Riverland Football Chatter

[Bum Crack]

which umpires are we specifically referring to here? any names?

[Dogwatcher]

I don't think we should mention names. That never does anyone any good in this sort of scenario.

[Bum Crack]

I don't think we should mention names. That never does anyone any good in this sort of scenario.

PM me names then.

[OnSong]

Hankin in line for league debut this weekend?

I heard his son Dave might play as well.

[Ripdschitlaz]

PM me too. I'm interested to see if they are the same ones I'm thinking of!

[Dogwatcher]

Thought it worth sharing Loxton North's stance on this, which came out in a general weekly email to players/supporters:

LNFC Conduct

Due to recent media articles we feel it is timely to reinforce the behaviour of our players and supporters.
In recent weeks Jason Mittiga has spoken to the players in all grades with regards to behaviour both on and off the field, towards umpires, opposition players, officials and supporters as well as their team mates. This has included everything from respect for others to discrimination.
It is also important that our supporters also follow the same rules as our players. The umpires have come under particular attention recently and this must stop, we have all seen that those fifty fifty decisions tend to go against you when an umpire has copped a bit of abuse. It is reasonable to question some decisions but not to carry on about it; they will not change their minds. The last thing we want is to lose a close game because an umpire has turned against us.
We must also show respect to the opposition, whilst it is all good to stir the opposing players it is not appropriate to go over the top.

Remember: All Umpires, Players and Officials are someone’s Mother, Father, Sister or Brother. How would you like to see your family members treated?
If you feel that a supporter is being unreasonable tap them on the shoulder and ask them to tone it down a bit.

We consider ourselves to be a family club and like to encourage this, it is therefore important that we behave in the right manner.

Loxton North Football Club Code of Conduct
· Display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, parents and spectators.

· Do not engage in physical and/or verbal intimidation, abuse or conduct to any player, official, umpire or supporter.

· Respect the right, dignity and worth of all individuals, including refraining from any discriminatory practices on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background or special ability/disability.

· Be a positive role model.

[Ripdschitlaz]

Thought it worth sharing Loxton North's stance on this, which came out in a general weekly email to players/supporters:

LNFC Conduct

Due to recent media articles we feel it is timely to reinforce the behaviour of our players and supporters.
In recent weeks Jason Mittiga has spoken to the players in all grades with regards to behaviour both on and off the field, towards umpires, opposition players, officials and supporters as well as their team mates. This has included everything from respect for others to discrimination.
It is also important that our supporters also follow the same rules as our players. The umpires have come under particular attention recently and this must stop, we have all seen that those fifty fifty decisions tend to go against you when an umpire has copped a bit of abuse. It is reasonable to question some decisions but not to carry on about it; they will not change their minds. The last thing we want is to lose a close game because an umpire has turned against us.
We must also show respect to the opposition, whilst it is all good to stir the opposing players it is not appropriate to go over the top.

Remember: All Umpires, Players and Officials are someone’s Mother, Father, Sister or Brother. How would you like to see your family members treated?
If you feel that a supporter is being unreasonable tap them on the shoulder and ask them to tone it down a bit.

We consider ourselves to be a family club and like to encourage this, it is therefore important that we behave in the right manner.

Loxton North Football Club Code of Conduct
· Display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, parents and spectators.

· Do not engage in physical and/or verbal intimidation, abuse or conduct to any player, official, umpire or supporter.

· Respect the right, dignity and worth of all individuals, including refraining from any discriminatory practices on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background or special ability/disability.

· Be a positive role model.

Are they going to laminate that and hang it in that shed on the Western Wing?

[OnSong]

Thought it worth sharing Loxton North's stance on this, which came out in a general weekly email to players/supporters:

LNFC Conduct

Due to recent media articles we feel it is timely to reinforce the behaviour of our players and supporters.
In recent weeks Jason Mittiga has spoken to the players in all grades with regards to behaviour both on and off the field, towards umpires, opposition players, officials and supporters as well as their team mates. This has included everything from respect for others to discrimination.
It is also important that our supporters also follow the same rules as our players. The umpires have come under particular attention recently and this must stop, we have all seen that those fifty fifty decisions tend to go against you when an umpire has copped a bit of abuse. It is reasonable to question some decisions but not to carry on about it; they will not change their minds. The last thing we want is to lose a close game because an umpire has turned against us.
We must also show respect to the opposition, whilst it is all good to stir the opposing players it is not appropriate to go over the top.

