Game Day Roles

Ground Manager

Ground Manager’s role is to make sure every home match day runs smoothly and safely.

• Ground Manager - this person is the point of contact for team managers and umpires, and is responsible for ensuring the game proceeds smoothly. A game cannot start until a ground manager and first aid person are present and clearly identifiable (wears a orange bib/vest). 

• Gathers the team sheets from both teams and checks that they are accurate (any players not there are crossed out, jumper numbers are on the sheet etc). Liaises with team managers if one team needs to use opposition players to make up to field numbers. 

• ⁠Introduces themselves to the umpire(s) and tells umpires about any issues (for example Saratoga has one player coming late, until then they will borrow a player from Swans). Makes sure the umpire has water - either look after their water bottle or get them a bottle of water from the canteen. 

• Aat all breaks go out and talk to the umpire(s). Take their water and check if they have any issues/ messages to relay to the teams. Also check that the goal umpires agree with each other and the score board re the score (not U9 as no score)

make sure any players arriving late are added to the team sheets, tell umpire(s) at next break

• ⁠Speak to any spectators (or their team manager) about unacceptable behaviour. 

• If one of the teams has an issue (for example they feel no7 is tackling off the ball and umpire isn’t seeing it) the team manager talks to the ground manager who then relays this message to the umpire(s) at the next break

•  Ensures that all paperwork for the game has been completed - timekeepers sheet and puts this in the game day folder.

• Any concussion or match incident forms completed if necessary.

• Gets umpires to sign the umpire sheet at the end of the game and pays them (envelope will be there). If they are umpiring next game too there is no need to do this

Team Runner

Runner’s role is to help deliver messages from the coach to the players during matches.

• Keep communication flowing between coach and players

• Be part of the game-day energy on the field

• Support the team with enthusiasm and quick thinking

Timekeeper

Want one of the best seats in the house on game day? Timekeeper takes on the important role of keeping official time during matches.

• Keep track of each quarter and record official timing

• Use the digital scoreboard to record points sound the siren

• Help ensure the game runs smoothly and fairly

Scoreboard Operator

As scoreboard operator you will have access to our clubs digital scoreboard remote to:

• Simple digital operation of the scoreboard via remote to record games points for both teams

• Work closely with timekeeper to commence scoreboard timer and sirens

• Adjust quarters and times as required

Goal Umpire

Volunteering as a goal umpire involves judging goals and behinds, scoring, and signaling during the match. 

• Stand behind the goal line, judge scores, manage the scorecard, and wave flags (two for a goal, one for a behind)

• You may be asked to meet field umpires, confirm scores at breaks

Water Carrier

• Managing the water carrier with player water to meet team/ coach during quarters

• On field running of water for older age groups

Canteen

• Manage sales from our canteen area using ipad for ease of transactions

• Manage Eftpos and credit card sales on Square

• Cash handling

• Stock management of basic items for sale including, chips, chocolates, pies, refill drinks in fridge etc

• Preparation of bread into serviettes for BBQ options available

• Keeping canteen area tidy and clean

BBQ

• Initial cook up for stock including eggs, sausages, bacon and onion ready (pre or during 1st Game of the day) 

• Serving cooked food on request- sales all processed via canteen first

• Managing cook items, liaising with canteen on stock as required based on games throughout the day.

• Last game to complete clean up and pack away of BBQ/ Gazebo

First Aid Provider

• Be registered as a Medical Officer for the club via Play HQ and have completed the First Aid and Concussion Module (see below for details)

• Provide any necessary first aid, injury management or concussion treatment during the match to both team players.

• Wear a first aid bib and have a first aid kit ready (club supplied) and available during the match.

• Liaise with regarding any required supplies or items used they may need to be replaced.

First Aid Provider, a person must complete registration on PlayHQ: 

1.    Find your club’s registration form via The Play HQ https://www.playhq.com/afl/org/saratoga-hawks-jafc/0cc5cba5/register
2.    Click on the register button.
3.    Choose to register as a ‘Medical Officer’.
4.    Complete the registration form.

To compliment the standard First Aid and CPR certifications, an AFL First Aid and Concussion Management online module has been developed to educate on areas not covered in standard First Aid and CPR courses.  The module outlines the role of the Sports Trainer or First Aider in setting expectations and establishing culture, concussion management and basic sports first aid including transporting injured players and is a requirement for anyone registered as a 'Medical Officer' on PlayHQ. 

https://play.afl/concussion/resources/concussion-injury-management-module#article-0