RDFL Thread 2008

[BrownDog2]

Every body expects the umpires in our comp to sit back and cop repeated abuse from players without responding... We are all human, of course eventually you are going to respond.. It is clearly unprofessional to respond, but in reality, these guys are pretty much voluteers and dont deserve the serve they get most of the time... They are paid a pittance to enforce rules that are forced upon them and then repeatedly have to sit tight lipped while players call them everything under the sun... Give em a break... I would tell a player too if that were the case.... Some players should consider themselves lucky they get away with how much they get away with, as a basketball referee they would be out of the stadium first time... Shut up and play the game, stop beaking all the time and maybe you would be FIRST to the ball...

I am with you Its My Show. If umpiring was easy numbers would be strong and no mistakes would be made. Has anyone thought why people like 'Simmo' at 50 years of age still umpire? Its because there is no one else. Who would want to put their hand up to put up with what the umpires have to put up with on a weekend, then get slandered on here during the week?

People on this forum have no idea what their bias one eyed comments does for umpire recruitment. If a young 15 year old kid who follows the league was thinking about umpiring and also read this forum, do you think he'd be lining up at training to give it a crack?
Umpiring takes the same level of courage and commitment to do as footballers need to play. Respect is a two way street. Last time l looked the umpires uniform didn't have a target on the back of it.

 

[To_Hard_To_Cheat]

A quick question to those who know more about umpiring than I... is it a) justified, b) unprofessional or c) reprehensible that an umpire can respond to a player questioning their ability to umpire at a finals/grand final level by saying "looks like we're in the same boat... I hope you blokes don't make it (the grand final) either".

I think you need to tell the whole story. I was not involved in this conversation but I can assume the player said something to the umpire like - This will be your last game (because of the job the player felt the umpire was doing) and then the umpire responded by say looks like we are in the same boat (because the players side was losing and going to be knocked out). If this is what happened; I think the umpire’s response is fine.

 

[George 08]

I think you need to tell the whole story. I was not involved in this conversation but I can assume the player said something to the umpire like - This will be your last game (because of the job the player felt the umpire was doing) and then the umpire responded by say looks like we are in the same boat (because the players side was losing and going to be knocked out). If this is what happened; I think the umpire’s response is fine.

I love that!! I once had a go at an umpire, ripped shreds through him. Not only did he award a free kick against me, then a 50m penalty, he gave me some words of advice. I stood on the mark, laughed my head off and had a beer with him afterwards. I never had a go at an umpire after that (on the ground) I dont get why players think they are above the game and the people who enforce the rules. If you are that good and judging the game, take the jumper off and put on the fluoro orange. The umpires have the right to say something back to the player if they are being abused. No wonder no one wants to umpire!!

 

[Roco]

Congratulations to both the Woodend and Riddell sides they were able to get over both of our sides on the weekend.

Unfortunately the season is now over for our boys in all 3 grades but the club congratulates them and their coaches on a fine season. It has been a fantastic effort all round considering the unsettling issue of the ground condition for the first half of the year. Boardman will be one of the best ground surfaces around next year.

With a good preseason under their belts the boys will be giving it 110% next year as they always do.

Congratulations also to our Netball girls with the A grade side in the grand final and the B & C sides fighting for spots this weekend, we will all be there in full support. Good luck girls.

 

[Itsmyshow]

I am with you Its My Show. If umpiring was easy numbers would be strong and no mistakes would be made. Has anyone thought why people like 'Simmo' at 50 years of age still umpire? Its because there is no one else. Who would want to put their hand up to put up with what the umpires have to put up with on a weekend, then get slandered on here during the week?

People on this forum have no idea what their bias one eyed comments does for umpire recruitment. If a young 15 year old kid who follows the league was thinking about umpiring and also read this forum, do you think he'd be lining up at training to give it a crack?
Umpiring takes the same level of courage and commitment to do as footballers need to play. Respect is a two way street. Last time l looked the umpires uniform didn't have a target on the back of it.

Huh????????????????

 

[DirtyHarry]

I think you need to tell the whole story. I was not involved in this conversation but I can assume the player said something to the umpire like - This will be your last game (because of the job the player felt the umpire was doing) and then the umpire responded by say looks like we are in the same boat (because the players side was losing and going to be knocked out). If this is what happened; I think the umpire’s response is fine.