Remember: All Umpires, Players and Officials are someone’s Mother, Father, Sister or Brother. How would you like to see your family members treated?
If you feel that a supporter is being unreasonable tap them on the shoulder and ask them to tone it down a bit.

We consider ourselves to be a family club and like to encourage this, it is therefore important that we behave in the right manner.

Loxton North Football Club Code of Conduct
· Display and foster respect for umpires, opponents, coaches, administrators, other officials, parents and spectators.

· Do not engage in physical and/or verbal intimidation, abuse or conduct to any player, official, umpire or supporter.

· Respect the right, dignity and worth of all individuals, including refraining from any discriminatory practices on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background or special ability/disability.

· Be a positive role model.

Are they going to laminate that and hang it in that shed on the Western Wing?

I've seen plenty of positive role models lurking under there. Hahaha

[Dogwatcher]

I dunno, maybe they could change the club's name and give it to some of your mob
No club is immune.

[Ripdschitlaz]

:lol:

I dunno, maybe they could change the club's name and give it to some of your mob
No club is immune.

C'mon DW, you know they take the cake.
Not that it worries me, I tend to think it's funny.

[Ron Burgundy]

Loxton North are comfortably the rowdiest. But good for a laugh at the same time.

They love Burgers.

[Dogwatcher]

:lol:

I dunno, maybe they could change the club's name and give it to some of your mob
No club is immune.

C'mon DW, you know they take the cake.
Not that it worries me, I tend to think it's funny.

I dunno about take the cake.
Funniest, maybe.
Most offensive and abusive? I've got another club in mind.
Don't worry, it's not yours.

[Ripdschitlaz]

Loxton North are comfortably the rowdiest. But good for a laugh at the same time.

They love Burgers.

Haha, I reckon they would get fair stuck into Smitham too.

"If it was a big Mac you wouldn't have dropped it"!

[Slapsy]

UMPIRES - Arrrrrggghhh

Firstly - I know how hard it is, i know we need them, i know they must exist and be respected blah blah - i understand ALL THAT

BUT..... NOTHING infuriates a player more than, in the heat of the moment, after something wrong has occurred, and EVERYONE at the ground saw it EXCEPT the umpire, the little weedy, jockey voiced, red-headed step-child (in some cases), pimply faced, un-talented , blind, ego-centrical WANKER....steps in and speaks to you like a schoolboy - and tells you to settle down.

Are these guys trained in how to NOT infuriate players???

i have much respect for a lot of umpires (Todd Charlton is one), but no-one that has ever played footy can say that there aren't absolute wankers out there, who in my opinion, are scared, weak individuals in everyday life with no friends, who enjoy nothing more than bossing around bigger, more talented blokes than they will ever be. HARSH?? or TRUE??

Again, its not the majority, one might even say that there is an even distribution of knuckleheads playing as there is umpiring. But they have to show restraint.

I have personally been rubbed out for 1 week for swearing on-field, and I will go on record saying that i've heard just as much (or worse) swearing coming from certain umpires.

Players cop abuse from spectators also, and are expected to remain calm, and they dont get paid to do it either.

i have played nearly 400 games of senior footy in my career, and i've seen just about everything. I believe that a lot of umpires these days, dont report players or pay certain free kicks that they indeed saw. For whatever reason i dont know, but i've been there just 2 feet away and directly behind umpires when this occurs and I KNOW they seen it, i look at them as if to say "WTF?" and they look away guilty as if they know i saw them not do anything about it.

Certain umpires are BIASED beyond belief and others would be punched in the face on the street if they spoke to people the way they do at times.

Im sorry, i know this sounds awful, but to read the pioneer and hear the whingeing, i just had to vent.

Umpires are like parking inspectors, tough job and someones gotta do it, but if you cant do it, THEN **** OFF and let someone that has more maturity and can handle a bit of abuse do it.

The day that an umpire actually gets beaten up after a game locally, i will retract these statements and say there needs to be a change in the rules to protect them more, but for now - GET OVER YOURSELVES YOU WHINY LITTLE GIRLS!!!

