Massage Discount for Umpires

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

WANT TO BE FREE FROM ACHES & PAINS – GET A MASSAGE! - $20 DISCOUNT FOR UMPIRES!

Jessica Isgro who is a work colleague of Joel Smith is offering a $20 discount for a Remedial Massage.

This is a great offer and maybe worth while for those umpires that have some discomfort or aches and pains.

This offer is only available with Remedial therapist Jessica Isgro at Vigor Health and fitness.

To redeem this offer, please print this flyer (Special offer flyer) and bring it to your first appointment

Online bookings:

www.vigor.net.au

Phone 9415 1412

Level 1, 393 Smith Street,

Fitzroy.

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Sutcliffe announces retirement Thursday, 20 October 2011 Brian Goodman, VAFA General Manager Umpire Operations    It is with deep regret that I announce the retirement of one of our most revered and respected field umpires - Tim Sutcliffe.   Tim has decided after an illustrious umpiring career to focus his energies in other areas as well as pursuing other personal ambitions.   When we look at Tim’s umpiring over a period of 24 years you will read what a magnificent career it has been.   Tim’s VAFA umpiring career highlights include:

• 360 games

• six Premier 'A' section grand finals

• four Premier 'B' section grand finals

• 14 Representative matches including touring Ireland with the All-Australian team in 2008

• Two time Umpire of the Year (2003 & 2007)

• Golden Whistle Award 1993

Other notable achievements include VAFAUA Life Membership in 2009 and acting as VAFAUA webmaster for seven years.

Tim commenced his umpiring with the Yarra Junior Football League in 1987 before joining the VAFA in 1992.  From 1994 - 1996 Tim spent three years at the VFL, umpiring TAC Cup and VFL Reserves.

In 1998 Tim returned to the VAFA and was selected to umpire his first A section grand final in 2000.  Tim believes his success from 2000 onwards was due to his dedication, preparation, positive attitude and professionalism.

One of the very pleasing aspects of Tim’s umpiring was the respect he earned in the eyes of players and club officials alike, with Tim always being welcome at the after-match and club functions.

I am sure you will join with me in wishing Tim all the very best in his future endeavours and I have no doubt that we will miss Tim enormously.

Brian Goodman
General Manager Umpire Operations

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Umpires needed for Crusader Cup

Tuesday, 4 October 2011

Tom Windlow

This coming SUNDAY the 9TH of OCTOBER 2011 is the 'Crusader Cup', an annual football match which is played between Collingwood Police Station v Fitzroy Police Station.

A full compliment of umpires (field/boundary/goals) is required for the match, which is to be played at Victoria Park (Lulie Street, Abbotsford).

The match kicks off at 12:45 PM so you would need to be at the ground at 12:00 PM.

There will also be a barbecue on the day and a few beverages afterwards.

The umpiring will be in a voluntary capacity, and all proceeds from food and drink sales will be donated to the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

If anyone can help out please contact Tom WINDLOW (via e-mail tom.windlow@police.vic.gov.au or facebook).  Numbers need to be confirmed ASAP.

The Crusader Cup is a tradition that has been going for many years now and is always a great event. Anyone who wants to come down and watch as well is more than welcome.

Tom Windlow

Victoria Police

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Chris Donlon appointed to AFL Grand Final Tuesday, 27 September 2011   Former VAFA Umpire Chris Donlon has been appointed to his first AFL Grand Final.   Donlon umpired in the VAFA from 1993 to 1996 before moving to the VFL.  He umpired his first AFL match in 2005.  To read more about Donlon's appointment and the other umpires appointed to this years AFL Grand Final, visit the AFL website.

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Former VAFA Umpires in VFL Grand Finals

Thursday, 22 September 2011

A number of former VAFAUA members are featuring in this weeks VFL Senior Grand Final and TAC Cup Grand Final.

The VFL Senior Grand Final umpiring panel includes Matthew Jenkinson on the boundary and Anthony Kyrkou and Steve Piperno in the goals.  Click here to view full panel.

