The association has been serving the local area since the early 1970s and started out as Campaspe Junior Umpire Association.
Since then the group has flourished, and had the sole responsibility of serving the Heathcote District Football League for the eight years prior to 2019.
However, umpire retention is a challenge that every group has to deal with; two years ago the association was getting 50 to 60 people at training, but last year the numbers dropped down to perhaps 10 each night.
To combat this decline in umpire numbers the association has begun a recruitment drive, and is particularly targeting students and older adults.
In the past, junior footy players have helped out with running the boundary on Saturday afternoon, but the association is also looking for older people interested in learning the central umpiring craft — whether they be students in their last couple of years of high school or retired ex-players who still wish to be part of the game.
These people are usually the best people to teach because they have a feel for the game and are already familiar with the rules.
Pathways for people who wish to further develop their umpiring ability are readily available through a number of programs run by the AFL and AFL Victoria, with a couple of the association's umpires having worked at VFL level for several years.
Currently, REFUA serves an area that extends from Sea Lake to Gisborne, and everything in between. There are plenty of opportunities to travel to new places and meet new people who share a passion for the game, and the sense of community within the group is second to none.
Umpiring is a great way to get fit, stay active, stay involved — and get paid for doing so.
The REFUA is holding a come-and-try night on Wednesday, March 4 at 5.30 pm which will include a sausage sizzle and an introductory session.
Training sessions are held each Wednesday night from 5.30 pm at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, and senior umpires also meet each Saturday night for a social drink at the Echuca Workies, which is the association's major sponsor.
For more information, phone Travis Cartwright on 0417 550 726.