Sport

Pick up a whistle at umpiring ‘come and try’ event

By James Kleeman

Feb 28, 2022

Umps needed: Umpiring events will be hosted in Shepparton and Kyabram in March, in the hope of boosting numbers ahead of the 2022 season. Photo by Ray Sizer

The Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association will be holding “come and try” nights in both Shepparton and Kyabram in March, as part of a 2022 recruitment drive.

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According to a statement from AFL Goulburn Murray, through which the GVFUA is affiliated, member numbers across its umpiring programs have dropped, largely due to COVID-19 impacts.

The GVFUA operates across a large catchment, supplying field, goal and boundary umpires to the Goulburn Valley League, Murray Football League, Kyabram District League and the Northern Country Women’s League, officiating games from Deniliquin to Seymour and Mansfield to Rochester.

GVFUA president Simon Walsh said the event was a great way for anyone considering giving officiating a go to get first-hand experience in field, boundary and goal umpiring.

“Whatever your reason for umpiring may be, including fitness, bit of extra cash or to keep involved in the game, our team of coaches and support staff will assist you on your way to umpiring to the best of your ability," Walsh said.

Those that attend will be given the chance to wave a flag, deliver a boundary throw-in and practise the bounce, before an information session.

The first free event is due to be held on Thursday, March 3, at Kialla Recreation Reserve from 6pm to 7.30pm, with a second event to be held in Kyabram on Tuesday, March 8, at Kyabram Recreation Reserve from 6pm to 7pm.