I love this time of year! The weather starts to improve, the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air, the days start to get a bit longer and the excitement of all footy followers starts to build.
It’s now time to see who will earn the opportunity to be involved on the biggest day of all. Like all players, our umpires have been working hard all year, some have even been training since the start of December last year, to earn an opportunity to run around in this years final series and as a spectator watching the guys on the training track I know they are ready for what finals football will throw up to them. It’s tougher, faster and there are no second chances. The rules don’t change, umpires still need to pay the major and obvious free kicks and remain unobtrusive to ensure the game remains the spectacle it should be. Our umpires will remain calm and composed when the heat is on and will always pull the right reign when needed. It is an honor to be involved in this great game, especially during the most exciting time of the year.
In the Lead up to Finals I will be highlighting some of our umpires who have either just got in to the game or been long serving members. This week’s profile umpire is on Josh Brown. “Browny” is one of the characters at the Geelong Umpires but since starting up has been an umpire who provides great value on and off the track.
In the Lead up to Finals I will be highlighting some of our umpires who have either just got in to the game or been long serving members. This week’s profile umpire is on Josh Brown. “Browny” is one of the characters at the Geelong Umpires but since starting up has been an umpire who provides great value on and off the track.
This weeks Whistle Blower profile umpire Josh Brown in action earlier this year.
Name: Josh Brown
Age: 22
Discipline: Field
What year did you start umpiring? 2008
Total number of games: 218
What are your Umpiring Career Highlights?
2012 BFL Senior Grand Final
2012 GDFL Senior Inter League
2013 GDFL Senior Grand Final
2 Most Improved Awards
How did you get into umpiring? I wasn’t much of a footballer but wanted to keep involved some way. Filled in for the seniors one day at St Albans played Bell Park when the boundaries didn't rock up, didn't have a clue what to do but Steve Guarnaccia helped me out as the field umpire and then inspired me to come down and give it a crack so I did!
What is the best part about umpiring? The friendships you form with your fellow umpires. Banter and enjoyment is such a key thing, if we didn't enjoy the training or the role we have in the game wouldn't be here!
What would be your advice to anyone thinking about getting in to umpiring? Don't be afraid to give it a go, ex players especially, you know the rules and the way football is played these days.
Do you have any pre game superstitions? Got to read the 'Whistleblower' section in the record. Plus lots of fluids and fruit before the game and by fluids water.
What would be the funniest moment you have experienced since you started umpiring? Coin tosses before the game, no one can seem to get them right especially myself! Too many to mention.
In umpiring when an interesting or unique situation comes up in a game we call it a “Blue Mooner”. Each week in this article I will ask a “Blue Mooner” question for you to answer. To find out the answer all you need to do is go to the Geelong Umpires website, www.gful.com.au, and look at “What’s your Decision” under the Coaching Information Tab. This week’s question is?
In an exciting finals game at St Albans the field umpire fails to notice the boundary umpire blowing his whistle for an out of bounds decision. In the meantime, the field umpire pays a High tackle to a Belmont Lions player. What happens next? What is your Decision?
Remember to head to the website or check out next week’s article for the answer.
Last Week’s Question was:
A full back is kicking in after a behind after being instructed by the field umpire to play on, he is tackled by the full forward inside the goal square and fails to dispose of the football correctly. What is your Decision?
Answer is a free kick for Holding the Ball.
If you are interested in umpiring contact the Geelong Umpires on 03 5229 8599 or get down to the umpires’ rooms at Kardinia Park on a Monday or Wednesday from 4.30 pm onwards. Further information can be found on our brand new Geelong Umpires website. www.gful.com.au .
Remember to say something nice to the Umpires this weekend as they are giving it their all!
The Geelong Umpires would like to thank the following sponsors for their support in 2015.
Major: Metricon & Specsavers.
Gold: Buckley’s Entertainment Centre, Ford Credit Coop Society and Geelong Galvanizing.
Silver: Crossfit Geelong, Fagg’s Mitre 10, Kardinia Café, Rinnai, SC Technology, Sargeants Geelong and Technika.
Bronze: Barry Plant, Promote-It, and Routleys.
Age: 22
Discipline: Field
What year did you start umpiring? 2008
Total number of games: 218
What are your Umpiring Career Highlights?
2012 BFL Senior Grand Final
2012 GDFL Senior Inter League
2013 GDFL Senior Grand Final
2 Most Improved Awards
How did you get into umpiring? I wasn’t much of a footballer but wanted to keep involved some way. Filled in for the seniors one day at St Albans played Bell Park when the boundaries didn't rock up, didn't have a clue what to do but Steve Guarnaccia helped me out as the field umpire and then inspired me to come down and give it a crack so I did!
What is the best part about umpiring? The friendships you form with your fellow umpires. Banter and enjoyment is such a key thing, if we didn't enjoy the training or the role we have in the game wouldn't be here!
What would be your advice to anyone thinking about getting in to umpiring? Don't be afraid to give it a go, ex players especially, you know the rules and the way football is played these days.
Do you have any pre game superstitions? Got to read the 'Whistleblower' section in the record. Plus lots of fluids and fruit before the game and by fluids water.
What would be the funniest moment you have experienced since you started umpiring? Coin tosses before the game, no one can seem to get them right especially myself! Too many to mention.
In umpiring when an interesting or unique situation comes up in a game we call it a “Blue Mooner”. Each week in this article I will ask a “Blue Mooner” question for you to answer. To find out the answer all you need to do is go to the Geelong Umpires website, www.gful.com.au, and look at “What’s your Decision” under the Coaching Information Tab. This week’s question is?
In an exciting finals game at St Albans the field umpire fails to notice the boundary umpire blowing his whistle for an out of bounds decision. In the meantime, the field umpire pays a High tackle to a Belmont Lions player. What happens next? What is your Decision?
Remember to head to the website or check out next week’s article for the answer.
Last Week’s Question was:
A full back is kicking in after a behind after being instructed by the field umpire to play on, he is tackled by the full forward inside the goal square and fails to dispose of the football correctly. What is your Decision?
Answer is a free kick for Holding the Ball.
If you are interested in umpiring contact the Geelong Umpires on 03 5229 8599 or get down to the umpires’ rooms at Kardinia Park on a Monday or Wednesday from 4.30 pm onwards. Further information can be found on our brand new Geelong Umpires website. www.gful.com.au .
Remember to say something nice to the Umpires this weekend as they are giving it their all!
The Geelong Umpires would like to thank the following sponsors for their support in 2015.
Major: Metricon & Specsavers.
Gold: Buckley’s Entertainment Centre, Ford Credit Coop Society and Geelong Galvanizing.
Silver: Crossfit Geelong, Fagg’s Mitre 10, Kardinia Café, Rinnai, SC Technology, Sargeants Geelong and Technika.
Bronze: Barry Plant, Promote-It, and Routleys.
