LYNDA’S “12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS” TOP TIPS #11

Injury or illness – let’s get this straight

If a player is injured or takes ill on court, an on-court player should inform the nearest umpire who will hold time.  In certain circumstances, the umpire may call time without being asked.

The injured player must leave the court within 30 seconds – you can’t call time for an injury if you just need to catch your breath.  All treatment will be administered off court.

This may seem harsh, particularly if a player is in a lot of pain, but the point of the rule is to get the injured player treated,  and to continue the game, as quickly as possible.  But obviously if the player cannot be safely removed from the court in 30 seconds, the umpires can extend the time.

A player cannot go off court to receive treatment without calling time, and then return to the court. If they do, the umpire can award a free pass to the opposition near where the player left the court (unless it disadvantages the opposition).   A player can only move off court to reposition back on the court.

During the stoppage time, both teams can make substitutions.  All non-affected/non-substituted players must remain on court.

Play continues from where the ball was when time was called.  If an infringement had been called and not taken, then play continues with the sanction awarded.  If it is unclear who had possession of the ball, then a toss-up is taken.

All teams should consider having a primary-care person at all their matches.  NWLNL are looking at organising a first aid course, so watch this space.

In the event of a blood injury, the court and ball must be cleaned of any blood and, if there is blood on clothing, the clothing must be replaced.

NWLNL now have accident forms to complete at both venues and on the website.  This must be completed immediately after the match to ensure all details are recalled and witnesses can make their statements.  A copy is then given to the injured player and to the NWLNL Committee.