The TAC Cup Grand Final umpiring panel includes Nick Brown in the field and Michael O'Donnell in the goals.  Click here to view full panel.

Also, last weeks VFL Reserve Grand final umpires included former VAFAUA members Robert O'Gorman and Damian Anderson in the field.

Congratulations to all umpires on their appointment to these matches.

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End of Season Celebrations

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

A number of events have been organised for the final week of the 2011 VAFA season.

The final Thursday training session of the season is the traditional 'Pub Run'.  Enjoy a quick run to the Elsternwick Hotel for a few drinks to celebrate the final training session for the year.

Then, at the Elsternwick Park Clubrooms on Thursday evening from 7:30 pm, all umpires are encouraged to gather to hear the appointments for the Premier VAFA Grand Finals.  Food available and the bar is open!  Come and support your fellow colleagues!

Then, the VAFAUA Premier Grand Final Lunch returns on Sunday 18 September before the Premier Grand Final.  Bookings are now open.  Click here for more details.

And if you still need another event to celebrate the end of the season, the VAFAUA Clubrooms at Elsternwick Park will be open after the Premier Grand Final (Sunday 18/09/11) with food, drinks, live music and Premier Grand Final Umpire presentations.

All umpires are encouraged to attend these events.

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Passing of Ray McCarthy

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Luke Holmes, VAFAUA President

The VAFAUA today received the sad news that Steve McCarthy's father Ray, passed away overnight in Queensland after a long battle with prostate cancer. Our thoughts and best wishes are with 'Macca' and his family. Black arm bands will be worn on Saturday and Sunday in memory and support.

Luke Homes

VAFAUA President

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September Blood Bank visit

Wednesday, 7 September 2011
 

The third VAFAUA blood run for season 2011 has been booked for Tuesday 27 September, 6pm at Southbank Donor Centre, Clarke Street Southbank.

VAFAUA members, friends and family are most welcome to join the umpire donor group as always, and first time donors are especially encouraged.

If you have any questions, or would like to book a place, see Ryan Robertson or Tim Sutcliffe at training or email community@vafaua.asn.au.

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Boundary Umpires prepare for finals action

Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Finals are just around the corner and every boundary umpire on the VAFA list will be required to umpire in the VAFA finals series.

It is important that everyone is available particularly for the 1st and 2nd Semi-finals as we would like to have official boundary umpires in every final.  Therefore, it is now the time to attend training at Elsternwick Park or Werribee on a more frequent basis.

We have a large contingent of young boundary umpires who may still be involved playing in their local football team and will be focussing on making sure their season finishes on a good note.

Between now and the end of the season, all efforts will be made to ensure every umpire will know their full responsibilities performing as a boundary umpire.  Training Sessions will be stepped up such as: Regular group discussions with feedbacks on previous games, video’s along with continued practical skill sessions and regular assessments.

If you are unavailable at any time please contact Robert Sebbens via email on rsebbens@sccmelb.catholic.edu.au or Brian Goodman on brian@vafa.com.au

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Passing of Jo Cox

Monday, 4 July 2011

Luke Holmes, VAFAUA President

The VAFAUA today received the sad news that one of it's dearest members Jo Cox died today after a brave battle against cancer. Deepest condolences to husband Nick and family. A lovely, bright, bubbly member who will be sadly missed.

Luke Homes

VAFAUA President

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Representative Umpires announced

Thursday, 30 June 2011

Brian Goodman, General Manager Umpire Operations

It is with great pleasure we announce all umpire appointments for the upcoming Representative Football Matches which will be played between the VAFA and WorkSafe VCFL at the Deakin Reserve in Shepparton on Saturday 9^th July.

We're sure all umpires will join us in congratulating the selected umpires on their appointments in what will be an exciting and memorable experience for them all.

The VAFA wishes them every success for their respective matches.