From the way the exchange was explained to me the player did indeed relay the sentiments above (whether that was warranted or not is another argument but perhaps it wasn't), but it was felt the umpires response with the game still in the balance was one of not exactly calling the game as he saw it.

This could have been misinterpreted by the player but even by going out and responding to him in this manner surely the umpire leaves himself open to some criticism. Players often get pulled up when retaliating against being niggled, but what can you say if the umpire has a go at you?

This is not a go at the umpiring fraternity as a whole, but rather one exchange that reflects probably as a poor choice of comeback rather than anything. Pay a free kick, give the player 50, but don't infer that as a neutral umpire you don't want that side to progress due to your own misgivings. This would hurt the image of umpires more so than any decisions they actually make on the ground.

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

Every body expects the umpires in our comp to sit back and cop repeated abuse from players without responding... We are all human, of course eventually you are going to respond.. It is clearly unprofessional to respond, but in reality, these guys are pretty much voluteers and dont deserve the serve they get most of the time... They are paid a pittance to enforce rules that are forced upon them and then repeatedly have to sit tight lipped while players call them everything under the sun... Give em a break... I would tell a player too if that were the case.... Some players should consider themselves lucky they get away with how much they get away with, as a basketball referee they would be out of the stadium first time... Shut up and play the game, stop beaking all the time and maybe you would be FIRST to the ball...

I am with you Its My Show. If umpiring was easy numbers would be strong and no mistakes would be made. Has anyone thought why people like 'Simmo' at 50 years of age still umpire? Its because there is no one else. Who would want to put their hand up to put up with what the umpires have to put up with on a weekend, then get slandered on here during the week?

People on this forum have no idea what their bias one eyed comments does for umpire recruitment. If a young 15 year old kid who follows the league was thinking about umpiring and also read this forum, do you think he'd be lining up at training to give it a crack?
Umpiring takes the same level of courage and commitment to do as footballers need to play. Respect is a two way street. Last time l looked the umpires uniform didn't have a target on the back of it.

This is just beautiful, you two agreeing on something....... I very nearly gagged on my Ham Roll ! ! !

Someones gone & had a personality transplant haven't they ?

Seems like there is way to much sense being made on here today, may as well go back to work.

 

[billylid]

Often as players and spectators we are quick to jump on the bagging of certain umpires both locally and the AFL level but for those 2 umpires (sorry dont know there names) who umpired the senior game between riddell and Diggers Rest in trying conditions needed to be congratulated and based on there performance to adapt to those conditions hopefully score themselves a GF guernsey as after that performance they defiately should be strongly considered

 

[blueper]

The only problem I ever have with the umpires is if they a) dont know the rules, or b) mouth off at players.

The umps do a good job in general but they are there to umpire not make smart arse remarks to the players. They should also have a better understanding of the rules than the players.

Good standard game in Kilmore yesterday. Woodend just a bit younger and quicker I thought. Like watching the hawks play on the big grounds in september.

Amazed that Diggers got over Riddell. Conditions obviously gave them a chance but the bombers beat Wallan and Sunbury by 130 + in the same conditions at different times this season. Riddell still raging flag favourites in my opinion but good effort by Diggers. Expect to see Riddel come out firing this week.

 

[Itsmyshow]

The only problem I ever have with the umpires is if they a) dont know the rules, or b) mouth off at players.

The umps do a good job in general but they are there to umpire not make smart arse remarks to the players. They should also have a better understanding of the rules than the players.

Good standard game in Kilmore yesterday. Woodend just a bit younger and quicker I thought. Like watching the hawks play on the big grounds in september.

Amazed that Diggers got over Riddell. Conditions obviously gave them a chance but the bombers beat Wallan and Sunbury by 130 + in the same conditions at different times this season. Riddell still raging flag favourites in my opinion but good effort by Diggers. Expect to see Riddel come out firing this week.

