GRASSROOTS football relies on the whistle-blower, but despite an increase in umpires across Australia, the Peel Football League is still searching for numbers to lessen the load on existing umpires.
Peel Football League general manager Geoff Hiller said umpiring numbers could not keep up with the increasing number of players participating in football.
“Umpiring numbers are slowly increasing, but player numbers are skyrocketing, so more officials are needed to referee the games,” he said.
Hiller said umpires in the PFL were currently stretched to the limit, officiating upwards of four games every weekend.
“The umpires are working really hard to make sure games run smoothly – at the moment some are doing two or three games on a Saturday and backing it up with two senior games on Sundays,” he said.
“Footy is developing at a rapid pace with the introduction of women’s football and different leagues and academies, so it’s vital to keep the umpiring numbers up.”
Peel Football Umpiring Association president Jerry Gibb said the AFL’s development into a more-diverse culture had opened the door for would-be umpires of all genders and nationality.
“Pathways are now available to anyone who wishes to umpire games of football,” he said.
“Currently, we have a number of women and people of non-Australian backgrounds umpiring in the PFL.”
But despite the influx of diverse culture, the Peel Football League remains on the lookout for more umpires.
In particular, the PFUA is searching for past players to join its ranks.
“Retired players have a feel for the game – they know the laws, they know the players,” Gibb said.
“It would be good to see them give back to the sport after retiring by picking up the whistle, there are plenty of former players umpiring the AFL now.”
Gibb said umpiring was also a part-time job for many young people and could provide a person with more than $2,000 throughout a season.
“Field umpires get around $130 a game for a senior match and about $80-$100 for a junior game, so it adds a bit of incentive,” he said.
“Being out in the clean air having a run is better than being stuck in a fast food kitchen for young kids.”
Gibb also expressed the mental health and wellbeing benefits gained by umpiring.
“We often refer to ourselves as the ninth team in the PFL, and it’s great to be part of a group and meeting new people,” he said.
“Umpires also pick of plenty of life skills like decision making and defusing conflict.”
A number of PFL umpires have also gone on to officiate WAFL and AFL level football.
To join the PFL’s umpiring ranks, call Jerry Gibb today on 0408 247 276 or visit pfua.com.au