News

Past president, Scott Jeffery probably said it best, “There is no doubt after feeling the vibe in the room and listening to the stories of old umpires, umpiring through the eras has one common trait – passion.”

They’re usually the subject of jeers, but Canberra footy fans have good reason to cheer for the umpires in Saturday’s AFL match at Manuka Oval.

Heath Ryan presented the Royal Children’s Hospital, Good Friday Appeal a cheque for $5,000 on behalf of the AFLUA. Heath, who presented the cheque, live on air with his wife Danii and young son, Harrison. Heath was a patient of the hospital when he was five and nine months of age requiring two operations and holds the hospital dear to his heart.

Ian Burrows and Michael Marantelli led the charge of AFL boundary umpires competing at Stawell over the Easter weekend.

Scott, is one of the youngest boundary umpires to umpire AFL football since mentor and colleague Chris Simms made his debut as a 17 year old in 2010. “I found NAB one much harder because it was all new to me,” Scott said yesterday after he helped guide his NEAFL counterparts through their benchmark 5km fitness test at the AIS track. Indeed all AFL listed umpires ran and supported their younger colleagues through the test in a great show of support and empathy.