During 2013, 25 members of the VAFA Umpires Association volunteered their time and umpiring skills to cover exhibition matches, a two-day national carnival, 10 home and away rounds and two weeks of finals in the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA).
FIDA oversees a football competition for players with an intellectual disability with over 450 registered players throughout Melbourne and regional areas.
The VAFAUA’s commitment to FIDA extends over 20 years and continues to grow stronger each year. Due to the support of VAFAUA members, 96 umpiring appointments were filled from Kananook in the south, Ferntree Gully in the east, Sunbury in the north, Williamstown in the west as well as many venues in between.
VAFAUA Life Member and FIDA Umpire’s Coordinator Tim Sutcliffe was grateful for the level of support. “The support of VAFAUA members is essential to ensure that FIDA games are umpired in a professional manner . We had an amazing response from VAFAUA members this year to assist with the games during the season. All members should be proud of our contribution to FIDA”
FIDA does not receive any funding from the AFL, AFL Victoria or the Government so the support of the VAFAUA goes a long way to ensuring the viability of the competition.
FIDA Football Administration Manager Logan Whitaker expressed his gratitude for the efforts of VAFAUA members throughout season 2013. “A big thank you to the VAFAUA members who assisted on Grand Final day and throughout the 2013 season. Without you guys we would struggle to run our competition and I can safely say you have all had a positive influence on the competition and the behaviour of the players.”
The level of support from the VAFAUA to FIDA has never been greater and the VAFAUA will again be supporting FIDA during season 2014.
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