AT grounds right across Victoria this weekend we celebrate Community Umpire Round.
The initiative is designed to recognise those patrolling the boundary, manning the goal line and controlling the action out in the middle each week, and the huge role they play in our game.
There are more than 7,000 registered umpires in Victoria at community level, along with thousands of club-based umpires, who commit their time and energy to allow those chasing the Sherrin the chance to do so.
In a fantastic initiative, selected Victorian umpires will lead out their AFL counterparts at AFL matches in Round 7 and enjoy a taste of the atmosphere created at the MCG, Etihad Stadium and Simonds Stadium.
Young NFL umpires Tom Centorino, Riley O’Donnell, Joel Clamp and Ethan Glasgow will lead the AFL field umpires onto the ground this Sunday at the MCG before the Richmond v Collingwood clash.
One of them will be fortunate enough to toss the coin prior to the start of the match and all will experience and will be part of the lead up and the after match day responsibilities AFL umpires go through.
NFL umpires boss Martin Ellis says these four umpires tick the right boxes when it comes to community football and umpiring responsibilities.
These umpires consistently attend training, are aware of their match day responsibilities, attend coaching sessions on a regular basis and are always available to umpire matches.
All thoroughly deserve their opportunity to be part of the big day out on Sunday in this once in a lifetime experience.
Other activities that will take place this week include AFL umpires from all disciplines attending local training with the NFL umpires and vice versa, with selected NFL umpires attending AFL training.
Community Umpire Round is also another opportunity to encourage those who want to be involved in the greatest game in the world to take up umpiring. If you are new to the game, or your playing days are over, then umpiring is a great way to contribute to community football.
Across Victoria, huge efforts are being made to attract umpires with AFL CEO earlier this month officially launching a Multicultural Umpire Academy in Shepparton.
Along with those from diverse backgrounds, females are also flocking to take up umpiring in impressive numbers with the TAC Cup all-female umpiring panel – which included NFL umpires Lucinda Lopes, Greta Miller and Kirsty Lord – illustrating their growing prominence in the game.
