By Callum Ludwig
AFL Outer East umpires are encouraging Yarra Ranges residents to get involved in local footy again after two Covid-interrupted seasons, and even consider grabbing a whistle themselves.
Renowned for being a tight-knit group, the AFL Outer East umpires group prides itself on umpires being more involved with one another, helping improve their performance on and off the ground.
This year, the team is expanding its reach, offering club visits throughout the whole season whenever umpires are available.
They are offering anything from umpiring intra-club matches, to joining training sessions or just introducing themselves.
President of AFL Outer East Umpires Peter Dixon has already attended a club session at Wandin Football Club and said the initiative will instill a good culture between umpires and clubs.
“The key thing was a sense of mutual respect,” he said.
“It really helped to establish respect from the club and its players but the most important thing is that it is not just one-way.”
AFL Outer East umpires are also establishing a monthly report that will be sent out to clubs that will indicate the key areas of focus or concern from the team during the season and encourage clubs to reach out.
Head of AFL Outer East umpiring and currently listed AFL umpire John Howorth also said the AFL Outer East umpires members portal is open to all and encourages clubs to use it.
“We will be posting videos of what we are training on and doing each week. We aren’t going to be invisible,” he said.
Their main objective this year is to complete a full season, with everyone involved in the local footy scene yearning to get back into action this season.
Despite being a notoriously difficult job, new umpires will pick up a number of important life skills, as the nature of the role helps people to become confident and assured, with a greater understanding of the game and its laws a key drawcard for the large base of junior umpires who continue to play for their own teams.
Mr Howorth said that umpires can always look forward to the 4 F’s:
“Fitness, Fun, Finance and Friendship,” he said
Mr Howorth said in his umpiring career, the fun and friendships he has had are two of the biggest impacts on his life
“One of the most fun times of my life was umpiring in the middle of Optus Stadium,” he said.
“And 90 percent of my friendship group have come from umpiring.”
Umpiring is a notoriously difficult job, as umpires are constantly in high-pressure situations and making split-second decisions, often facing backlash from the sidelines.
