Ground Marshal must be present and wearing a yellow vest from 15 minutes prior to every kickoff. Applies to all teams U8 to Seniors.
Pre-Match Checks
- Ground Marshal be an adult
- Ground Marshals must wear a clearly identifiable uniform and be visible at all times
- Check that balls can’t get through goal nets. Especially bottom of side netting.
- Check that corner flags are safe. Also placed straight up & down and not easily knocked or blown over.
- Safety checks. Ensure 4m clearance from pitch to dangerous objects such as trolleys, ladders, bikes, prams, etc.
Additional pre-match checks for U12-U18 & Seniors…
- Halfway flags to be set back 1.5m back from sideline.
- At least 6 chairs in each technical area.
- Stretcher & ice packs to be placed between technical areas just behind the halfway flag
- Keep an eye on the match balls. They are only to be used for match play. Match Balls aren’t to be used for team warm-ups or other kids to muck around with.
Welcome the Opposition Team
- Introduce yourself to opposition team officials and be their point of contact with Glen Eira.
- Explain where is refs room, toilets, changerooms, etc.
- Make it clear that criticism or pointed questioning of referees is not allowed at Glen Eira home grounds and anyone doing so will have the 3 steps applied.. ask > tell expel.
Match Duties

- Ground Marshal must escort the referee from the clubhouse to the pitch. Also back in at half-time and again after the match.
- Control bad behaviour.
- Ask them calmly and respectfully to take it easy.
Remind them that criticism or strong questioning of referees isn’t allowed. - If it continues, tell them to stop now.
Important step: Get another parent to start videoing the bad behaviour on their phone. - If it continues and then ask that team’s coach to fix it.
If it is the coach, then ask their TM or ground marshal to help. - If it continues, expel them from the ground.
The carpark is the closest they are allowed to be. - If they won’t leave then advise the ref that the match is abandoned. Don’t have a fight. Just pick up the match balls everyone walks away.
- Ask them calmly and respectfully to take it easy.
- Keep the exclusion zone (1.5m from sideline) clear of people (including coaches), bags, dogs, etc. Only linesmen are allowed inside. And players during an interchange.
- Keep the area between the technical areas clear. Only ground marshals allowed.
- When the spare ball is called for, send someone to retrieve the first ball and bring it back to the halfway flag.
If it happens a lot, appoint a kid or two as ball retrievers. - Remind coaches not to make player interchanges unless the ref has acknowledged it.
- Ensure that subs wear bibs or similar, especially if they are standing.