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Super Thursday at Elsternwick Park

Monday, 27 June 2011

This Thursday, it's all happening at Elsternwick Park from 6pm.

1. The announcement of the representative field, boundary and goal umpires for the VAFA v VCFL matches at Shepparton on July 9.

2. A mid season review with your respective coach (this takes the place of training). Some things for you to consider before Thursday:

Did you set goals?

Have you achieved your goals for the year?

Are your goals realistic?

What do you want from your coach to help you succeed in the second half of the year?

Apart from umpiring the best Grand Final, what will indicate if your season has been a success?

For field umpires, if you were to choose one area from the Match Management list and one from the Skills & Techniques list for you to improve on, what would they be?

3. VAFAUA monthly meeting including a free BBQ.

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Nominations for VAFAUA Life Membership now open

Monday, 27 June 2011

The VAFAUA is calling for life membership nominations to be considered for season 2011. These nominations will be considered at the July executive meeting. All nominations must be made in writing detailing the criteria that the member fulfils. They also must be made and seconded by two current members. The criteria for Life Membership of the VAFAUA is outlined as follows;

  a)  To be eligible for election as a Life Member, a member must meet two of the three following criteria.

• Completed 10 years service Umpiring with Victorian Amateur Football Association (V.A.F.A).

• Be a representative on either the V.A.F.A. Umpires Association Executive or Social Committee for 3 years.

• Have rendered conspicuous service.

OR

 b) to be eligible for election as a Life Member a member must have completed 20 years service umpiring with the VAFA and have upheld the ‘Purposes’ of the VAFAUA as outlined in Part A.

Applications must reach secretary Grant Wardrop by the Monday the 11th of July. Applications forwarded by email to secretary@vafaua.asn.au will be accepted.

Luke Holmes
VAFAUA President

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Celebrate Benny's Big V Induction

Monday, 27 June 2011

Brian Goodman will become the second umpire to be inducted into the VAFA Big V Club as a Big V Champion. The VAFAUA would ask for all umpires to come along and help celebrate this achievement. The lunch will be held at the RACV Club on Friday the 22nd of July, 12.30p.m. for a 1.00p.m. start. The cost is $90 but the VAFAUA will subsidise this cost by $20 for all members making it a $70 cost.

Please contact Luke Holmes at the clubrooms or at president@vafaua.asn.au by Friday the 15th of July if you would like to attend.

Luke Holmes
VAFAUA President

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VAFAUA Pre-finals Dinner is approaching

Monday, 27 June 2011

It's that time of the year again - the famous VAFAUA Pre Finals Dinner. Details as follows;

Monday 22 August

MCC Members Dining Room

6.30pm start

Cost : $60. Inclusive of a 3 course dinner, and free drinks from 6.30-7.00pm

This is a compulsory night for all umpires. You will have $60 deducted from your pay in the August pay run. For those umpires who really truly can't make it, your apology must reach Russell Davidson in writing by no later than Monday 1 August. Russell can be contacted at russell.davidson@haileybury.vic.edu.au Otherwise the money will be deducted.

For those new to the VAFAUA, this is a great night. We celebrate another great year of VAFA footy by presenting a number of awards to both stalwarts and younger umpires for their achievements across the season. We also have a guest speaker and we are very close to announcing a high profile guest again this year. Stay tuned.

A new initiative this year will be the option of reserving tables. Please email Russell with your table (min 6, max 10) and yours will be reserved for the night. Get cracking on getting your table organized now!

Please also contact Russell Davidson via email if you are bringing a partner, require a special meal or wish to request a car parking space.

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Benny Goodman to become Big V Champion

Monday, 13 June 2011

Luke Holmes, VAFAUA President

I am delighted to announce that the VAFA Big V Club and the VAFA board has approved Brian Goodman's nomination to the Big V Club and to be recognised as a Big V Champion.

This is an outstanding achievement for Brian who has given so much to Amateur football. Benny will be inducted into the Club at a lunch at the RACV Club on the 22nd of July. The VAFAUA is hoping all umpires that can will be able to come along and see Benny inducted.

