ROUND eight of the AFL premiership season marked the ‘Thanks Ump’ round for professional and grassroots football across the country.
Sunshine Coast players wore green arm bands and shook umpires’ hands before and after their games as a sign of respect.
The initiative was introduced by the AFL as an attempt to bridge the widening gap between umpire recruitment and retainment.
Bailey Johnston is a 12-year-old field umpire who officiated in two junior games during the round and he said it was exciting to be a part of.
“It was good,” Bailey said.
“We shook all the players’ hands ... and they congratulated us on how we went.”
The first year umpire from Buderim said he enjoyed umpiring more than his playing days.
“I started for a change from (playing) footy and umpiring sounded interesting,” he said.
“I had been playing for a long time in Victoria and then I moved up here so I thought I would do something different.
“I like telling other players that I know the rules and I know what to do.”
Bailey admitted to occasionally back-chatting to the umpires when he was a player.
“I have learnt my lesson because I don’t like people mouthing off to me,” he said.
The Maroochydore High School student said he would recommend becoming an umpire to others because it was great fun.
“I enjoy it more than playing because you are in charge and run the game,” he said.
“Hopefully if I am good enough, I can make it to the AFL one day.”
Article written by HUGH VARGA for the Sunshine Coast Daily Junior Sport
Last Modified on 11/07/2011 17:35