All Australian Football Leagues and Associations throughout Australia will celebrate the Umpires Round this weekend, an initiative that encourages everyone to have a positive impact on match day environments to assist with recruiting and retaining umpires.
Recognising the role that umpires play in the game is vital to its long-term health, according to AFL Tasmania's State Umpiring Manager/Coach, Mike Brown.
“Often umpires are lost to the game due to poor environments consisting of abuse and intimidation,” Brown said. “However, the aim of this round is to emphasise the responsibility we all have to create a positive football match day environment.”
Tasmanian football is facing a critical umpire shortage and all leagues have agreed to work to improve the situation.
Nick Probert, AFL Tasmania, General Manager – Community Football, believes the Umpire Round is an important initiative.
“This round is a fantastic opportunity for all coaches, administrators, supporters and volunteers to work in a positive and constructive way with umpires,” Probert said.
“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure umpires have an environment to perform at their peak – just like players do.”
Brown is positive that attitudes towards umpires are improving.
“We are witnessing more respectful behaviour towards umpiring as well as more tolerance and understanding of umpires and their roles,” Brown said.
“Most importantly, umpires are experiencing a far more enjoyable match day environment. This is critical in terms of assisting in the recruitment and retaining of umpires.
“We want umpires to feel the same level of excitement and anticipation regarding their weekend involvement that the players, coaches and fans feel. It is very important umpires also enjoy their role so they stay involved which, in turn, increases the umpiring pool. This then creates competition for appointments that will lead to improved performances and better overall officiating.
“There is a lot of work still to be done, however the wheel is turning and I am sure all umpires and umpiring people everywhere want to thank all those who have adjusted their attitude to make them feel a more valued group within our passionate football family.”
A survey conducted in 2012 found that the two main reasons that people take up umpiring is a love of the game and for fitness.
This year's Umpiring Round is focusing on the positives of umpiring such as learning new skills, having fun, getting fit and being part of the great game of Australian Rules.
All coaches and captains have been asked to shake hands with umpires at the start of all games in the round.
Last Modified on 01/05/2013 13:01