The conditions on Saturday were no where near the conditions that Riddell played the Kangaroos in... In the wet at Riddell you were able to still run on top of the ground.. Saturday at Woodend was sinking, players found it very tough to keep thier footing, the Burra played it better, knocking the ball forward at every opportunity and making sure they were first to the contest at all times.. Only a handful of Riddell players handled the going, Sam Young was outstanding as was Aaron Blade. Meacham was the only deep forward giving a yelp. Unfortunately for Riddell, Jamesy and Mick Allen struggled in the conditions. Dean Besanko went forward much too late. Some of the instructions from the sideline were baffling for the Bombers, instructing players to "run and carry" the football was an interesting call at the least. Climas spent much too long on the pine, Petran went into the middle and started to have an effect and was then moved back forward.
Diggers were outstanding. Sims was by far the best player on the ground, Cole Laurie made the most of his chances and Jose and Thompson dominated around the ground in conditions that didn't suit the big men. The reality is that Hopkins completely outcoached Rowsell when it come to the conditions and that the Burra players simply "wanted it more" while Riddell were waiting for everything to happen.

 

[DirtyHarry]

The conditions on Saturday were no where near the conditions that Riddell played the Kangaroos in... In the wet at Riddell you were able to still run on top of the ground.. Saturday at Woodend was sinking, players found it very tough to keep thier footing, the Burra played it better, knocking the ball forward at every opportunity and making sure they were first to the contest at all times.. Only a handful of Riddell players handled the going, Sam Young was outstanding as was Aaron Blade. Meacham was the only deep forward giving a yelp. Unfortunately for Riddell, Jamesy and Mick Allen struggled in the conditions. Dean Besanko went forward much too late. Some of the instructions from the sideline were baffling for the Bombers, instructing players to "run and carry" the football was an interesting call at the least. Climas spent much too long on the pine, Petran went into the middle and started to have an effect and was then moved back forward.
Diggers were outstanding. Sims was by far the best player on the ground, Cole Laurie made the most of his chances and Jose and Thompson dominated around the ground in conditions that didn't suit the big men. The reality is that Hopkins completely outcoached Rowsell when it come to the conditions and that the Burra players simply "wanted it more" while Riddell were waiting for everything to happen.

That was definately the biggest thing that came out of the game for me. Riddell tried to play dry weather football for large stretches of the game, trying to hit mid range targets and finessing far too much. Diggers got the ball long to dangerous positions a lot more often and were able to kick a couple of extra goals as a result which was the difference at the end.

Getting to the ball first helped in the conditions, with the umpires often reluctant to pay frees in the horrible conditions for diving on the ball, which would have attracted a lot more holding the ball decisions on a dry day. Furthermore push in the back decisions were probably paid on a normal day basis, making the team that got to the ball first much better off. The ability to get the contested ball out of these situations by the Diggers players was a highlight also.

I think Woodend's best hope of putting out the Bombers in straight sets is to get into the contested ball situations first, and hope that it rains for the next 5 days straight

 

[No Comment]

The conditions on Saturday were no where near the conditions that Riddell played the Kangaroos in... In the wet at Riddell you were able to still run on top of the ground.. Saturday at Woodend was sinking, players found it very tough to keep thier footing, the Burra played it better, knocking the ball forward at every opportunity and making sure they were first to the contest at all times.. Only a handful of Riddell players handled the going, Sam Young was outstanding as was Aaron Blade. Meacham was the only deep forward giving a yelp. Unfortunately for Riddell, Jamesy and Mick Allen struggled in the conditions. Dean Besanko went forward much too late. Some of the instructions from the sideline were baffling for the Bombers, instructing players to "run and carry" the football was an interesting call at the least. Climas spent much too long on the pine, Petran went into the middle and started to have an effect and was then moved back forward.
Diggers were outstanding. Sims was by far the best player on the ground, Cole Laurie made the most of his chances and Jose and Thompson dominated around the ground in conditions that didn't suit the big men. The reality is that Hopkins completely outcoached Rowsell when it come to the conditions and that the Burra players simply "wanted it more" while Riddell were waiting for everything to happen.

i am assuming Jose will not play in two weeks time. will be a huge loss again

 

[Itsmyshow]

i am assuming Jose will not play in two weeks time. will be a huge loss again

Who knows... Whatever choice that Jeremy makes though will be to what he believes best... I dont think you can ever knock a person for choosing his faith, but still believe that there are avenue's available if he decides to play.. Whatever happens, the Burras side that runs out on that day will give everything they have, think they proved that on Saturday...

