from your team to the umpire’s room (opposite court 3) to ask for an umpire executive.

Step 3:
If you are still not satisfied then the final step is to lodge a protest via the clubs umpire delegate.  The protest should be written down detailing the key issues and a $10 fee should be enclosed with the letter and lodged within 48 hours of the game i.e. the protest should reach the umpire delegate by the Sunday evening following the game.

Step 4:
The Umpire Committee will investigate the protest and will make finding.  If the protest is upheld then the $10 will be returned.  If it is overturned then the $10 fee will not be refunded.

The Shelly Park Umpire Delegate is Nicole Wade