In a history-making program for central Victorian football, our club will become the first to form a volunteer umpiring group with the help of the Bendigo Umpires Association (BUA), that will assist with the officiating of matches across a range of age groups.

The BUA will provide coaching and education for the volunteer umpiring group, starting with a five-week program from Thursday, 13 March which will be hosted at Golden Square Football Netball Club, Wade Street.

We are all well aware of the challenges of maintaining suitably qualified umpires to the many games throughout the region from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. Many umpires officiate on at least two days over the weekend, which is a massive commitment throughout the winter months. Consequently, the BUA have (on occasions) have asked clubs, especially junior clubs on a Sunday, to supply their own umpires. This can be a challenge for everyone involved.

This initiative is designed to introduce participants to all facets of umpiring, in a familiar and welcoming environment, and future-proof our club so we are never short of quality umpires in junior or senior games.

We invite anyone from within our club who is interested to learn more about umpiring to get involved in this free program. The program is open to anyone, not just people within our club, and suited for young people right through to retired former footballers.

Participants can qualify at the end of the program as an AFL level one umpire. Remuneration for qualified umpires is available.

To ask questions or register your interest, please email gsfnc.committee@gmail.com or call Ian Symons on 0421 996 008.