Good evening GFUL members,
 
As you may be aware, AFL Barwon yesterday announced that all AFL Barwon competitions will be postponed until May 31 given the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Following this document will be a copy of the correspondence sent to me from AFL Barwon General Manager Will McGregor.
 
As I write this email, I stress the fact that we as your Board have done everything we possibly can to alert you to the events that are constantly evolving - and the decision today was unfortunately out of our control.
 
I, like many of you am disappointed - especially after the work I have seen you all dedicate to season 2020 thus far. As you have heard many times over the past few months, we can only control things in our control, and unfortunately this is totally out of our control.
 
While many of you are probably like me and feeling a little flat that we will NOT be training, umpiring or socialising together until May 31, it’s important that we stick together as a group through these difficult times.
 
Two weeks ago, I communicated our new values as a Board. Never have these values been more important to us a group.
 
Our UMPIRES values reflect not only what we represent as a group, however what we can represent as people in the community. I encourage all of you to take on board the following:
United in these difficult times, stick together; Mateship - ask our mates ‘Are you OK?’ and ‘Can I help?’; Professional in everything we are doing - do your own training and be ready for when the season kicks off; Inclusive - we may all feel a little left out with no group training or umpiring, however it’s important to feel included and part of the group still; Respectful of the situation – this isn’t a decision or situation we can change; Encouraging - if you see your fellow umpire do something, encourage them as they will do to you, it’s amazing how encouragement can get someone through hard times; Supportive - support your club and stick with us as we will you!  
I urge all of you to send each other a note or message and just check in and see how they are. If YOU are doing it tough - chances are they are to.
 
I want to thank you all for your support and patience as we all move into one of the most challenging times the world has seen in recent years. Look after yourself and your loved ones.
 
The Board will be meeting within the next 48 hours to work through the next steps. I will personally update all of you following our meeting about the next steps.
 
I look forward to seeing you soon: doing the job we all love - in the game we all love.
 
Your Chairman,
 
 Leigh Johnston
leigh@gful.com.au

2020 off-field uniforms are now available to purchase!

To purchase your gear, head over to the Project website – https://projectclothing.com.au/collections/geelong-umpires-off-field/guof

We’re pleased to announce that there will be no postage costs incurred by you – the umpire on your off-field uniform purchase. When items arrive, you will be able to collect them from Andi in the office.

Come on down to our launch and bring the family and friends to enjoy both old and new faces together with lots of laughs.

More details will be published closer to date so keep an eye out for notification.

Dear GFUL Members 
 
Welcome to season 2020!
 
In what can only be described as a very big off season for the new board, we are all very excited that the new season is finally nearly upon us.
 
For new members, members I haven't met yet or any associates within the club I say welcome.
 
By way of introduction my name is Leigh Johnston and have very willingly accepted the role of your Chairman. I am currently employed within the hotels and accommodation space where I spend a lot of my time in QLD. While I may travel a lot and you may not necessary see me every night at training, I want to ensure all members that my commitment to you the 'Member' is always my priority. I along with the Board are incredibly busy behind the scenes working through some exciting things. 
 
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the new Board and their roles within. I have tasked each member of the Board with a specific area that they will in turn be responsible for within the Board. This will play a crucial role in your communication depending on which area of the Board it sits. 
 
New Board 
Leigh Johnston - Chairman  Andi Shepard - GFUL Sports Office Administrator  Jack O neil - Treasurer  Adam Jones - Social  Chris Jones - Welfare David Harbison - Uniforms Sue Williams - Processes and Procedures Peter Schilder - Life Members Appreciation  ***Please Note we were meant to have a 'All hands In' meeting next Monday 2 March. This has moved to.......
 
Wednesday 4 March.
We would like to conclude training at 6pm (if possible) Wednesday 4 March  This will be followed by a free family bbq and social gathering at the GFUL roooms  I will present a 'Chairman's Address' which will look at what we have done and where we are heading as a group AFL barwon will also be presenting to the senior field umpires a new Initiative in which will require buy in from us  While i appreciate everyone has work commitments, family, and personal things going on, it would be good to see as many Umpires and members (Families are most welcome to enjoy a drink and BBQ) on the night.. One of the key aspects of the role is engaging everyone that makes up the GFUL and coming together with families as a social group who enjoys each others company. 
 
I will give all members an update on 
What we have done so far Introduction to the new Board What we stand for as a Board & Umpiring group On & Off field Uniforms Social gatherings Question & Answers for members to the Board  The night will be a less formal, fun evening and a real opportunity for all of us to come together as a group. We will have drinks available to purchase, free family bbq, along with uniforms out on display for everyone that is there. 
 
Can all members either advise Andi, or accept on team app (along with any family members that may be attending) so we can ensure the right amount on catering. ****If anyone has food allergies or special requirements, please also advise****
 
For all junior umpires you are more then welcome to stay and invite your family along after your training. 
 
Look forward to meeting you all next Wednesday 4 March
 
 
Leigh Johnston
Chairman

Our umpire season will commence Monday, 3rd February till the end of season.

Nights will be Monday & Wednesdays.
Juniors: 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Seniors: 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Check out what discipline that would most interest you and dont be afraid to like our facebook site either.

We would love to see some bright fresh new faces and enjoy the line up of events we have installed for 2020.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR WORKING WITH CHILDREN IS UP TO DATE WITH AFL BARWON AS YOUR EMPLOYER

We have a variety of appliances for sale which are negotiable on price as follows:

900mm Stainless Steel Technika Upright Cooker - $999

900mm Stainless Steel Technika Rangehood - $200 - both the oven and rangehood can be sold as a package price.

600mm Stainless Steel Bellissimo Dishwasher - $400
SOLD

Rinnai B26 Builders Series C Hot Water Service - $690
SOLD

www.facebook.com/pg/geelongumpire/shop/?rid=649043901837273&rt=6