Umpiring in the SAAFL

[gadj1976]

Interesting reading the comments about fitness levels etc. I've played the game (retired 2003), I go to the gym each day and although my running isn't that great these days because of knee and back injuries I still manage to do 'fitness' training 4 to 5 days a week.

I can't easily run distances these days but saying that I managed to do the City Bay in 61mins.

I think the only downside is that I possibly can't get to the 'right' (technically speaking) position. However I think I make up for that by experience.

My question therefore is, if I can't go to training, would I be looked at by the SAAFL as a candidate to umpire even Div 4/5/6/7?

[w_m]

My question therefore is, if I can't go to training, would I be looked at by the SAAFL as a candidate to umpire even Div 4/5/6/7?

My understanding is that umpires who attend training are considered 'panel umpires' and are assigned to matches in Divisions 1 to 3. Those who do not attend training are considered 'recreational umpires' and are assigned matches in Divisions 4-7.

So there are plenty of umpires in the lower divs who do not attend any training or fitness sessions. Possibly explains why many of them are unable to move outside the centre square at any time during the match. That said, there are still some umpires in those divs who obviously can't attend practice but keep their fitness levels up in other ways.

Should there be a fairer system where accredited umpires who have proven themselves to be capable of umpiring at a high level and maintain their fitness in ways other than attending umpire training are still able to umpire in the higher grades? We don't want to have good, fit umpires doing div 7 simply because they have other commitments on a Wednesday night.

If they are prepared to put in the hard yards and maintain their fitness and umpiring skills they should be rewarded with the high grade matches and better remuneration despite the fact that they can't make it to a 'compulsory' session during the week.

[gadj1976]

My question therefore is, if I can't go to training, would I be looked at by the SAAFL as a candidate to umpire even Div 4/5/6/7?

My understanding is that umpires who attend training are considered 'panel umpires' and are assigned to matches in Divisions 1 to 3. Those who do not attend training are considered 'recreational umpires' and are assigned matches in Divisions 4-7.

So there are plenty of umpires in the lower divs who do not attend any training or fitness sessions. Possibly explains why many of them are unable to move outside the centre square at any time during the match. That said, there are still some umpires in those divs who obviously can't attend practice but keep their fitness levels up in other ways.

Should there be a fairer system where accredited umpires who have proven themselves to be capable of umpiring at a high level and maintain their fitness in ways other than attending umpire training are still able to umpire in the higher grades? We don't want to have good, fit umpires doing div 7 simply because they have other commitments on a Wednesday night.

If they are prepared to put in the hard yards and maintain their fitness and umpiring skills they should be rewarded with the high grade matches and better remuneration despite the fact that they can't make it to a 'compulsory' session during the week.

cool, where do I sign up?