Umpires hoping to see season

from p64

During the shutdown, umpire coaches set up a training plan, to ensure they maintained contact. This meant a few Zoom catch ups, alongside some running.

However, weekly training has ensured a return to social contact.

“For most people, especially for some of the older guys when they give up on footy, they want to still be around the game and this is a way they can do that,” he said.

Combining both boundary and field umpires, the first 30 minutes of the night is based on fitness which can them run upwards of four kilometres during that block. Boundary and field then break off, working on their respective techniques.

During training, boundary umpires work on positioning, throw ins and speaking to the ruckman, and looking to sharpen their focus on the ball as it nears the line. For field umpires though, picking out free kicks and simulating dangerous tackles is an area they focus on, with last season even umpiring at some match simulation games run by clubs.

“It’s sometimes harder for field umpires to get their match simulation, so before this all happened, we were going to umpire a few match simulation games, we’ve done that before with Drouin,” Frost said.

With some younger talent coming through the ranks, often an experienced umpire is paired with a relatively new umpire, enabling them to learn from each other.

While a season hangs in the balance for some, Frost said it’s important for the umpires to stay ready.

“For the moment, it’s mainly the social aspect, but obviously if there was a season, we want to have the miles in the legs and be ready to go. We do want to see a season, but with some leagues already calling it off, we’re not too sure just yet,” he said.

Frost also encouraged anyone who might be interested in umpiring to contact the Gippsland Umpires Association.

Umpire training runs from 6:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Bellbird Park in Drouin. The organisation has a Facebook page.

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Goal umpire Jeff Bell takes the ball during training at Bellbird Park last Tuesday night.

Field umpire Kieren Willis leads his group around the pyramid drill, keeping a high pace up throughout.