The association sent out a letter regarding umpire abuse to all Goulburn Valley, Murray, Kyabram District, Northern Country Women and Shepparton District Junior football leagues.
With abuse becoming a weekly issue, the association announced that if any club's players, coaches, officials or supporters abuse an umpire, then that sanctioned club will not have any official umpires for the following weekend's match.
The development comes after the association issued a zero tolerance to swearing on the football field last month after four reports were made for behaving in an abusive, insulting or threatening manner or using obscene language towards or in relation to an umpire.
Association president Andrew Moore said he hoped to never enforce the latest notice to clubs.
“This is a last resort measure,” Moore said.
“We don't want to see it happen, but if we need to use it, we will. We will be extremely upset because it's in our best interest to get umpires at each game. We want to umpire games of footy.
“I have great confidence that we won't need to enforce it. The clubs and leagues have been really understanding and supportive of us this season.”
The letter sent to clubs highlighted the requirement of the association to provide a safe workplace for its employees.
“Like any workplace, we are obligated to provide a safe workplace for our workers,” Moore said.
“(Umpires) need your support, not abuse. Just like players we make mistakes too, but that doesn't mean we should receive abuse.”
On a more positive note, Moore said the association had welcomed some recruits in recent weeks.
“Our numbers have been improving each week,” he said.
“We would still love to see plenty more join. If anyone wants to get into umpiring, then I encourage them to contact us and come down to our training nights.”
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