Umpire Assistant

Match Assistants (MA)/Umpire Assistants (UA) are required when Live Electronic Line Calling (LELC) is used at an event in lieu of Line Umpires. 

The ASB Classic (as of 2025) is the only event in NZ to have Match Assistants/Umpire Assistants.

The MAs/UAs assist the Chair Umpire with all matters that may arise during the match on or off court, and follows the Chair Umpire, Supervisor/Referee and/or Chief Umpire's instructions. The Chief Umpire is the main contact and is responsible for all matters regarding the MAs/UAs.

Key responsibilities are (though not limited to):

• Assisting the Chair Umpire for the court preparation as needed before each match.
  • Escorting players on a toilet, change of attire and/or heat break.
  • Know the location of the closest bathrooms or locker rooms, along with back-up locations.
  • Lead the player(s) to the bathroom and/or designated facility.
  • Use the correct verbiage and walkie-talkie technique in communicating with the Chair Umpire when escorting a player.
• If not escorting players you might be requested to:
  • Carry out the ball changes.
  • Measure the net at the end of each set or as required by Chair Umpire instructions.
• Rain delay:
  • Assist to quickly gather the match balls. Keeping them separate and labelled (labels are available in the Chief Room) with match information: (court number, player’s names, side they are on, who is serving, score in the match) if requested by the Chair Umpire.
• Confirm with the Chair Umpire that the CU is keeping the balls during the rain delay.
• Lost ball(s) or rain delay:
  • Obtain ball(s) of like wear but only put replacement ball(s) into play per Chair Umpire instructions
• The Umpire Assistant starting a match must pass on match information to the replacing Umpire Assistant before leaving court/courtside.
• Line Umpiring: Be prepared to call lines (whether on court or on a break) on short notice if the electronic line calling system is not functional, following instructions of the Chief Umpire, Chair Umpire or Referee.
• Be familiar with ATP/GS/ITF/WTA and event specific rules and procedures.

NB: Your priority is to escort a player leaving the court. If needed, the Chair Umpire will take care of ball changes/measuring the net.