Ox - I'm not an umpire, and can understand your frustration, but I'm gunna defend them a bit here. Have you ever done it? I doubt you have on a regular basis in games for points. You might wanna try it sometime and see if it changes your view. Its not as easy as it looks. I have done U11's and U13's this year and believe me it opens your eyes a bit. Its easy at this level and the parents still have a crack. it doesn't bother me as I'm thick skinned but it has given me a new appreciation for it. U have to remember these guys have 500 odd people just looking at them every week. The players dont have that scrutiny as it is spread over 40 people on the field at once. as has been said - we need or there is no comp. they make mistakes just like players - accept its magnified. Maybe the players need to man up and accept their decision as final - right or wrong!

[OXnFOX]

Yes Slapsy, i have done it, quite a few times. No doubt it is hard, but i can think of a million other jobs harder and under more pressure and scrutiny.

And in my humble opinion, ex-footballers do it best. Perhaps more should do it, the egos wouldnt be as big.

Lets face it, no umpire (or player for that matter) is perfect. I've heard some great responses from umpires when questioned. Such as "my decision may not have been the best, but it was better than your last kick".

Or "sorry mate, i missed that last free kick, didnt see it, i'll try and do better on the next one" or how about just ignoring it and getting on with the game?

Our game is one of the only ones where players can question and umpires decision, god knows what for - i've never seen one change their minds. But even in the AFL, you hear them on the mic explaining themselves. DONT SAY ANYTHING!

But back to the reason this whole debate started......players have always known the boundaries when it comes to umpires, but when it comes to spectators, geeezus, gimme a break.

If you cant stand the heat then get out of the kitchen.

If an airline cant find a pilot to fly the plane, i'd rather walk or take a train or boat. I dont want a pilot who is scared to fly the plane and land it.

[Ripdschitlaz]

:lol:

I dunno, maybe they could change the club's name and give it to some of your mob
No club is immune.

C'mon DW, you know they take the cake.
Not that it worries me, I tend to think it's funny.

I dunno about take the cake.
Funniest, maybe.
Most offensive and abusive? I've got another club in mind.
Don't worry, it's not yours.

I missed the last game we played over there due to being on a tinny trip but was told last night that they were appalling.
All good though, might come back and bite them on the arse yet.

[PuttingBStorest]

I remember many many moons ago playing Junior football up that way (U15s at the time I think) and I was getting pretty "lippy" towards the umpires and my old man pulled me aside after one game and had a bit of a chat to me about it. Being a young "know it all" I told him that he didnt know what he was talking about but he did organise something to "help" me. He had organised for me to umpire the U13s the following day (played on a Sunday up there then - dunno if thats till the case) which I did and from that day forward I never abused an umpire or his/her decision again. Its a damn hard job. I have often thought that maybe coaches/clubs (and even tribunals if it gets that far) could/should identify those people that do this and get them to umpire a few junior games so they actually know how hard it is. I reckon it could have some real positive impact.

UMPIRES - Arrrrrggghhh

Firstly - I know how hard it is, i know we need them, i know they must exist and be respected blah blah - i understand ALL THAT

BUT..... NOTHING infuriates a player more than, in the heat of the moment, after something wrong has occurred, and EVERYONE at the ground saw it EXCEPT the umpire, the little weedy, jockey voiced, red-headed step-child (in some cases), pimply faced, un-talented , blind, ego-centrical WANKER....steps in and speaks to you like a schoolboy - and tells you to settle down.

Are these guys trained in how to NOT infuriate players???

i have much respect for a lot of umpires (Todd Charlton is one), but no-one that has ever played footy can say that there aren't absolute wankers out there, who in my opinion, are scared, weak individuals in everyday life with no friends, who enjoy nothing more than bossing around bigger, more talented blokes than they will ever be. HARSH?? or TRUE??

Again, its not the majority, one might even say that there is an even distribution of knuckleheads playing as there is umpiring. But they have to show restraint.

I have personally been rubbed out for 1 week for swearing on-field, and I will go on record saying that i've heard just as much (or worse) swearing coming from certain umpires.

