Have You Recently Retired from Footy?
This is a shout-out to all the former footballers out there who reckon umpiring looks easy — and now that you’re hanging up the boots, still want to stay fit and give back to the game you love.
Next year marks 80 years of the Umpires Association, and we’ve been diving into the archives in preparation for a special celebration — stay tuned for more on that!
But back to how you can help…
If the start of this article caught your interest, you’ll be glad to know you wouldn’t be the first footballer to make the switch to umpiring. In fact, many of the early umpires were former players — and that tradition continues today.
Take Hugh Worrall, for example. A former Fitzroy VFL player, he’s still out there giving back to the game, showing that footy knowledge never goes out of style.
Umpiring is a great way to keep active, stay connected to the footy community, and support the next generation of players. We’ve got a strong coaching team ready to help you make the transition — whether you’re flying solo or bringing a mate along.
So why not come down for a run at training on Monday nights at Reid Oval? Or give Andrew a call on 0412208884 to learn more.
Personally, I’ve made the journey from player to umpire, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best ways to stay involved. You can even umpire junior games in the morning and still have time to watch your old team in the afternoon — and yes, there’s some beer money in it too! Brad.
