When can I stop or abandon a match, and what if people run onto the ground?

A match is not abandoned or called off until the Field Umpire, Umpire Coach or League Administrator officially does so. Coaches and officials may not take a team off the ground during play; concerns go through the Team Manager at the next break.

Delays: you decide whether a match starts, is delayed, or resumes, having regard to health and safety. If lightning is in the immediate area, all activity stops and everyone shelters; under the 30/30 guideline suspend if flash-to-thunder is under 30 seconds and do not resume until 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder. After a delay, shorten the remaining quarters equally.

Results of an unfinished match:

• before half time: a draw, with scores at the time used for percentage
• after half time: the scores at the time of stoppage are final
• if you cannot resume within a reasonable time, terminate play and report to the League, which may award a result, declare it abandoned or call a replay

Encroachment: only players on the field, runners, the First Aid / Medical Officer, umpires, and stretcher helpers you allow may be on the playing surface. If unauthorised people enter, ask fellow umpires and League officials to clear it. If you cannot resume in a reasonable time, terminate play and report. The club can face suspensions from 2 matches up to a life ban.