Benny has Umpired 17 Big V Representative matches including three in a week in Adelaide at the 1986 carnival. The VAFAUA extends its warmest congratulations to Benny on this outstanding achievement.

Luke Holmes
VAFAUA President

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Big V Function 2011

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

The 5th Big V function is being held on Friday July 22nd at the RACV club starting 12.30 am to 3.30 pm.  Umpires are encouraged to attend.

This function is for an individual who has represented the VAFA in a representative match in the capacity as a player, coach, umpire , support staff or administrator or has significantly contributed to representative football in some other capacity .

Since 2007 the Big V club has inducted 10 Legends and 13 Big V champions.

The day is exciting and an archive of memories. The reunion side of the club is its main reason for existence.

All who have worn the most famous jumper in football (designed by the VAFA) for its first interstate clash in 1925 and those who have served teams as Coaches and officials’ are automatically members of this exclusive club .

The Big V Club encourages umpires to attend this year’s function of representative players and umpires. It is a great way of bringing retired players and umpires together to live very fond memories of the great representative matches.

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Second Blood Run 2011

Sunday, 8 May 2011

The second Blood Run for 2011 has been organised for Tuesday 31 May at the Southbank Donor Centre.

All umpires, family and friends are welcome to attend the donation session as the Umpires Association continues its commitment to making a positive contribution to the lives of others in the community.

A bus has been organised departing from Elsternwick Park at 5.30 pm and returning to Elsternwick at the end of the evening.  Or donors can meet the group at the Blood Bank at 6.00 pm. (Southbank Donor Centre, Level 1, 51 - 65 Clarke Street, Southbank).

Contact Ryan Robertson at training or email community@vafaua.asn.au to confirm attendance and book a place on the bus.

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Past Umpires and Life Members Lunch 2011

Sunday, 8 May 2011

The VAFAUA would like to announce the 2011 Past Umpires and Life Members lunch on Sunday 29th May, 2011 at the VAFAUA Social Rooms commencing at 11.30 a.m.

The VAFAUA are delighted to announce John Russo as the guest speaker for the day.  Cost is $35 which includes a three course lunch of soup, home made lasagne, premium roast beef, roast pork, scallop potato’s and salads.  Cheese cake and chocolate mud cake served with freshly whipped cream for dessert.  First drink from the bar free.

 Last years event was a runaway success and thoroughly enjoyed by all of those who attended. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever!  Please contact Grant Wardrop secretary@vafaua.asn.au or Luke Holmes president@vafaua.asn.au for tickets or  further information.

Luke Holmes

VAFAUA President

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National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme

Saturday, 23 April 2011

Tony Hales, VAFA Head Umpiring Coach

The AFL’s National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme is designed to introduce umpires to a range of modules and units to assist in the gaining of the knowledge and skills required to perform the tasks associated with umpiring Australian Football.

Under the National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme umpires are provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge related to each discipline of umpiring. Umpires will be assessed performing the skills associated with their umpiring discipline. Assessment of the umpire’s learning and development will be undertaken by a variety of methods, mainly observations and demonstrations. The majority of the assessment will be done under match conditions, with some during coaching sessions and on the training track.

One of the most important aspects of the program in the keeping of an umpires diary which is provided as part of the course. Umpires will record experiences about their umpiring in the diary and discuss these experiences with their coaches and mentors as they progress through the course.

If umpires wish to be nominated to trial with the VFL, it is compulsory that they have completed their Level Two accreditation.

Any umpires who wish to be part of the accreditation process at the VAFA in 2011 should either contact their respective coach or email Brian Goodman (brian@vafa.com.au) by Friday, 6 May.

