BARWON WHISTLES CHANGES
LOCAL footy umpires will be wired up during matches with AFL-style technology in a move hailed as a gamechanger for coaching and development.
AFL Barwon has bought two “ref comm” headset systems, which were rolled out for the first time last weekend across two GDFL games.
The technology allows the three field umpires and their coach to listen in and communicate in real time during matches.
“The main thing is the umpires can communicate directly,” AFL Barwon regional director of umpiring Jock Hillgrove said.
“They can hand over (control) clearly, the other umpire can hear what the free kick was for, or if there’s any assistance the other umpire can make, such as if the ball hit the ground for a mark.
“It’s there to help each other out. It’s no different to how the AFL does it.” The sets are $1500 each and come with a 500m reception range. Local footy umpires trialled the use of inplay mics late last season with a set borrowed from the AFL. After positive feedback, AFL Barwon made the investment to buy the region’s own devices this year, with hopes to secure a few more.
The headsets were used at the Geelong West v Inverleigh and Thomson v Corio matches last weekend, and will be rotated through the leagues at the discretion of the matchday umpire coaches.
“The coach can listen in (to the umpires) during the game,” Hillgrove said.
“We think it’s going to be a great tool for our development umpires as well.
“We want to use them whenever and wherever we can.”
Similar technology is being used at other leagues across the state, including the Western Region Football League and AFL North East Border.