Position at Commencement of Game

Boundary umpires are to decide which side of the oval they will run in the first quarter. A change of sides is then made at the start of each quarter.

To get to the corner of the centre square for the commencement of the game, the boundary umpires will start by facing opposite each other on the centre circle, then together turn around and run towards the corner of the square. Within five metres of the corner, pivot and run backwards into the point of the square, lifting the knees high. Stain in the point of the corner with hands behind the back.

This is repeated at the start of each quarter.

Centre Square

For every centre bounce (start of each quarter and after a goal has been scored) boundary umpires will position themselves on diagonally opposite corners of the centre square. Each boundary umpire is responsible for supervising the centre square lines that intersect at their corner. Immediately the ball has been bounced or thrown up, the boundary umpire must run forward at an angle of 25-40° from the corner of the square toward the boundary line.

General Play

Boundary umpires must follow the ball from goal to goal, avoid interfering with players and position themselves so that they have a good view of the boundary line when play is close to the boundary line. When play is on the other side of the ground the boundary umpire is advised to move inside the playing area, however, no further than their side of the centre square.

The boundary umpire shall not place themselves between the players and the ball.

After a Behind has been Scored

(a) From a set kick: When the boundary umpire is positioned behind the behind post and a behind has been scored, the goal umpire will give their signal and the boundary umpire will then run backwards along the boundary line for approximately 50 metres, keeping the ball and players under observation at all times. The boundary umpire is not to move until the goal umpire has signalled their decision.

(b) From general play: When the boundary umpire is still running toward the goal, they will immediately back off to the boundary line.

Ball up / Throw-in in the Vicinity of Goals

Where there is a ball up (field bounce) within 20 metres directly out from the goal or behind lines, the boundary umpire will position themselves behind the behind posts. Where the ball up is further out directly from the goal or behind lines, the boundary umpires must position themselves on the boundary line, in line with the ball up.

Where a ball up takes place in the forward pocket area within 20 metres of the behind post, the boundary umpires will take up position behind the behind posts.

Where a boundary umpire throws the ball in within 35-40 metres from the behind post, the other boundary umpire must take up position behind the behind post.

When a throw in occurs approximately within 5 metres of the behind post, the Boundary Umpire shall, immediately after throwing the ball in, endeavour to take up position directly behind the behind post. This is to assist the goal umpire should the ball head toward the goal/behind area.

Scrimmage close to the Boundary Line

The boundary umpire must make every effort to position himself on the boundary line approximately 5 metres to the long side of play.

Behind the Behind Post

When required to take up position behind the behind post, the position will be behind the behind post in a direct line with the location of the ball.

When the boundary umpire is stationed at the behind post for a set shot and the ball hits the behind post on the full, they will tap the post three times after signalling out of bounds on the full.

Set Kick at Goal

Where a player is taking a set kick at goal (from a mark or free kick) boundary umpires should position themselves behind the behind posts to lend support to the goal umpire. The goal umpire is the sole judge of a score and can overrule a boundary umpire if necessary.

Any communication between boundary umpires and goal umpires in these situations must be verbal. No physical indication should be given.

Observation of the Ball
Taking into account the need to keep players under observation when potentially volatile situations exist after the ball has gone out of bounds, as well as the need to look towards the field umpire after signalling out of bounds, the Boundary Umpire is required to have the ball under observation at all times, that is, never having his back to the ball or the player with the ball.