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Match Day Uniform Policy

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

The VAFAUA in Conjunction with the VAFA Umpiring Department recently introduced a compulsory match day uniform for all VAFA umpires who are umpiring a  Premier A, B or C VAFA senior match. This uniform will consist of the VAFAUA Polo Shirt with the new VAFAUA Logo and Boags logo, a pair of black slacks and black shoes. All field, boundary and goal umpires who are officiating in a Premier A, B or C VAFA match will be required to wear the designated uniform. The VAFA polo shirt is available from the VAFAUA social rooms on Tuesday and Thursday evenings after training.

It is also strongly encouraged that all other umpires who are umpiring in a VAFA match attend in the match day uniform that is compulsory for the premier grades. At the very least it is strongly encouraged that all umpires wear the polo shirt at a minimum. The wearing of the VAFA match day uniform is compulsory for all senior premier grade umpires and any non compliance with this uniform will be viewed as being incorrectly attired by the VAFA umpiring coaches. Similarly any umpire who is wearing the full match day uniform when not umpiring in the premier grade will be viewed upon positively by the VAFA umpires coaching department.

If you can not attend at Elsternwick Park to obtain a polo shirt then please contact VAFAUA President Luke Holmes on email president@vafaua.asn.au

Luke Holmes
VAFAUA President

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VAFAUA Golf Day 2011

Sunday, 10 April 2011

The VAFA Umpires Association is holding a golf day for umpires, family and friends at Cranbourne's Amstel Golf Course on Sunday 1st May 2011.

Entry is $35.00 or $55.00 with a cart.

Please see Kevin Segota at Elsternwick Park on training nights for more information and to confirm your place.

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Coaching session for all field umpires

Sunday, 27 March 2011

A coaching session for all field umpires will be held this Thursday 31 March from 6.15pm to 7.15pm at Elsternwick Park.

There will be no training on this night for field umpires.

All VAFA field umpires are encouraged to attend this very important coaching session on the eve of the 2011 VAFA season.

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Practice matches have commenced

Wednesday, 9 March 2011

Practice Matches have commenced. At this stage it is assumed that all umpires are available to umpire on both Saturdays and Sundays from March 19 onwards.

If this is not case, please advise either Tony Hales (thales@smbeaumaris.catholic.edu.au) or Brian Goodman (brian@vafa.com.au).

The VAFA season commences on Saturday, April 9.

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Induction session for first year umpires

Friday, 4 March 2011

The VAFA & VAFAUA invites all new umpires to an induction evening for 2011.  Second Year umpires are most welcome to attend if they missed the induction in 2010.

This Induction session will provide you with specific details about your requirements, important dates, paperwork, pay dates, obtaining a uniform and an opportunity to meet other new umpires and the umpiring coaching staff.

Click here to view the VAFAUA Induction Booklet.

It is very important that you attend this session if you are a new umpire.

Date: 23rd March 2011

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Elsternwick Park

Parents are most welcome to attend.

For further information please contact Brian Goodman at brian@vafa.com.au or 9537 6700:

 
Brian Goodman
General Manager Umpire Operations

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VAFA Traineeship Program - Certificate III in Sport

Friday, 4 March 2011

Brian Goodman, General Manager Umpire Operations

 
The VAFA is conducting its third Traineeship program and is looking for participation from umpires in all disciplines.

The VAFA is always looking for opportunities to improve the skills and knowledge of Australian Football umpires and has recently developed a program where they can learn and utilise game situation and life skills.

This program, to be run during the football season, combines ten in-house training sessions (once a fortnight) with practical work as an umpire.

The training sessions cover a diverse range of topics including:

*        Careers in Sport
*        The Business of Sport
*        Officiating
*        First Aid
*        Presentation Skills
*        Finance
*        Interpersonal Communication

On completion of the program, all participants will receive the Nationally Accredited Certificate III in Sport.

There is no cost to take this training course and eligible participants will be paid extra on top of their umpiring payments.

Come along to an information session on - Thursday 10th March commencing at 6.15pm at Elsternwick Park.

Please RSVP to brian@vafa.com.au or on 9537 6700.

This traineeship program will commence in early April 2011.

