AFL umpires Jack Edwards and Chris Roberts visited Gippsland Umpires Association as part of AFL community umpiring round recently.
For Roberts, who has about 160 games experience as an AFL boundary umpire, it was another chance to return to the Association where he began his umpiring.
Roberts officiated in an AFL preliminary final last year and is hoping for another strong season.
Promoted to the AFL umpires list this year, Edwards made his debut during the recent match between Hawthorn and Melbourne.
During a question and answer session after training on the track, Edwards was quizzed on controversially making contact with Hawthorn player Paul Puopolo while he was warming up as an emergency umpire in Hobart.
Also as part of the community umpiring round initiative, a number of developing umpires took the opportunity to attend AFL umpires training to gain an insight into how umpires prepare at the top level.
AFL community umpiring round is utilised to promote the positive benefits of umpiring Australian Football at grassroots level.
Benefits include:
• Umpiring is a great way to get you in the game you love
• A fantastic way to get fit
• Everyone can be involved regardless of gender or background
• Earn money doing it
• Learn life skills
During the community umpiring round, various initiatives were rolled out in community football throughout Australia with terrific support from the football community. Umpiring is a part of the game and like playing, coaching, administering and volunteering, is a fantastic way to get involved in Australia’s Game.
As we return to the home and away season, the GUA congratulates all who participated in interleague football last weekend.
The GUA had numerous umpires officiate at the country championships at venues including Morwell East, Drouin and Casey Fields.
Umpires selected to officiate at the country championships form part of the AFL Victory Country umpire academy program.
The GUA congratulates all umpire selected on their appointments and dedication to the umpire academy program.
With the Latrobe Valley to host the under 15 state championships in September, the GUA is hopeful some members may be considered for this development opportunity.
Anyone interested in becoming an umpire can email guaumpire@gmail.com or phone 0466 998 620.
Last Modified on 05/06/2015 12:13