 

[ALLASONE]

That was definately the biggest thing that came out of the game for me. Riddell tried to play dry weather football for large stretches of the game, trying to hit mid range targets and finessing far too much. Diggers got the ball long to dangerous positions a lot more often and were able to kick a couple of extra goals as a result which was the difference at the end.

Getting to the ball first helped in the conditions, with the umpires often reluctant to pay frees in the horrible conditions for diving on the ball, which would have attracted a lot more holding the ball decisions on a dry day. Furthermore push in the back decisions were probably paid on a normal day basis, making the team that got to the ball first much better off. The ability to get the contested ball out of these situations by the Diggers players was a highlight also.

I think Woodend's best hope of putting out the Bombers in straight sets is to get into the contested ball situations first, and hope that it rains for the next 5 days straight

The Romsey ground will be perfect this Saturday and five days rain won't change a thing .

 

[No Comment]

Who knows... Whatever choice that Jeremy makes though will be to what he believes best... I dont think you can ever knock a person for choosing his faith, but still believe that there are avenue's available if he decides to play.. Whatever happens, the Burras side that runs out on that day will give everything they have, think they proved that on Saturday...

couldn't agree more with that ims. cole laurie should have gone off the ground in a wheelchair on saturday but it would have got bogged. after he kicked that goal late in the last and got swamped (parden the pun) by his team mates it shows just how much that team gives. its obvious he has o/p or groin problems but he was still out there and gave everything

 

[Mongrel]

just on the umpire talk.i thought the umpiring was definately consistent and fair towards both sides during the sunbury,woodend game yesterday.
i dont know how anyone can expect a free when they abuse the umpires all day.also umpires will never be perfect and there will be times that they pay frees that upset certain players.but the sooner players come 2 terms with the fact that they are doing a fairly tough job and in most cases ive seen this year a good job,the sooner we can get back 2 talking football and not rubbish about umpires.

 

[vobloke]

now vobloke, i've had a look back over all your posts. and of the 15 times you've posted on big footy 9 of them were to whinge about umpiring. Ok champ we get it.

To label someone a disgrace is highly unjustified, as the same could probably be said about your teams inability to adapt and learn. I will spell this out for you as clearly as I can mate, if you are FIRST to the ball and keep your mouth SHUT you will be rewarded, you don't have to be a member of mensa to work that out.

Could be time for your club to look internally and stop heaping blame on outside factors that are out of your control, and start to better yourselves in areas that you bear control over.

When we were in the RDFL the last time we coped the same sh-t of the same umpires, whether we are first to the ball or keep our mouths shut.

I was hoping that the said umpires were retired, but unfortunately they are still umpiring with the same bias.

All we can do is out live them.

 

[dwyane WADE show]

To label someone a disgrace is highly unjustified, as the same could probably be said about your teams inability to adapt and learn. I will spell this out for you as clearly as I can mate, if you are FIRST to the ball and keep your mouth SHUT you will be rewarded, you don't have to be a member of mensa to work that out.

Could be time for your club to look internally and stop heaping blame on outside factors that are out of your control, and start to better yourselves in areas that you bear control over.[/quote]

I think our club has been pretty disiplined on the field this year. There was the one game vs lancefield where we had 3 guys sent off in 5 mins, which was really a joke anyway with the umpires taking over control of the game and killing the game off. But generally our club and players have kept their mouths shut.

But onto sundays reserves clash between wallan and woodend/hesket i thought the umpiring wasn't too bad and never influenced the game at all. There were a couple of terrible decisions but you will get that. Woodend were just way too good for our guys winning by 12 goals. And you are definantly right in saying that there guys were 1st to the ball nearly all day. Woodend/Hesket's twos are a very good side and i think it will be very hard for anyone to beat them

 

[Mongrel]

To label someone a disgrace is highly unjustified, as the same could probably be said about your teams inability to adapt and learn. I will spell this out for you as clearly as I can mate, if you are FIRST to the ball and keep your mouth SHUT you will be rewarded, you don't have to be a member of mensa to work that out.

Could be time for your club to look internally and stop heaping blame on outside factors that are out of your control, and start to better yourselves in areas that you bear control over.

