Here is your monthly update from our NSW Umpiring Committee: 

• A reminder that all players must have the correct number on their shirt during games. If you do not the umpire will ask you to correct this before you join the game. The game will not wait for you to correct this. 
• There has been an improvement in line outs which has been good to see. The Committee continues to encourage umpires to ensure these are square and even, and to penalise players who do not follow this rule. 
• A horse must not make contact with another horse behind the saddle, it must be shoulder to shoulder. There has been an increase in this occurring and umpires are encouraged to monitor and penalise this accordingly.
• Spurs are required to be removed immediately if a player cuts a horse with their spurs.  
• You must re-enter the field within 10m of where you leave the field. This includes the base line of the field.  
• Please remember to turn up to your umpiring jobs prepared. This includes a working whistle (supplied by yourself), and you must put your umpire's vest on. 
• Goals cannot be thrown under the horse's neck. Umpires are encouraged to disallow any goals that are thrown in this fashion.  
• If a horse has a bleed from the nose (not from a cut or superficial wound) then it must receive vet clearance before it can return to the field. It should be vetted out and the appropriate paperwork should be filed as per vetting out for any other reason.  

The NSW Umpire Committee is currently working with the National Umpiring Committee to establish a safe and fair ruling around the inclusion of sub junior players in open grades. At this point in time PANSW is not permitting sub juniors to play in an open grade. An exemption can be sought which must be approved by the NSW Umpiring Committee. This exemption process includes a full risk assessment undertaken by the Zone Chief Umpire which is then presented to the NSW Umpiring Committee, and the sub junior must be playing in the lowest open grade and in a social competition.