Welcome to round 2 for season 2019. Our umpiring group trains at Moorleigh Reserve, Bignell Road, East Bentleigh on Wednesdays starting at 6:15pm and finishing before 8pm. If any former footballers would like to stay involved in the game please contact the SFNL office for more information about becoming an umpire.
Well done to all umpires who officiated in round 1. Let’s continue our efforts. While we ask for a clean uniform we don’t suggest doing what one of our over-enthusiastic boundary umpires did. He was attempting to do the right thing and iron his shirt, however, I don’t think not only burning but melting his shirt was his aim. Next time we suggest a lower heat. Luckily he had a spare shirt to umpire in the next day.
The new year has seen some of our umpires debut in DIV 1 seniors, including 2 very young gun goal umpires. Congratulations to Ben for his debut last week. This week sees Jeramie take his debut after doing the U19 grand final last year. This young Yr 12 St Bede’s student got a raving review from not 1 but 2 goal coaches after his efforts over the last few weeks. Both said that he presented well and worked hard. Jeff said that he moved well and had a great voice. According to Craig the head goal coach, he is a coachable young umpire who implements changes quickly. This is one umpire to watch in the future because who knows how far he’ll go.
Thanks to the social committee for putting on an enjoyable first supper last week. It was good to see all those who came down to enjoy a roast roll and welcome in the new season. During the season the association will be running training for a few nights. Our next association night will be on the 1st of May. The social committee will be running a mini Olympics on this night. So come down and join in the fun.
The SFNL Umpiring Department is continuing to work closely with our SMJFL colleagues. The SMJFL would welcome as many senior SFNL umpires as possible who can help with mentoring the next generation of umpires every Sunday during the SMJFL season.
As a reminder to all umpires, we do not have training next Wednesday night and only the one game on Good Friday during the Easter long weekend. So enjoy your break and come back ready to umpire for round 3 and beyond.
Remember that:
“The Ump in Green Should Not Be Seen” and
“We Bounce, We Blow, The Rules We Know”