League Hosts & Officiating Policy

Purpose

Urban Rec is a social sports club first.
This policy explains the role of Urban Rec League Hosts, how they differ from traditional referees or umpires, and what participants can expect during games.

Our Approach

Urban Rec leagues are designed to balance competition, fun and accessibility.
Many Urban Rec leagues are managed by League Hosts rather than accredited referees or umpires.
League Hosts are trained to facilitate games, support participants and maintain a positive playing environment in line with our Fun First philosophy.
Some leagues may utilise accredited referees or umpires where required by the sport, venue or competition format.

What Is a League Host?

A League Host is responsible for the overall operation of the league night.
This may include:

  • Setting up equipment and playing areas.
  • Keeping games running on schedule.
  • Explaining rules and league procedures.
  • Managing scores and standings.
  • Supporting new participants.
  • Managing conflict and player behaviour.
  • Facilitating gameplay.
  • Making calls where required.
  • Promoting a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment.

League Hosts use an Acknowledge, Coach, Call approach to managing games.
This means they will seek to:

  1. Acknowledge issues as they arise.
  2. Coach players on expectations and rules.
  3. Make a decision and keep the game moving where required.
League Hosts vs Referees & Umpires

While both roles help manage games, they serve different purposes.

League Hosts

League Hosts are focused on the overall participant experience and may:

  • Facilitate games and league operations.
  • Support new players and explain rules.
  • Manage conflict and player behaviour.
  • Keep games running on schedule.
  • Encourage self-officiating and fair play.
  • Use a coaching and educational approach.
  • Promote Urban Rec's Fun First culture.
  • Make decisions required to keep games safe and enjoyable.

Referees & Umpires

Referees and umpires are typically focused on officiating the game itself and may:

  • Apply and enforce the rules of the sport.
  • Make formal decisions on gameplay.
  • Manage fouls, penalties and infringements.
  • Focus primarily on competition and rule enforcement.
  • Operate within a more traditional sporting environment.
Self-Officiating & Participant Responsibility

Many Urban Rec leagues incorporate elements of self-officiating.
Participants are expected to:

  • Play honestly and fairly.
  • Call themselves out where appropriate.
  • Respect the spirit of the game.
  • Assist in resolving minor disputes respectfully.
  • Support the Fun First culture.

League Hosts may intervene where required, but participants also share responsibility for creating a fair and enjoyable playing environment.

Respecting League Hosts

League Hosts are representatives of Urban Rec and deserve to be treated with the same respect as any official, referee, umpire, volunteer or staff member.
Participants must not:

  • Abuse, intimidate or harass League Hosts.
  • Use offensive or threatening language.
  • Deliberately ignore reasonable directions.
  • Undermine a Host's ability to manage the game.

While participants may respectfully question or seek clarification on a decision, ongoing arguments, aggressive behaviour or personal attacks are not acceptable.

Final Decisions

To ensure games can proceed smoothly, League Hosts have the authority to make decisions regarding:

  • League operations.
  • Game management.
  • Participant behaviour.
  • Safety matters.
  • Rule interpretations where required.

These decisions must be respected on the night.
Participants who disagree with a decision may raise concerns with Urban Rec after the game through the appropriate channels.

Failure to Respect Officials

Behaviour directed towards League Hosts, referees, umpires or Urban Rec representatives that is inconsistent with our Code of Conduct may result in action under the Disciplinary Policy.
This may include:

  • Warnings.
  • Probation.
  • Suspension.
  • Removal from a league or event.
  • Cancellation of membership.
Feedback & Concerns

Urban Rec welcomes constructive feedback regarding League Hosts, referees, umpires and league operations.
Participants who believe a League Host, official or participant has acted inappropriately, failed to meet expectations or breached an Urban Rec policy may raise their concerns through the Complaints Management Policy.

Feedback helps us improve the quality, consistency and experience of our leagues.
 

Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

  • Fun First Policy
  • Code of Conduct
  • Disciplinary Policy
  • League Integrity Policy
  • Complaints Management Policy

Review
Approved By: Urban Rec Management Team
Last Updated: June 2026
Next Review Date: June 2027