Ground Official Guidelines

To ensure our matches proceed smoothly and comply with Football Canterbury (FC) regulations, every home and neutral game requires a designated Ground Official.

While the role is a formal requirement, it’s also a great way to stay involved – the best part is that you still get to watch the game!

Role Requirements

• Who: Typically a parent or spectator.

• Age: Must be 18 years or older

• Restrictions: To avoid conflicts of interest, you cannot be involved in other duties while acting as a Ground Official (this includes coaching, managing, refereeing, or canteen duties) for that specific match.

• Identification: You must wear the orange hi-vis vest provided to your team. You must remain clearly visible to participants and referees at all times.

• Punctuality: You must be vested and active within 10 minutes of the nominated kick-off time. Failure to do so results in a mandatory fine for the Team or Club.

Key Responsibilities

Your primary goal is to maintain a safe, positive environment for the players and officials by being a mobile, “active” presence.

1. Before Kick-Off

• Check-In: Introduce yourself to the Referee or Game Leader.

• Safety Check: Inspect the field and goalposts (ensure they are secure). Know the location of the First Aid kit and defibrillator (AED).

• Punctuality: Help ensure the game starts on time so subsequent matches aren’t delayed.

2. During the Match

• Sideline Management: Ensure the area between the two technical areas (team benches) remains clear. Only Ground Officials may enter this space.

• Field Entry: No one, including registered officials, should enter the field of play unless signalled by the Referee/Game Leader.

• Crowd Control: Keep the area behind the goals clear and ensure warm-ups happen away from the field.

• Active Presence: Patrol the perimeter of the field. You are not to sit on the team bench; you must remain mobile and visible.

3. Small-Sided Games (U6–U12)

• While some duties are lighter for these age groups, you are essential here to support our Game Leaders.

• Ensure spectators and pets remain a safe distance (at least 1 metre) from the sidelines.

• Help maintain a positive, “kids-first” environment.

4. Managing Conduct & Safety

• Saints Spectators: If safe to do so, kindly remind over-zealous parents of the Code of Conduct. You have the authority to ask a spectator to leave the venue.

• Opposition Spectators: Do not approach opposition spectators. If a dispute arises with the away side, consult the LSFC Duty Officer or a Committee Member immediately.

• Alcohol & Smoking: No smoking or alcohol consumption is permitted while on duty.

• Incidents: If a serious incident occurs, a written report must be provided to the Club within 48 hours.

Technical Rules (Football Canterbury)

Under the Football Canterbury Rules of Association, we are bound by the following:

Need Help? If a dispute arises, please consult the Duty Officer or call the club on 0403 474 000.

Leichhardt Saints Football Club Committee