Only 20 positions available - so don't miss this golden opportunity.

 
Brian Goodman
General Manager Umpire Operations

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The Blood keeps on flowing

Friday, 18 February 2011

Last November, a group of twenty donors led by Captain Blood Brendan Corcoran attended the Blood Service in Southbank to donate blood and save lives.

Damian Anthony joined the group for the first time while returning for their second donations were Matt Prior, Nathan Morton, Grant Wardrop and Robert Hamilton.

VAFAUA President Luke Holmes also attended and pledged the ongoing support of the Executive to the Blood Run.

The first Blood Run for 2011 has been organised for this Monday 21 February under the leadership of new Captain Blood Ryan Robertson.

Any umpires, friends or family members interested in joining the VAFAUA group at 6.00 pm on Monday at the Southbank Blood Service should contact Ryan Robertson by phone on 0400 022 268 or email community@vafaua.asn.au.

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Join the VAFAUA Run for the Kids Team 2011 Sunday, 13 February 2011   The VAFAUA is participating in the Run for the Kids for the fourth consecutive year.  This continues the VAFA Umpires Association's commitment to supporting community organisations and programs that increase the confidence of participants, support social connections and produce health improvements. Visit www.r4k.com.au to register with the VAFAUA team.  When prompted, select join an existing team and search for VAFA Umpires Association.  Payment must be made at the time of registering. Any queries can be directed to community@vafaua.asn.au

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Notice of Special General Meeting
Sunday, 6 February 2011

The VAFAUA Executive gives notice to the members of the VAFAUA that a special general meeting of the Association has been scheduled for 7.00 pm on Wednesday 2 March, 2011 at the VAFAUA umpires rooms at Elsternwick Park.

The only issue to be voted upon will be the changing of the VAFAUA logo.  Voting will be by preferential voting system as per the Australian Electoral Council of Australia guidelines, please refer to www.eca.gov.au/systems/single/by_category/preferential.htm for those that need clarification.

The logos that will be voted upon are on display in the VAFAUA rooms and on the VAFAUA website and Facebook page.  Click here to view and vote on the logos.

The logo will be voted upon by all members of the VAFAUA.  Proxy votes will be accepted and must be received via email or post and be in the hands of the VAFAUA President by Monday 28 February 2011. Proxy forms can obtained by emailing the VAFAUA president at president@vafaua.asn.au or by calling the president on 0437 176 081 if members anticipate on being absent from the meeting.

The authority to conduct the special general meeting is governed by the VAFAUA constitution section 13 (i).

Luke Holmes
VAFAUA President

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Umpires required for Harmony Cup

Thursday, 3 February 2011

Brian Clarke, Aussie Rules International

The Harmony Cup will be held at Victoria Park on Saturday 19 March 2011.

The aim of the event is to use the sport of Australian football, as Australia's only indigenous sport, to break down cultural and ethnic barriers.  We may come from many different backgrounds but we are all Australians.

In 2011 the competing teams are Greece, Indonesia, Albania, Kosovo, Turkey, India, Lebanon and Team Harmony. The event is run as a round-robin carnival and runs from 9am until 6pm. Matches are 2 x 20 minute halves. The two top teams play off in the grand final and it is a fantastic day with lots of
colour and support from the various communities.

Last year our VIPs included Professor David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria, Laurie Ferguson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Mr Ted Baillieu MP, Mr Hugh Delahunty MP and Ron Barassi, who presented the cup to the winning team.

High profile players included Kouta (Greece), Adem Yze (Albania), Tony Liberatore (Italy) and Mal Michael (Team Harmony).

See www.harmonycup.com for more info about the event.
 
Six field umpires, six boundary umpires and six goal umpires are required for the day. All umpires will be well looked after and will be provided with their very own Harmony Cup umpire shirt, food, drink and a DVD of the day. They will also be presented with a medal during the presentation ceremony at the end of the day as a thank you fortheir support of the event.

