Citing Commissioner Liaison Officers (CCLOs)

Pre-match

  • Receive the match Run Sheet 2-3 days prior
  • Ensure that you are aware of the Referral period
  • Ensure that you have the CC and Match Commissioner details
  • Ensure that you have electronic connectivity (email is preferable)
  • Arrive at the ground at least 1.5 hours before kick-off
  • Establish communications with the CC
  • Introduce yourself to team managers – set up the expectation that you will see then at the end of the game to discuss possible referrals.

During

  • Watch the game
  • Note anything you see that is significant such as an HIA or potentially serious foul play.
  • You are not the CC and don’t need to record incidents minute-by-minute. However, you can be a vital back-up, particularly if you see something that is missed by broadcast footage.
  • If you see something like this note the time and place on the field for discussion with the CC after the game has finished.

Post-match

10-15 minutes after the game has finished the CC will contact you to trigger the process of talking to the Team Managers. They may also ask you to gather evidence from team officials such as medics and obtain player and photographs of injuries.

Before a Team Manager speaks to you, they may want to talk to their players and this generally happens in the changing room.

Once you have access:

  • Re-contact each team manager – seek their feedback. They may indicate they are considering a referral but have to review their material first
  • Inform them of the referral period and how to contact you. Also remind them of the limited availability of the broadcaster after the match before they close down.
  • Reiterate that any referral should be accurate, comprehensive and supported with statements, medical reports, and footage if relevant and available
  • If ‘all clear’ from teams is indicated, then convey this to the CC.

On Receipt of a Referral

  • Note the time in your notebook or on the document
  • Give to the Match Commissioner
  • Convert it to digital format and send to the Match Commissioner or Designated Disciplinary Officer, and CC.

Player Statements

Just the use of the word statement may cause players concern. They may perceive it as a legal process they have little knowledge about.

Player statements can be a short, succinct summary of what they allege happened to them or if a witness, what they saw to be made available to the JO for consideration. The JO has the right to call the player to give evidence in the judicial hearing. The statement should be an overall summary of what they saw.

Tip: A handwritten note written in the changing room is likely to be the easiest and quickest option for the player and the CCLO. Also consider using a mobile phone to record the statement verbally.

As a minimum, a player statement should contain:

  • Name, team, and position
  • What time of the game the incident occurred and where in the field it happened
  • What happened to them if they are the victim of the foul play
  • What they saw or did if they are a witness
  • What happened after the incident
  • What they think caused it
  • The player’s signature and name printed clearly.

Tip: If there is no email access then photograph a statement with your cell phone and text it to the CC or Match Manager.

If a player is reluctant to provide a statement, he/she will need to be reminded of their obligations to provide information and cooperate with the investigation into alleged foul play by the CC or the CCLO on their behalf. Failure to comply will be a breach of the requirements contained in regulation 17 and may lead to a misconduct charge.