LOCAL umpires and those interested in taking up the role will have the chance to rub shoulders with officials from the highest level on Thursday evening.
As part of this year’s AFL Umpires Roadshow, three current AFL umpires will be leading a training session and providing insights into conditioning and skills at Ken Harrison Sporting Complex.
Field umpire John Howorth, boundary umpire Simon Blight and goal umpire Steve Piperno will be on hand to speak to locals about their specific disciplines from 6pm.
Central Rivers leagues’ manager Jessie Chester said the event was perfect for those with any amount of interest in taking on umpiring.
“This is the perfect opportunity, not only for our current umpires to dust the cobwebs off and get a bit of experience from AFL umpires,” she said.
“It’s also a good opportunity for anyone looking to get into umpiring to hear from people who have gone through the entire process.
“We are really lucky to have such well-respected umpires, who will be able to split the groups into those specific disciplines and give them insights into what is required to make it to the top level.”
Chester said Central Rivers were always looking for more umpires and would support anyone with concerns about joining up.
“I think the biggest thing that a lot of people forget is that without umpires, we don’t have games,” she said.
“If anyone is interested in umpiring, but might have reservations, they can get in touch with me and have a chat.
“There is always a bit of apprehension when you’re trying something new, but change is as good as a holiday.
“We are here to support our umpires. We want to do whatever we can to make sure they feel supported, and for them to know that there is that capacity to progress if that’s what they want.
“It’s been quite heavily documented over the last couple of years, that umpiring isn’t just going out there for a game and doing your job.
“There’s also so much training that goes into it, as well as from that strength from a resilience perspective.”
Chester said she thought the public’s treatment of umpires was quickly changing.
“I definitely take my hat off to umpires,” she said.
“The people on the other side of the fence might not really know how hard it is until they actually get out there.
“I think a lot of people these days are starting to accept that, and there’s a growing respect for umpires at the moment.”
A free barbecue will be held on the evening, with attendees given the opportunity to register at the event or order their umpire uniforms, and to get involved in a question-and-answer session.
