On Saturday 23 February, the AFLUA hosted an Umpires Associations' Workshop at Rydges on Exhibition.   The purpose of the workshop was to explore the possibility of establishing a Statewide Communication Network of Umpiring Associations and to explore the range of opportunities that might result from such an initiative.

In addition, the workshop considered ways in which the AFLUA may be able to assist other Associations.   Attended by the representatives from 14 metropolitan and regional Associations, the workshop was voted an outstanding success.     The GFUL was represented at the Workshop by Brendan Beveridge (Chairman), Bill Fulton (General Manager) and Steve Keating (Director of Umpiring).

At the conclusion of the workshop, delegates agreed that the establishment of a communication network should be explored in detail and gave the AFLUA a mandate to prepare a proposal which would include several suggested models for consideration. 

Judging by the enthusiasm displayed throughout the workshop, a communication network appears to be a realistic idea.