At the Mornington Peninsula Netball Association (MPNA), we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all our players, families, and officials. To help make every match day a success, we have introduced the Court Marshal role—a friendly, visible presence designed to support our community and keep the focus on the fun of the game.

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What is a Court Marshal?

 

If you see someone in a fluorescent yellow vest moving around the courts, that’s one of our Court Marshals! They aren't there to "police" or discipline anyone; instead, they act as frontline customer service and support. Their main jobs include:

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• Creating a positive atmosphere around the courts.

• Helping spectators stay in the best viewing areas behind the yellow lines.

• Supporting our umpires by checking in with them during match breaks.

• Keeping coaches' boxes clear so teams can focus on their play.

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Resources for our volunteers

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Are you taking on the Court Marshal role this weekend? Thank you for your support! To help you feel confident and prepared, we have created two essential resources:

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• Watch the MPNA Court Marshal Guide Video: This video walkthrough explains your role in detail and provides a simple step-by-step checklist of your daily duties. It also shows you exactly how to approach umpires during match breaks for a quick and supportive check-in.

• Be familiar with the Court Marshal Match Day Guide Infographic below: This is your "cheat sheet" for the day! It summarizes what to look for—like spectator positioning and sideline behaviour—and reminds you how to handle minor issues versus when to escalate to the office.

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​​​​​​​​Quick tips for your shift

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• Start with a Smile: Before you head to the courts, please report to the MPNA Competitions Coordinator who will be in the pavilion office, to sign in, collect your yellow vest, and receive a short briefing.

• Keep Moving: You aren't expected to stay at one court. We love to see our marshals moving in a circular pattern between the courts to remain visible and approachable.

• Support, Don’t Enforce: Your role is about observation and communication. If you ever feel uncomfortable or see a significant issue like aggressive behavior or a child safety concern, do not intervene.  Simply escalate the matter immediately to the Competitions Coordinator.

• Check in with Umpires: During quarter-time, half-time, and three-quarter-time breaks, try to check in with as many umpires as possible to see if they need any off-court support.

 

We look forward to seeing you in your yellow vest this weekend!