Good preparation is key to the performance of any team and East Gippsland Umpires Association is already enjoying the benefits of a strong pre-season.
The EGUA has hit the ground running this year with 62 members already signed on – up from 28 last year – and the boost in on-field numbers is the result of hard work off it.
The biggest change was outsourcing governance to AFL Gippsland, which has provided the association with access to full-time resources and taken some of the burden off hard-working volunteers.
The subsequent appointment of former AFL-VFL goal umpire Graham Hunt as director of umpiring has been well-received, as has the move to online appointments system Schedula.
“It’s all new but very exciting at the same time,” EGUA president Ray Steedman said.
“A lot of people have put a lot of effort in behind the scenes and it’s going to be a good thing for football in East Gippsland for sure.
“We’re not living in the 1970s anymore and we need to keep up with technology and this is the way to go.”
Coaching appointments have also been finalised, with Jonno Clemens taking charge of the field umpires, while Tracy West leads the boundary umpires and Robin Miles the goal umpires.
Steedman said giving umpires the opportunity to officiate at all levels was key, with the likes of second-year umpires Tyler Mitchell, Toby Radford, Jim Walker, Hayden Lancaster, Mitchell Schwab and Ash Taylor ready to step up this season.
“Providing our umpires with pathways at Gippsland League level is essential,” he said.
“It gives our umpires a chance to achieve their goals by running at an elite local level.
“We’ve been doing the trainee umpire program for the last year and we’ll be bringing six green shirts through this year. With a bit of luck we’ll get a flow-on effect and we’ll get another four or five green shirts stepping up next year.”
Despite the improved numbers, EGUA is always on the lookout for recruits and anyone interested in umpiring is encouraged to contact Graham on 0456225244 or at eguadirector@outlook.com
Last Modified on 24/04/2017 17:16