WDFUA umpires will take reduced pay as competitions resume

The Hampden league started on Wednesday night while the WDFNL commences on August 1.

Warrnambool and District Football Umpires Association president Steve Walker said he understood clubs weren't making as much money as usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the association took the pay cut given both leagues agreed to use the WDFUA's three different types of umpires.

The WDFUA will provide field, boundary and goal umpires for the Hampden league's under 18.5s competition and the District league's under 18s.

It's charging $448 for each match, which is a 25 per cent discount.

Full rate for umpires would on average exceed $600 per game (based on two field, three boundary, two goal umpires and travel).

Walker added if the WDFUA supplied any extra field or boundary umpires or needed a third car (coronavirus restrictions allow only three people per car) then it covered that cost.

Clubs will provide umpires for the younger age groups.

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Walker thanked AFL Western District and both leagues for their efforts to get football up-and-running in such a turbulent year.

Meanwhile, he'd welcome any new recruits.

He's confident the WDFUA will have enough umpires to cover the Hampden league in the next fortnight.

But isn't so sure about what will happen when both leagues run concurrently.

"We may struggle with boundary and goalies," he said.

"It depends on whether junior kids (umpires) come back."

Walker said some goal umpires above 60 years may be reluctant to return this year given the pandemic.

Youngsters usually cover the boundary lines.

Walker invited anyone thinking of giving umpiring a go to get to training.

"Whether you're a 12 to 13 year old kid who doesn't play footy or whether you're someone recently retired and want to be involved in footy," he said.

Walker added it would be great to have senior footballers involved who were missing out on their own seasons.

"Even if they go back to footy (next year)," he said.

The umpires train at Reid Oval Monday and Wednesday nights at 6pm.

They also have training for beginner umpires from 5-5.40pm on Wednesdays.

The umpires will have to adjust to COVID-19 rules when they officiate Saturday's Hampden games.

There won't be the usual visit to the team rooms prior to the game.

The football will be wiped with antibacterial wipes or alcohol-based sanitiser at each break.

Four boundary umpires have been appointed to each game but only three will be used at a time.

One will be a designated drinks runner, delivering individual drink bottles to their fellow umpires.

Much like footballers, the umpires have had a journey to the start of their season.

They trained individually before resuming small group training in late May.

Walker said it wasn't just about preparing for potential seasons but about "getting some normality back".

Training has mostly consisted of running and fitness but in more recent times has been about simulating match day - ball-ups and boundary throw-ins.

The WDFUA's website can be found here for those interested in becoming an umpire.

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