Editorial: VAFA Umpires Round

Stephen Privitera

The VAFA is celebrating Umpires Round this weekend, with the aim of encouraging people to get involved in umpiring in our great competition. This coincides with the AFL Community Umpiring Rounds (8 and 9) of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

Throughout the week, the VAFA is celebrating the important role that umpires play in our wonderful game. Each weekend, over 400 dedicated boundary, field and goal umpires can be seen officiating at VAFA matches.

The VAFA umpires show great dedication through attending training every Monday and Wednesday night. Our expert team of umpire coaches provide high level fitness training and video review feedback to support each umpire.

Throughout this week, the AFL are joining forces with local football competitions through a number of initiatives. For the VAFA, on Wednesday night, we welcomed the following four umpires to training:

• Simon Meredith (AFL field umpire)
• Chris Donlon (AFL field umpire)
• Patrick Cran (AFL boundary umpire)
• Michael Saunders (AFL boundary umpire)

The VAFA umpires in attendance on Wednesday night participated in drills run by the AFL umpires as well as participating in a Q and A session post training.

The VAFA Umpires Round is another opportunity to encourage those who still want to be involved in football, to take up umpiring and stay involved. Whether you are new to the game or your playing days are over, then umpiring is a great way to contribute to the game. The BJS Women’s Academy has already kicked off for season 2022 and is encouraging female participation in umpiring.

Anyone can get involved in umpiring and enjoy the many benefits the roles provide, and not only do you have the best view of the action, but it’s also an excellent way to keep fit, be a part of a team and learn skills that you can take when you walk off the ground.

If you are interested in becoming an umpire at the VAFA, please visit www.vafa.com.au for further information.

The VAFA thanks all umpires and the VAFAUA committee for their dedication and significant contribution to our great game. We encourage all in the VAFA community to acknowledge and show appreciation towards the umpires officiating games on the weekend.