Skip to content
VAFA

VAFA

  • Media
    • News
    • Videos
    • VAFA TV
    • Live Coverage
    • Podcasts
    • Amateur Footballer
    • Record Archive
    • Photos
    • Join VAFA Media
  • Football
    • Fixtures
    • Live Scores
    • Results
    • Ladders
    • Player Transfers
    • Tribunal
    • Rising Star Nominations
    • Big V
  • VAFA HQ
    • About the VAFA
    • Clubs
    • Board
    • Staff
    • Contact Us
    • Events
    • Annual Reports
    • Strategic Plan
    • Integrity Tip-offs
    • Jobs Board
  • Club Admin
    • Club Support
    • VAFA Portal
    • PlayHQ Login
    • Player Registrations
    • Practice Match Requests
    • VAFA Calendar
    • Rules & Policies
    • Insurance
    • Coach Accreditation
    • Merchandise Store
  • Partners
  • History
    • History of the VAFA
    • VAFA Clubs
    • Life Members
    • Office Bearers & Patrons
    • Executive Members
    • Awards
    • Finals Series
    • Representative Football
    • Big V Club
  • Big V
  • VAFA Portal
Section
Mens
Womens
Choose Section
Premier
Premier B
Premier C
Div 1
Div 2
Div 3
Under 19
Umpires
Premier
Premier B
Div 1
Div 2
Div 3
Div 4
Umpires
Latest News

VAFA umpires visit clubs during pre-season

By Susan Miller · March 14, 2024
VAFA umpires visit clubs during pre-season

In an innovative move to foster mutual understanding and respect within the VAFA, a new initiative has been launched that sees umpires visiting clubs during pre-season. This program aims to cultivate respectful relationships between umpires, players, and coaches, ultimately enhancing the game-day experience for everyone involved.

The VAFA recognises the importance of breaking down barriers and promoting a culture of mutual respect and understanding. By inviting umpires to engage directly with clubs, the VAFA aims to build bridges between all participants in the competition.

These umpire club visits take place in a relaxed and informal setting. This allows for open dialogue, the exchange of perspectives, and the forging of respectful relationships that can positively impact on-field interactions during the season.

Through these interactions, players gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities faced by umpires, while umpires gain insight into the pressures experienced by players. By fostering empathy and understanding on both sides, the program enhances the overall environment on game day.

Feedback from clubs involved in the program has been overwhelmingly positive.

Marcellin OC Senior Women’s Coach, Paul Harvey said, “we had Gina Mondschein and Pat Sexton umpire our Women’s team and they were terrific. They participated in our drills including competitive marking and ground ball tackling. They also stayed around for a question and answer session afterwards to clear up any queries. We look forward to seeing them both during the season”.

Marcellin OC Senior Men’s Coach, Bernie Dinneen said, “the 3 umpires we had at our training session, Angus Bunker-Smith, Patrick Matthews and Declan Gale were terrific. They were very flexible with the modified training format but were still able to umpire within the fundamentals of our usual rules. I particularly loved their strong communication and ability to answer any queries in a respectful, interactive way. As a club, we are intent on fostering a strong, respectful relationship with umpires and we look forward to having them back to do another session in the future”.

Preston Bullants Senior Men’s Coach, Tom Hill said, “having the umpires attend our training session was of great value to our players and coaches. Throughout match simulation we were able to seek clarity on various rule interpretations as they presented along with gaining a clear understanding of the umpires decision making processes. Our coaching and playing group will utilise these insights and learnings in preparation for the upcoming season.”

Preston Bullants Strategy & Football Operations Manager, Patrick Ryan said, “our club seeks all stakeholders with match day roles to feel confident, valued and safe in performing their role. We also support the continual focus of a respectful environment for umpires. This will assist VAFA umpiring to be an attractive sport participation option.”

Looking ahead, the VAFA hopes to expand the program in future seasons, with the ultimate goal of embedding a culture of umpire respect and understanding at all levels.

More News

More
image
Amateur Footballer

Amateur Footballer Record – Week 7

Read the week seven edition of The Amateur Footballer as we review round six and preview the upcoming weekend of the 2025 VAFA season. Team lists can be accessed in

Read More
image
Beaumaris

‘Once a Shark, always a Shark’ – Beaumaris shining bright for Holly & Bianca this weekend

Beaumaris Football Club will celebrate the lives of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones this weekend, with their inaugural ‘Shining Bright for Holly & Bianca’ weekend. Holly and Bianca tragically lost

Read More
image
Community

BCNA Awareness Round 2025: Clubs making a difference

The 2025 VAFA’s Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Round took place during the weekend of May 9–11, aligning with Mother’s Day on May 11. Many clubs also showed their support

Read More
Connect with the VAFA
  • social image
  • social image
  • social image
  • social image
  • social image
image

FIND YOUR LOCAL CLUB

SEARCH NOW
image

VAFA PODCASTS

LISTEN NOW
image

BECOME A VAFA UMPIRE

JOIN NOW
Latest News
All News
image
Latest News

Amateur Footballer Record – Week 7

image
Latest News

‘Once a Shark, always a Shark’ – Beaumaris shining bright for Holly & Bianca this weekend

image
Latest News

BCNA Awareness Round 2025: Clubs making a difference

Premium Partner
partner logo
Major Partner
partner logo
Official Partners
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
partner logo
View All Partners
footer logo
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
MENU
  • HOME
  • MEDIA
  • LATEST NEWS
  • VAFA HQ
  • PARTNERS
  • HISTORY
  • BIG V
QUICK LINKS
  • FOOTBALL
  • FIXTURES & RESULTS
  • VAFA CLUBS
  • CLUB ADMIN
  • MERCHANDISE STORE
  • VAFA PORTAL
  • CONTACT US
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The VAFA acknowledge the traditional owners of country, on which we play our great game, and pay our respects to them, their culture and Elders past and present.

footer logo

© 2025 VAFA

  • PRIVACY POLICY