All junior and senior football games in the Goulburn Murray will pause for a minute silence this weekend as a mark of respect for the passing of Greg Sidebottom while umpiring last Saturday afternoon.
Sidebottom collapsed from cardiac arrest whilst officiating in the Ardmona v Undera KDFNL clash at Ardmona Recreation Reserve on Saturday 2 April. He tragically died at the scene.
Following an outpouring of shock, sadness and respect over the past six days all grades of football in each League across the region will conduct a minute silence to reflect and remember Sidebottom’s enormous influence on umpiring.
All umpires, including club umpires, will also wear black arm bands as a mark of respect along with all players in all KDFNL clubs.
As a further demonstration of the respect that Sidebottom was held within umpiring circles all AFL Umpires in last Sunday’s games wore black arm bands in remembrance and all VFL Umpires will do the same this weekend.
GVFUA President Darren Meek has endured a difficult week but has been heartened by the response from the football and wider community.
“Our association has lost a leader, colleague and most importantly a dear friend and it has been a very difficult week for a lot of people” he said.
“The outpouring of support from the community, both within football circles and outside, has been nothing short of overwhelming.”
“The GVFUA would specifically like to thank the officials, players, trainers, netballers and supporters of both Ardmona and Undera for their actions on Saturday in rushing to Greg’s aide and then in supporting our umpires at such a crucial time.”
“Thank you also to Bruce Claridge, Dallas Terlich and the team from Sports Chaplaincy Australia in particular for their efforts in attending training and offering counselling support which has been of great assistance in helping our members immediately deal with the impact of Greg’s loss.”
“It’s a genuine tribute to Greg that so many people have been affected by last Saturday and his legacy is one that will be felt for a long time to come.”
Greg will be farewelled by his family in a private funeral service and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday 15 April at 1pm at the Shepparton Swans Clubrooms, Princess Park, Shepparton.
Last Modified on 08/04/2016 12:36