The Border Umpires Group (BUG) is responsible for providing umpires in all three areas: field, boundary and goal in the different leagues across this region. No matter the role, umpires have the opportunity to train during the week and officiate on weekends as a team.
Fitness levels and experience can vary by position, but new umpires will be given support to be part of footy’s dynamic, fast-paced environment.
From the outside looking in, umpiring can appear to be an “isolated” activity – but it is far from it. Field umpires work as a team, boundary umpires work with each other and with goal umpires in determining scores.
Individuals can set their sights on what they want to achieve – it may be filling a role in junior football (always needed) or at a club level, or getting involved in major league football – or somewhere in between. All are concerned with the integrity of the game. Why not give it a shot?
How to get involved? Visit the AFL website and complete the First Bounce Certificate if you wish. You can also visit the Officials HQ Registration site and complete the required details. The Border Umpires Group trains at two venues – both on a Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm – at Noreuil Park in Albury and at Barr Reserve in Wangaratta.
The BUG is in the process of contacting all secondary schools in the region regarding the possibility of umpiring, sharing details about training and match payments. To access this information, you can get in contact with the individual at the end of this article.
You may have played the game for a good period of time, and feel that the bumps are taking a bit longer to recover from, and may consider taking up umpiring as a way of staying involved in this great game.
While ‘new’ recruits are needed, it is always a bonus if former players can be secured in the umpiring ranks.
For more information, please contact Paul Delahunty on 0400 421 089 or delaptbm@gmail.com.au
