Umpires Corner: Monty, Silfo inducted as Life Members

The VAFAUA is pleased to announce that during our July meeting the membership voted to induct two new Life Members of the association.

Mervyn Monty

Mervyn joined the VAFAUA over 15 seasons ago, and has had a stellar umpiring career with us, notching up over 200 matches. He has officiated in Premier, Premier B and Premier C Grand Finals, and has represented the VAFA on Tours of Ireland and New Zealand. This is in addition to numerous other representative appointments over the years.

It is not only on the field that Mervyn has represented us with distinction. For the past 4 seasons he has served on the VAFAUA committee, and has taken on the role of VAFA Umpires Subcommittee Member, ensuring the umpire’s voice is heard at the highest levels of the VAFA. Mervyn has also acted as a FIDA umpire coordinator, and officiated FIDA matches throughout the years. Many of our young umpires will have also benefited from Mervyn’s dedication through his tireless role as a tribunal advocate.

Mervyn is a very worthy recipient of Life Membership of the VAFAUA, and we thank him greatly for his ongoing service and dedication to improving umpiring.

Daniel Silfo

Daniel joined the VAFA in 2005 and quickly made an impression, officiating the U/19 Premier Grand Final in his first year (ed: with current AFL umpire Rob O’Gorman). After another successful season in 2006, like many of our umpires he spread his wings and developed his umpiring further at the VFL before returning back to the VAFA.

On field, Daniel has officiated in 2 Premier and 2 Premier B Grand Finals, along with numerous Representative matches, including the 2015 Tour of Ireland.

But Daniel’s real service has been his dedication to the Umpires Association. Daniel has served as Vice President, President (2 years), Immediate Past President (2 years), and continues to serve as a general committeeman. It is for this ongoing, dedicated service he has been awarded the honour of Life Membership.

Congratulations Daniel, and thank you for your continuing service to the Association.