Of course, PRE SEASON TRAINING WILL COMMENCE ON WEDNESDAY 30 JANUARY 2008. Everybody should be aware of the location for training in 2008 (Baxter Field, Marks Point).
This season emphasis is placed on training ATTENDANCE AND PERFORMANCE in relation to the new competency based requirements for accreditation.
No doubt there are some umpires who are thinking, "All this stuff about having to attend training/accreditation etc is all well and good but the fact is we are short on numbers and they'll have no choice but to put me in Cup."
In 2008 the Umpires Appointment Committee will only appoint umpires to BDC games who have shown they deserve such an appointment. We will not appoint people "just to fill in the spaces and plug holes".
If you have not put in the effort, attended training and made a genuine effort to improve we will not appoint you to BDC. First grade is a level you should work for and earn. Not just be there to `make up the numbers'. BDC matches that the Association can't cover will go back to the BDAFL to be umpired by Club Umpires.
More information on training. Training will be from 6pm till around 7-20pm. The structure of training will be based on the following:
6PM Start warm up
6-20PM Fitness and conditioning
6-55PM Skills work
7-15/20PM Finish
Please note that these times are a guide. The times will vary as required based on the required activity for the session. The first 4 weeks of training will be predominately fitness work (we need to build a base) before we then start to introduce skills work and Umpire Specific Running (USR). Therefore finishing a bit earlier!
Important note: You are not permitted to wear "football boots" on the running track at Baxter field. However, spikes (up to 7mm) are permitted.
Training will start at 6-00PM.
PLEASE NOTE 6PM IS THE START TIME - NOT THE ARRIVAL TIME!!
That said I know that from time to time, for reasons beyond umpires control you may be running late. This is understandable, however, when you do arrive, PLEASE MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO GET CHANGED AND ON THE FIELD ASAP. Thank you.
I was amazed last year when many people who were late and seemed more interested in standing about, talking to other people (often distracting them from training), instead of getting organised, on the field and joining in training.
As a final note, there have been some enquiries regarding the Goal Umpires and training. Our new Fitness Coach, Kerry Lee, has put together a program for our Goalies based on their requirements and work load. With this in mind Goal Umpires are encouraged to participate in training from the first training session on 30 January 2008. Please remember, under the new system, Goal Umpires also need to be demonstrating their competency as well.
If you have any questions please call (I would prefer you call rather than exchanging emails. I look forward to catching up with you all on the 30th of January, if not before.
Roger Crowhurst
Umpires Coach
Last Modified on 28/01/2008 09:28