News

Easter long weekend hosted a round 4 footy feast. By the sounds of things, the footy wasn’t the only feast most of the umpires had over the weekend, with plenty of family lunches and dinners attended. 

Who would have thought being a soccer goalkeeper as a kid would help Brett Rogers reach his 100th game milestone when West Coast played St Kilda on Saturday 1 April 2017 at Domain Stadium.

The heat was on after round 2, ask Gary Ablett, Nathan Buckley, Rodney Eade and the umpires to name but a few.  Retired umpires took to the airwaves and the written press to urge people to take a deep breath.  The media has taken a sledge hammer to free kick counts and prior opportunity, deliberate rushed behinds and a tighter interpretation of deliberate out of bounds.  The question is are the media questioning the interpretation of the rule because it was wrong or because they simply disagree with it?

Retiring from umpiring two months ago has left me with a sense of calm I have not felt in years. I’m no longer the target of the ridiculous phrases directed at my former colleagues: “disgraceful”, “back to the VFL”, “worst decision of the year”.

AFL umpire Scott Jeffery has some simple words of advice for those looking to enter the world of officiating.

Footy is back and for once the crowds are booing former stars who have transferred clubs over the off season and leaving us alone.  What a welcome change!

Wednesday the 15th of March 2017 marked the fourth annual Chamberlain Foundation Brothers’ Lunch which was held at Central Pier Docklands. The Chamberlain Foundation’s aim is to create awareness and make a positive impact in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention. 

Thirteen of our Hall of Fame members plus family and friends got together for an afternoon tea on Sunday at the Leveson Hotel in North Melbourne that turned into an afternoon of good stories, fine food and great company.

Three umpires were recognised for their dedication and performance over the WA Football League pre-season at the WA National Football League Umpire Association (WANFLUA) Annual Panel Awards Night held on Tuesday, March 14, at EJ Pavillion in South Perth.