INTRODUCTION TO THE WESTERN DISTRICT UMPIRES ASSOCIATION
The Western District Umpires Association was formed in 1948 and is a Football Umpiring Association operating throughout the Western District of Victoria and the South East of South Australia. Season 2009 is the 62nd Year of the Western District Umpires Association.
The Clubrooms are at the Hamilton Showgrounds, in Shakespeare Street. These were renovated initially and opened in 1982. Further extensions commenced in 1995 and were officially opened in 1997. The “smokefree” facilities of the clubrooms are available to all Umpires and their guests. In 2008, the Western District Umpires Association joined the Good Sports Program, a program which encourages the responsible serving of alcohol.
The Association is completely independent of any Football League and is set up and governed by its own rules of the Incorporated Association. It is an affiliated member of the Victorian Country Football Umpires Association. A copy of our Constitution is available from the Secretary.
The rules provide that members will each year (usually late October) elect an Executive Committee of 7 directors who will be responsible for managing and administering the affairs of the Western District Umpires Association for the ensuing year.
The Executive Committee contracts with two Senior Football Leagues and one Junior Football League in the area to provide Field, Boundary and Goal umpires as and when required. Income provided from these contracts is used for the cost of administering and operating the Association and to pay Umpires a fee for officiating.
This Committee is also responsible for the appointment of all Personnel necessary for the efficient running of the Association and for the general discipline of all members. An Umpires Adviser is appointed to instruct Umpires in their on-field performance and general behaviour while they are officiating. Members of the Appointments Board are responsible for appointing umpires to the respective games each weekend. Observers watch and report on the performances of umpires. Training Supervisors are appointed to direct and supervise the fitness of all Umpires. An Umpires Representative is elected to take any grievances of members to the Executive.