Players cop abuse from spectators also, and are expected to remain calm, and they dont get paid to do it either.

i have played nearly 400 games of senior footy in my career, and i've seen just about everything. I believe that a lot of umpires these days, dont report players or pay certain free kicks that they indeed saw. For whatever reason i dont know, but i've been there just 2 feet away and directly behind umpires when this occurs and I KNOW they seen it, i look at them as if to say "WTF?" and they look away guilty as if they know i saw them not do anything about it.

Certain umpires are BIASED beyond belief and others would be punched in the face on the street if they spoke to people the way they do at times.

Im sorry, i know this sounds awful, but to read the pioneer and hear the whingeing, i just had to vent.

Umpires are like parking inspectors, tough job and someones gotta do it, but if you cant do it, THEN **** OFF and let someone that has more maturity and can handle a bit of abuse do it.

The day that an umpire actually gets beaten up after a game locally, i will retract these statements and say there needs to be a change in the rules to protect them more, but for now - GET OVER YOURSELVES YOU WHINY LITTLE GIRLS!!!

Ox - I'm not an umpire, and can understand your frustration, but I'm gunna defend them a bit here. Have you ever done it? I doubt you have on a regular basis in games for points. You might wanna try it sometime and see if it changes your view. Its not as easy as it looks. I have done U11's and U13's this year and believe me it opens your eyes a bit. Its easy at this level and the parents still have a crack. it doesn't bother me as I'm thick skinned but it has given me a new appreciation for it. U have to remember these guys have 500 odd people just looking at them every week. The players dont have that scrutiny as it is spread over 40 people on the field at once. as has been said - we need or there is no comp. they make mistakes just like players - accept its magnified. Maybe the players need to man up and accept their decision as final - right or wrong!

[bd u15 09]

Yes Slapsy, i have done it, quite a few times. No doubt it is hard, but i can think of a million other jobs harder and under more pressure and scrutiny.

And in my humble opinion, ex-footballers do it best. Perhaps more should do it, the egos wouldnt be as big.

Lets face it, no umpire (or player for that matter) is perfect. I've heard some great responses from umpires when questioned. Such as "my decision may not have been the best, but it was better than your last kick".

Or "sorry mate, i missed that last free kick, didnt see it, i'll try and do better on the next one" or how about just ignoring it and getting on with the game?

Our game is one of the only ones where players can question and umpires decision, god knows what for - i've never seen one change their minds. But even in the AFL, you hear them on the mic explaining themselves. DONT SAY ANYTHING!

But back to the reason this whole debate started......players have always known the boundaries when it comes to umpires, but when it comes to spectators, geeezus, gimme a break.

If you cant stand the heat then get out of the kitchen.

If an airline cant find a pilot to fly the plane, i'd rather walk or take a train or boat. I dont want a pilot who is scared to fly the plane and land it.

Ox, the umpires dont mind a bit of lip from the crowd as they expect it. They can tolerate that and understand that it is a part of the game. However, the reason for all this media coverage about umpires not being happy, etc, etc, is that some of the crowd behaviour is going over the top. Some crowd members are yelling out to certain umpires "your a ****** cheat" and what not and that is the last thing umps want. It has continually gotten worse with people now becoming quite personal and also threatening to see them after the game and yelling out "I know where you live." I see in your post before hand that you said you would retract the statement when you saw an umpire get hit after a game. I believe that happened a while back at Cobby to a certain umpire by a team that is no longer in the league. Also last year there was an umpire hit on the field by a player and had the footy thrown at him in disgust. These are the reasons why the umps are taking action and too what i believe, it has been a long time coming.

[OXnFOX]

OK then, i retract my statement.

Umpires never cheat, are never biased, never egotistical and never egg-on players or abuse.

Spectators and players should worship the very ground they walk on. We should pay them more money and reveer them when they walk amongst us.

Players and officials dont know the rules and cant be expected to argue, especially when umpire never get it wrong.

God bless umpires, in fact, IMO, they are GOD.

Long live umpires.

[OXnFOX]

OK then, i retract my statement.

Umpires never cheat, are never biased, never egotistical and never egg-on players or abuse.

Spectators and players should worship the very ground they walk on. We should pay them more money and reveer them when they walk amongst us.

Players and officials dont know the rules and cant be expected to argue, especially when umpire never get it wrong.

God bless umpires, in fact, IMO, they are GOD.

Long live umpires.

I WAS HACKED!!!