Now we have umps coaching players

[floppinab]

Popped up on the Port board but worth discussion here

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,22059290%255E19742,00.html

My initial reaction to this was one of shock. Umpires lecturing players on the rules of the game I could handle but taking a training session?????? But now I'm not so sure.

The umps are meant to be an independent moderator of our game, never to give an advantage to any side whether it be on game day or in any other forum. Besides I would've thought they have a tough enough time getting their own training right let alone have time to work with the teams.

This a good thing or not???

[VanBerlo=God]

they are asking for the training so as to avoid the decisions

Nothing wrong with that

play on.

[magilla]

Nothing wrong with that. Port just wanna know what their doing wrong.

[floppinab]

OK, So we know Port have had a tough run over the last couple of weeks.

Say what if it turns right around this weekend and they start getting a good... great run over the next few weeks. What sort of message will that that send to the rest of the competition.
Every club will be lining up for some special coaching from the umps. From a simply logistical viewpoint I doubt the umps could support requests from all the clubs, that's not even considering the view that this could create a stronger feeling of bias toward a team thats had the special treatment.

[Forzaport]

As long as this sort of thing is available to all clubs there shouldn't be an issue.

[jasrocks]

Stupid post.

Port has been killed by the umpires the last couple of weeks and just want to try and make sure they know what they are doing wrong. Won't change the umpires favouritism towards the eastern and western states of Australia.

[Rory]

This isn't the first time an umpire has gone to a teams training session to clarify the rules. I seem to remember Michael Avon attending a Crows session in the last few years. I think its a good incentive to help clarify the rules for the players and coaches.

[borgsta2006]

I as an umpire have gone to several clubs in my local league over the years to help out, train, assist with rules etc. I see it as a great exercise and one the AFL / VFL umps could do to enhance the relationship with the clubs.

[flamethrower]

It happens all the time actually.

There is not much quite as pathetic as players/fans abusing umpires during match practice at training!