The Umpiring is Everyone’s Business Campaign was launched in 2010 to address the issue of umpiring numbers struggling to meet the demand of an expanding participation base.
Retaining umpires leads to improved quality of umpiring. However, often umpires are lost to the game due to poor environments consisting of abuse and intimidation. The Umpiring is Everyone's Business Campaign emphasises the important role we all play in creating positive football match day environments.
‘Thanks Ump’ Round in 2010 provided an opportunity to heavily promote the key messages of the Umpiring is Everyone's Business Campaign.
Anecdotal evidence is suggesting that the match day environment for umpires at community football is beginning to improve. In 2010, the number of umpires to players also improved for the first time since recording began in 2005.
Cultural change does takes time though and the AFL is again seeking support of community football to promote positive match day environments as part of 'Thanks Ump' Round in 2011.
Thanks Ump Round is scheduled for Round 8 of the 2011 Toyota AFL Premiership Season (May 13 to 15).
Thanks Ump Round supports two key messages:
- Community umpires who wear green are first year learning umpires that need to be encouraged and supported.
- Everyone needs to have a positive impact on the match day environment at the football to assist with recruiting and retaining umpires.
Particular initiatives for the round will include:
- Videos featuring positive imagery and comments on umpiring
- In the build up to Thanks Ump Round
- AFL Senior/Assistant Coaches umpiring community football
- AFL Coaches shaking hands with umpires prior to matches
- AFL Umpires wearing green to highlight the AFL’s green shirt program for 1st year umpires.
- Media focus on respecting the role of the umpire.
Parallel plans for community football are being made across the country for during and around that week. Some ideas include:
- Feature on umpiring in football record
- Coaches and captains shaking hands with umpires in the middle of the ground
- Ground announcements welcoming the umpires and an emphasis on creating positive match day environments
What could you do at your club to contribute to the quality of umpiring?
Last Modified on 02/06/2011 11:18