I think our club has been pretty disiplined on the field this year. There was the one game vs lancefield where we had 3 guys sent off in 5 mins, which was really a joke anyway with the umpires taking over control of the game and killing the game off. But generally our club and players have kept their mouths shut.

But onto sundays reserves clash between wallan and woodend/hesket i thought the umpiring wasn't too bad and never influenced the game at all. There were a couple of terrible decisions but you will get that. Woodend were just way too good for our guys winning by 12 goals. And you are definantly right in saying that there guys were 1st to the ball nearly all day. Woodend/Hesket's twos are a very good side and i think it will be very hard for anyone to beat them[/quote]

AT LAST fantastic call dwayne.u obviously have your head screwed on pal.
i watched that game also and agree totally.i also commented 2 my old mates at macedon during the under 18s that the umpires were very good.they were letting the game flow and only pinging the very obvious frees.and i tell u one thing the sunbury boys learnt a lot from this finals series.because 4 a change they were tight lipped and just played footy.as a result i beleive all our finals games were umpired very very well.and its a credit 2 gilesy and co. who are doing a great job.

 

[Itsmyshow]

Have any clubs had their best and fairest counts as yet??

I know that Diggers have and was won by Jeremy Jose with Shaun Sims 2nd.. Are there any others?

 

[juddy wce]

apparently GVFL star young gun seniors player N beck has been offered a large sum of money to come play more then his former team mate B singh who was grossly over paid any truth

 

[Itsmyshow]

apparently GVFL star young gun seniors player N beck has been offered a large sum of money to come play more then his former team mate B singh who was grossly over paid any truth

Can you try this again in English please??? Who? For who? and Who?

 

[footyhead18]

Been reading with interest all these comments re umpires & couldnt bite my lip any longer. As a player for many years, coach for a couple and an umpire for a lot less i have some strong opinions on the job.

Firstly, we all need to realise umpires are a necessary part of our great game and the job is a very difficult one due to the intricacies and subjectivity of the rules. However, i believe the most important people are the players & thus they should be the ones who receive the focus.

Secondly, regardless of the level they are playing, most players are passionate & competitive. As a result they often get frustrated & occasionally angry when a decision goes against them (& it doesnt just happen in football, you will see the same blokes react the same way in a game of social bocce) . Sometimes they will say something to the umpire & other times they will shout an expletive at no-one in particular. In my opinion the only time a player should be penalised for this is if it is blatant & over the top personal abuse. Far too often as a player and recently as an umpire i saw players given 50m and/or yellow carded for simply disputing a decision. I think a player has the right to dispute a decision & converse with the umpire in a reasonably civil manner but from what i have seen the level of tolerance is very low.
The most annoying thing an umpire can do to a player is get in his face & penalise him for shouting "you've got to be kidding" and follow up with "do you want another 50?" when the player protests "what is that for?".
I have found that most players settle down more quickly when you calmly tell them, "sorry mate but it was clearly a free kick for............" and get on with the game.

My main beef with the umpiring of our game is the emphasis that is put on positioning, signalling (of free kicks) & experience within the umpiring fraternity. I think most players, coaches & supporters would agree that these 3 factors are insignificant after decision-making & communication. I think some of our current 'senior' umpires possess all of the above and are thus the leagues best umpires. However, i also believe some of them only excel in the 3 i mentioned first and these are the umpires who frustrate players & supporters most and who should not be umpiring finals football.
It amazes me that there is no club review / feedback after a game on the umpires' performances. Both good & bad reviews could only help the individual umpires, the umpiring coaches & communications between the 2 parties (clubs & umpires). I know myself, i was happy to hear what the players/coaches thought of my performance after the game.

Finally, despite the criticism you get (yes there is alot of it) umpiring is an enjoyable way to stay involved in our great game. I am biased, but i strongly believe ex-players make the best umpires because they have experienced the feeling of frustration when the decisions go against them & have a better feel for the ambiguities of the game.

Anyway, thats my take on umpiring. No doubt some will agree while others wont. As they say in the classics: Thats Football!

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

One of the best posts this year.

 

[MustonMagic17]

Have any clubs had their best and fairest counts as yet??

I know that Diggers have and was won by Jeremy Jose with Shaun Sims 2nd.. Are there any others?

Kilmore Jason King from Al Carrol an Adam Goudge