Umpires could be deemed negligent and may be held legally responsible if they fail to act as a 'sensible' person would do and an injury to a player results.

Negligence is the failure to show reasonable care and occurs when harm results from an unacceptable degree of carelessness.

Players 'consent' to a degree of physical contact within the 'ordinary course' of a match. They do not, however, consent to intentional physical 'assaults' in breach of the laws or the safety codes of the sport, or due to carelessness by the umpire.

The younger the player, the greater the responsibility for safety, on the part of the umpire.

An umpire must take all reasonable steps to see that injury is avoided. Sport often derives its value and enjoyment from its speed, physical exertion and, sometimes, heavy physical contact between participants. Where injury occurs from a normal and reasonable practice, inherent in the game, liability would be unlikely.

To act 'sensibly', an umpire has the responsibility to:

• enforce the laws of the game

• control and supervise the game, e.g.:
  - not allow illegal or dangerous plays or tactics
  - remove participants who persistently breach the laws

• protect the participants, e.g.:
  - ensure that facilities are safe such as goal posts are padded, cricket pitch is covered and sprinkler outlets are covered
  - stop a match should crowd violence threaten player safety
  - ensure that equipment used is safe
  - enforce safety guidelines re blood and infectious diseases policies

• stop a match if conditions become hazardous

While technically, it may not be the umpire's duty to 'control' open grounds or a crowd, it may be in their best interests to liaise with officials to see that this 'concern' has been given attention.

Umpires have always had these responsibilities to ensure that matches are conducted safely and with a minimum of injury risk.

To ensure all is in order, an umpire must take the necessary initiatives and implement safe practices, as listed above. This will provide a safe environment for all.