IT’S no secret heading into the 2023 season that the Central Rivers Umpires (CRU), like most leagues, face a significant shortage in their ranks.
Since last season, the CRU has lost nearly a dozen central umpires and almost half of their goal umpires.
With the shortage reaching concerning levels, CRU coach Brent Howden said they would have to get creative to ensure three umpires can take the field for all games every week.
“At the moment, we’re looking at having two umpires and a club-affiliated one – if we don’t have enough to do that, the radio games of the round will be prioritised – and the other matches will just have to get through somehow,” he said.
“If we could run 16 central umpires, that would mean two at every game – that wouldn’t be too bad because each home team could throw in an umpire.”
Howden said club-affiliated umpires would be well looked after.
“If we can get club-affiliated people, we’re more than happy for them to stay at their clubs, or if they’d prefer, we’ll accommodate them to do other games,” he said.
“It’s not all doom and gloom – there’s plenty of positives to it – we’ve just got to get people on side.”
The umpiring fraternity is always on the lookout for new members to join them in the best seats in the house.
Howden highlighted the often-forgotten positives of being an umpire.
“It’s a good confidence boost – to be able to interact with players, coaches and clubs – it broadens your horizons,” he said.
“It’s a great job – it’s just the stigma of being an umpire that I think turns people off – but the relationships you make from it are well worth it.”
Training is on Wednesday nights from 6pm at Alan Garden Reserve, with matchday appointments being made on a weekly basis.
If you are keen to give it a go, you can head down on Wednesday night and speak to Howden.
The Central Rivers are currently developing an anti-abuse campaign for the CRU to promote the importance of taking a stand against the scourge that umpires face weekly.
The league hopes people will make each other accountable this season and that clubs will promote positive behaviour concerning umpires.
