Umpires Corner: Round 5

Four rounds done, and the season is starting to take shape. After the cold and wet conditions of last week, Melbourne made up for it with a picture perfect day which led to some great football being played across all grades in the Association, and it was once again a chance to run on fast tracks and the Goalies had to bring out the sunglasses. If the rest of the season is like last week, we’re in for a belter.

From the office of corrections

Last week we reported that Leah Gallagher had retired due to injury. Leah was rightly worried that she would be inundated with calls asking her about her troublesome foot. We can happily report, that Leah’s reason for retirement was not injury, but that after so many years of running around it was simply time to focus on other things.

Hoops’ big call

The under 19s had one of the most highly credentialed field umpiring panels appointed recently with Head Coach, Tony Hales teaming up with 2014 Premier Grand Final umpire Michael Hooper in a 9:20 game. Whilst we are yet to hear Hoops’ assessment of Tony’s performance, we do know that he over called him twice during the game, a courageous move and great news for all other field umpires as a slot appears to have opened up in this year’s big one!

BBQ at Jonesy’s

It’s always great to hear of our members having a bit of good luck, and so it transpired out a Swinburne when Paul Jones won the meat tray raffle at the after match. Given Jonesy’s generosity we’re sure that the invitation to a BBQ at his place is on its way.

FIDA

The VAFAUA has had a long standing relationship with the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA), and is once again proud to support FIDA in season 2015.

FIDA provides an opportunity to develop a program of Australian Football for people with an intellectual disability throughout Victoria. The players (female and male) involved in FIDA enjoy an environment that promotes fitness, fun, friendship and a sense of belonging to a community that shares a common value of participation and inclusion. In addition this inclusive participation enhances life skills, and develops self-esteem, confidence and improved health.

The VAFAUA provides umpires to FIDA to assist with the operation of game days. Umpires provided include field, boundary and goals. It is a great opportunity for all officials to fine tune their skills, and improve their communication skills. FIDA games are played in a friendly and positive environment throughout Victoria, with teams from as far as Gippsland, Ballarat, Saint Albans, and Rupertswood. FIDA also provides a state of origin national competition, where teams from South Australia, Victoria (Country and Metro), Queensland, Tasmania and New South Wales are involved. For more details please jump onto the FIDA web site (www.fida.org.au).

All members of the VAFAUA are encouraged to make available at least one Sunday to participate in the FIDA competition. It is a VAFAUA executive expectation that all senior squad umpires part take in one Sunday. If you wish to umpire FIDA, please contact Tim Sutcliffe ([email protected]), or Merv Monty ([email protected]).

Social Notes

Trivia Night – June 27^th – Quiz master Tony Hales is doing his best John Farnham impersonation and going around for the last time…..again. See Andrew Green to get your table organised.