AFL Sydney have followed the AFL initiative and made this weekends round of matches as “Umpires Appreciation Round”. For each match this weekends the players and the umpires will shake hands prior to the game commencing.
Umpire Appreciation Round is an initiative of the Australian Football League aimed at encouraging all players, coaches, administrators and supporters of our game to appreciate the efforts of nearly 12,000 umpires nationally, of which close to 1,000 of those are NSW/ACT umpires, who officiate every weekend.
Too often the role of the umpire in Australian Football is overlooked and taken for granted. All umpires who officiate our game do so with the best intentions of implementing the ‘Laws of the Game’ to the best of their ability. This is a difficult task that is sometimes viewed in a critical fashion.
This weekend we look to show our appreciation for the boys, girls, men and women who take up the challenge of umpiring our game, by implementing some simple initiatives that ensure all umpires are valued and treated with respect The key messages of Umpire Appreciation round are:
1. Playing, coaching and umpiring need to have a stronger relationship.
All of the key participants within our game showing a high level of respect for each other. As role models, coaches should always ensure they act appropriately towards umpires.
2. Umpiring is everyone’s business.
We all need to have a positive impact on the match day environment – players, coaches, parents, administrators, volunteers, supporters and everyone involved in our game have an impact on the match day environment. If there is abuse and intimidation towards umpires on match day then the environment can be considered poor. If there is respect shown towards umpires and a level of tolerance then the match day environment will be positive.
3. Green Shirts mean umpires are still learning the game
Umpires who wear a light green uniform are still learning how to umpire and should be encouraged and supported. So this weekend every please show your appreciation towards umpires and the valuable role they play within the whole football community.
Article courtesy of the AFL Sydney website.