Interested umpires should contact Brian Goodman via email brian@vafa.com.au or phone 0408 338 098

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Meet the new goal umpires coach

Friday, 28 January 2011

Brian Goodman, VAFA General Manager Umpire Operations

As all goal umpires would be aware Bernie Jephson retired from the position of Goal Umpires
coach at the end of last season and we now have a new Goal Umpires coach for
2011 in Harry Stamos.
 
All VAFA goal umpires are invited to to meet Harry on Wednesday 2nd
February at 6.00pm at Elsternwick Park.
 
This is a great opportunity to kick off the 2011 pre-season and also make Harry
welcome to amateur football.
 
Brian Goodman
General Manager Umpire Operations

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Appointment of VAFA Boundary Umpiring Coach

Friday, 28 January 2011

Brian Goodman, VAFA General Manager Umpire Operations

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Sebbens as the VAFAs new
Boundary Umpire Coach for 2011.

Rob was recruited last season to assist with the boundary umpires and was
very well received so was an obvious choice to replace Bob Mutton.

Rob Sebbens has boundary umpired at the VFL and VFA for many years and
brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role. Rob was also the
Boundary Umpires coach at the WRFL for 5 years.

Rob is very passionate about umpiring and will leave no stone unturned to
raise the standard of boundary umpiring within the VAFA in 2011.

Please join with me in wishing Rob all the very best as the new Boundary
Umpires coach for 2011.
 
Brian Goodman
General Manager Umpire Operations

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December Update from the President Sunday, 12 December 2010 Luke Holmes, VAFAUA President   Hello and Merry Christmas to everyone.   Season 2010 has passed and only a few days to Christmas.  On behalf of the season 2011 executive I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.   I am pleased to report that we have just concluded our pay negotiations for season 2011 and 2012.  I am delighted to inform all of our members that we have secured a 4% increase in payments to umpires.  This is a magnificent result and I thank the VAFA Board and Michael Sholly for ensuring that the VAFA is at the forefront in ensuring that their umpires receive the most above any other country and metropolitan league in Victoria. The pay increase has been applied so that it equates to a 2.7% increase to home and away payments.   The VAFAUA saw an imbalance across the pay scales for finals matches.  The system was very dis-jointed and was not ensuring parity across the grades and disciplines.  I am very pleased to able to inform members that this has been addressed. For season 2011 onwards the 1st and 2nd Semi Finals will see a 15% increase from the home and away rate.  A preliminary final will see a further 15% from the semi final rate.  A grand final umpire will receive a further 20% from the preliminary final rate.  This is tremendous outcome for our members and I am pleased to be able to have delivered this on behalf of the executive.

