LuvsFooty wrote:Thanks for the answers umpy but I think it highlights the root of many problems (not having a go here, you personally could be a great umpire) but:
1. Most umpires have played very little footy, so when positioning is highlighted so much I wonder how after only 40 games of football umpires would have a thorough understanding of the 'best' positions to be in. In fact the 3 best umpires in the GSFL that I have seen are probably Greg Whitlesea, Paul Crate and Bryn Bridges. Neither of these guys worry about appearance, they communicate with players (players can also talk to them and ask questions) and they position themselves where they can make decisions (not where an umpire coach thinks they should go) And guess what? they have all played over 150 A grade matches and they have all coached. A receipe for success
2. When players train they do drills and skills that simulate match conditions. Umpires as stated do not!
3. Fitness is mentioned several times! I understand umpires need a certain level of fitness, but we are talking country footy. Please understand it doesnt matter how well you run. Consistent decision making is what matters.
Not having a go umpy at you personally but the above issues are probably what a lot of people (players / supporters) would highlight as some issues
i'm not one to take anything too personally Luvsfooty, criticism is part of the process of learning, umpires get criticised, players get criticised. it's life.
It's funny how fans, current players and even the media say we as umpires don't know best positions and what not, fair enough, we always argue that why don't the ex players who should know these things get out there and umpire? yes, some of them have, Paul Crate, Marty Clifton, etc. etc. have done. But after years of playing, not too many want to go to the hassle of doing it all again, pre-seasons, getting fit, losing weight (some of them), losing most saturdays and/or sundays and learning the trade. So why not send a few out - i'm sure any umpires group would love to have them out there training and teaching from a players perspective, but not too many want to get into it.
Have you got any ideas on how umpires can train with game type situations and under match conditions? i would love to know some ideas, just see what other people think of it. You have to remember that we don't exactly have the personnel, and the like to get a lot of things done.
I've got a question for you too: you've mentioned that players, fans etc. want consistency. Fair enough i suppose - that comment makes sense. BUT can i ask what EXACTLY is consistency? i know the definition of the word, but as far as i see it, an umpire can only call what he or she sees, if he sees a high tackle, then he's going to call it, if he sees a push in the back, he's going to call it, we so often hear "we want consistency" -i can't speak for everyone - but i still only call things as i see it, not as someone else sees it or as someone else believe it should be.
