Dutchy wrote:Yep, was talking to a SANFL Junior umpire and they are asked where they want to umpire which is obviously close to home. Ask them to umpire at the other end of the city and you won't have a game as there will be no umpires, catch 22.
They have huge issues with the growth of girls footy and umpiring resources are stretched.
Watched an under 16 girls game yesterday and by Jesus the umps copped a hammering. Girls footy is the hardest to umpire as the skill level isn't as crisp, they don't interpret the rules as clearly, they follow the ball around like a swarm of bees and the parents just don't shut up.
The gap in talent from the most skilled girl in a team to the least skilled is astronomical too.
I felt sorry for the poor blokes as they were trying to be lenient but every time they blew their whistle they copped heaps of shit, both clubs were as bad as each other, including a coach who was walking a few metres on to the field to yell abuse while holding his board, a pretty well respected club too I might add.