The redesign of our logo is taking effect and we should be able to present this to our members just before or after Christmas. The VAFAUA in conjunction with the VAFA will introduce a mandatory match day uniform for all umpires umpiring in Premier A to Premier C.  Umpires in other grades will be strongly encouraged to wear the match day uniform.   VAFAUA members have been very prominent on the Umpire Recruitment sub-committee.  This committee has been working very hard to come up with several strategies to recruit and retain more umpires in season 2011.  This has seen the development of a professional recruitment booklet that our members will be able to access to present to prospective umpires.  Be aware that the recruitment sub committee members will be asking VAFAUA members to help in umpire recruitment.   Brian Goodman has been tireless in his efforts for the umpiring department.  Benny has been able to secure an additional $2,000 in funding for equipment for the VAFA.  This is provided through Ballarat University and their research into umpire decision making development.  To ensure that the VAFAUA receives this money we require all umpires who participated in this program to ensure they attend sessions for this research in late January and early February.  A massive thankyou to Benny for securing this on behalf of our Association.  The executive is currently discussing how spend to this money, but believe new rehabilitation equipment in the form of exercise bikes would be beneficial to our members.   After consultation with Benny it was decided not to run a VAFAUA Christmas catch up.  Past experiences has always seen regular attendance from our core members and that it does not help to recruit new members.  The time and cost factors were weighed up and it has been decided to stage this as a welcome BBQ in February when it will assist in the recruitment and retention of new umpires.   I am also pleased to inform members that the VAFA is looking to introduce an iPAD computer at each game in season 2011.  What is currently being investigated in conjunction with the VAFA is a way to reduce our paperwork and to be able to do reports, votes, match day paperwork and payment information online.   I am also pleased to inform members that two rule change proposals put forward by the VAFAUA have been ratified by the VAFA board and passed at the Annual General Meeting. The first was for all minimum penalties for tribunal offences to be increased by one match.  If a player enters an early guilty plea before Monday midday then they will be entitled to a 1 match reduction in penalty.  If a player elects to have the matter heard at the tribunal and is found guilty he will not be eligible for any reduction and must be suspended for the minimum penalty. i.e A player is reported for striking and the minimum penalty is now three matches. If he enters an early guilty plea before Monday 12p.m. then he will be suspended for two matches when he receives the discount for an early guilty plea. If he elects to go to the tribunal and is found guilty then he must be suspended for three matches.   If a player is in a situation where they must go to the tribunal (i.e poor record or U18 and U19 player) and they enter a guilty plea then they will also be entitled to a one week match penalty reduction.  This system is based on the AFL system of rewarding players who accept responsibilities for their actions.  This has been a common source of frustration for umpires where a player elects to contest a matter but receives no further penalty.   The second proposal was for all VAFA matches that are video taped by the VAFA (i.e dartfish) then it is mandatory for all video of that game to be presented by 12p.m.  Monday at VAFA HQ to be available for all players and umpires involved in a report.  This is irrespective of whether the video captures the reportable incident or not.  Again the VAFAUA sees this as affording the best possible evidence to the tribunal in reportable offences.   I also want to take this opportunity to wish a number of our members who are battling ill health the best of wishes and know that our thoughts are with you in these difficult times.  Your VAFAUA brothers and sisters are with you all the way and look forward to seeing you out on the track in season 2011.   So best wishes for the coming year and I hope to see everyone on the track or at a game in season 2011.   Regards   Luke Holmes VAFAUA President

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Harry Stamos appointed Goal Umpires Coach

Monday, 15 November 2010

Brian Goodman, VAFA General Manager Umpire Operations

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Harry Stamos as the VAFA’s Goal Umpire Coach for 2011.

Harry comes to the VAFA with an impressive record and will be a great addition to our coaching panel as we embark on many changes within the VAFA.

As we welcome Harry to our association here is a brief profile of Harry Stamos.

Harry started as a Goal Umpire in the Southern Football League in 1991.  In 92' & 93' Harry umpired the Division 1 Senior GF and was then invited to the VFL in 94'.

In 94' Harry was the emergency Goal Umpire for the TAC U/18' GF at the MCG and officiated in 95' in the U/18's GF.  Harry then went on to umpire over 60 AFL Reserves matches and 100 VFL Senior/Reserves matches which included umpiring the VFL Senior GF in 96' and the AFL Reserves GF in 98' at the MCG.

Harry was then appointed onto the AFL Senior panel where he officiated in 13 AFL Senior matches (his first being the Haw v St.Kilda match at Waverley when Saints were down by 64 pts at half time and got up) and finished with the AFL in 2001 before he suffered a serious knee injury which resulted in having a knee reconstruction and unfortunately Harry could not get back to his full fitness levels.

Harry took a year off umpiring and returned to the VFL as an assistant coach/observer for 3 seasons before being offered the Goal Umpires Coach for the SUA in 2006 which he held for 5 seasons.

Brian Goodman

VAFA General Manager Umpire Operations

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Merv Monty's Tour of New Zealand Monday, 8 November 2010 Merv Monty was recently selected to represent the VAFAUA in New Zealand.   Merv toured with the VAFA U18 representative team who played two matches against the AFL New Zealand U20 team.   Click here to read Merv's summary of his New Zealand tour.

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