Under 14's Division 1 Grand Final Umpires (left to right) Julie Ford, Lachlan Wilkes, Hayden Burns, Joey Kozina, Darcy Webber, Jack Wurf, Connor Rockliff, Jacob Palmer and Marcus Briggs. I had the pleasure last weekend to go out to Modewarre and watch some of our up and coming Umpires on our Development list officiate in Junior Grand Finals. Even though it may have been a bit cold I had a fantastic day along with a large crowd in attendance.
Like the players, the hard work that not only these umpires but the coaching staff put in to making sure these umpires are ready to go is truly amazing to see. The pride they have watching these kids strut their stuff was really heart warming. I just wanted to highlight one of the umpires, Darcy Webber, who was the field umpire in the Division 1 under 14 Grand Final. I have been able to watch Darcy’s progression though the ranks over the last 2 years from a kid who was not getting much of an opportunity playing the game due to his size to now taking charge of a Grand Final as a Field Umpire. His confidence, decision making and communication skills are only the start of areas in his game that have improved out of sight. Darcy only stands about 4 foot tall but his presence and work rate really shone through to me during his game. By seeing these young kids run around on the weekend reminded me how much of an opportunity the Geelong Umpires can provide the youth of this region to be involved in this great game. It does not matter on your height, age, fitness level, if you are willing to have a crack we will support you.
During the Finals series 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 Bridget England. Bridget is one of our female boundary umpires who balances her umpire commitments around her uni and work and is one of our leaders with a lot of our younger members
Whistle Blower Profile umpire Bridget England
Name: Bridget England
Age: 19
Discipline: Boundary
What year did you start umpiring? 2010
Total number of games: 100+
What are your Umpiring Career Highlights?
Being selected for Grand Finals, 2014 GDFL Reserves Grand Final
How did you get into umpiring? I saw it in my school newsletter at St Ignatius College
What is the best part about umpiring? Personally I umpire for the fitness
What would be your advice to anyone thinking about getting in to umpiring? Do it! It's amazing how much you will learn about yourself and other people - as an umpire I have gained respect, resilience and endurance. It is something to give a go!
Do you have any pre game superstitions? No
What would be the funniest moment you have experienced since you started umpiring? In one game I went to through the ball in, however it went straight up into the air and I caught it. I turned around, laughed and apologised - then did one of my best throws back!
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 West Oval, a Colac forward kicks a goal from the pocket to level the scores late in the last quarter. After the ball goes through for a goal the field umpire notices the boundary umpire blowing his whistle for an out of bounds decision. 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:
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?
Answer is a free kick for high contact.
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: 19
Discipline: Boundary
What year did you start umpiring? 2010
Total number of games: 100+
What are your Umpiring Career Highlights?
Being selected for Grand Finals, 2014 GDFL Reserves Grand Final
How did you get into umpiring? I saw it in my school newsletter at St Ignatius College
What is the best part about umpiring? Personally I umpire for the fitness
What would be your advice to anyone thinking about getting in to umpiring? Do it! It's amazing how much you will learn about yourself and other people - as an umpire I have gained respect, resilience and endurance. It is something to give a go!
Do you have any pre game superstitions? No
What would be the funniest moment you have experienced since you started umpiring? In one game I went to through the ball in, however it went straight up into the air and I caught it. I turned around, laughed and apologised - then did one of my best throws back!
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 West Oval, a Colac forward kicks a goal from the pocket to level the scores late in the last quarter. After the ball goes through for a goal the field umpire notices the boundary umpire blowing his whistle for an out of bounds decision. 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:
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?
Answer is a free kick for high contact.
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.
