AFL Goulburn Murray and Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association are hosting “Come and Try” days for those interested in becoming an umpire.
Four Come and Try days will be held across four locations: Shepparton, Kyabram, Seymour and Echuca.
AFL Goulburn Murray regional director of umpiring Andrew Moore said that anyone interested in donning the fluro green top, blowing the whistle or giving the two-gun salute for a goal should attend, regardless of age, sex or fitness level.
“It has got something for everyone, whether you have a good knowledge of Australian football and know the rules,” he said.
“But if you have no knowledge and you’re coming in raw, there’s the ability to be a boundary or goal umpire to start with and learn some of the rules and get involved.
“Not only do you get to build your fitness, but you get to be in a team environment, an inclusive environment, males and females, aged 12 to whatever age you’re still mobile.”
The sessions will be held at Kyabram at the P-12 College on March 5 (6pm-7pm), in Shepparton at Kialla Recreation Reserve on March 7 (6pm-7pm), at Seymour at Chittick Park on March 12 (time TBA) and at Moama at Jack Eddy Oval on March 19 (time TBA).
Moore emphasised that no matter your knowledge or experience with the game of Australian rules football, anyone interested should get to their local Come and Try day and give it a crack.
“You can be someone who is an elite athlete, or you can be someone who likes to go for a slow walk; there is something for everyone,” he said.
“There are different levels of games as well; for example, the under-12 games don’t need a lot of speed to get around the park. And then you have got your senior football, which is that free-flowing football; you’ve got to have a bit of speed and fitness about you.
“There is something for absolutely everybody.
“For anyone that is interested, they can just come and have a go at the different disciplines. Learn some of the basics, meet some people and, at the end, have a shot at what it might be like to be a field, boundary or goal umpire.”
While some people or parents may have concerns about how players or the crowd might treat umpires, Moore was firm in his conviction that umpires are well cared for in the Goulburn Murray and there are few incidences throughout the season.
“We have really good support from our clubs and leagues in general in regards to the abuse of our umpires; it’s not a big issue here,” he said.
“There’s your minority of people that will drop to that level, but if they do, the umpires that may be affected are very well supported by not only the (umpire) association, but the leagues, clubs and the AFL Goulburn Murray.
“This ensures that those people (who abuse umpires) don’t attend football and then are educated into responsible behaviour.
“It’s an inclusive way for anyone to get involved in sport, no matter your age, ability or sex,” he said.
“To participate in a great game and get as close to the game as you will ever get.
“There is something for absolutely everybody.”
If you’re interested in becoming a field, boundary or goal umpire or just want to learn more about it, head to your local Come and Try days.
· Go to www.gvfua.com or check out the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association Facebook page for more information.