Umpire struck, Rosewater footballer Adam Rumbelow may face life ban if guilty
THIS veteran amateur footballer is facing a life ban and possible assault charges after allegedly losing the plot during his 300th game on the weekend.
AN amateur footballer and award-winning junior cricket coach faces a life ban and possible assault charges after allegedly punching an umpire in his 300th senior game at Rosewater.
Veteran umpire Craig Trewartha reported the incident to the police Sunday morning after allegedly being struck by Rosewater’s Adam Rumbelow in the first quarter of the division five contest against Blackfriars at Eric Sutton Oval on Saturday.
It is believed Rumbelow reacted to being yellow-carded. Players who receive a yellow card are sent off the ground for 10 minutes.
The club, who has Premier Jay Weatherill as its No. 1 ticket holder, had planned a function to celebrate his 300th-game milestone on Saturday night.
Mr Trewartha’s right eye was badly bruised and swollen after the game and received a cut eye from the alleged attack.
Rumbelow must front the Amateur Football League tribunal on Wednesday night and if found guilty, the penalty is expected to be a life ban.
The club said it was working with all parties, including the Amateur League and Mr Trewartha.
Former president John Reardon on radio on Monday morning denied the umpire had been struck and said it would stand behind Rumbelow, who had “halth issues”.
Amateur League chief executive John Kernahan said the league was well advanced in collating the relevant information for the incident report.
“We would be very disappointed if any of our clubs would not already be navigating their way through something so serious and we will be seeking an update from the Rosewater management team in due course,” he said.
“Our first thought is for the welfare of our umpire, as it is with all our umpires. Our umpires tell us their enjoyment levels are at unprecedented levels with numbers of registered umpires on the rise supporting that culture.
“Whilst the allegations are disappointing to say the least, once the circumstances have been fully established, I would suggest it will only strengthen our resolve to ensure we continue to weed out those who do not have respect for those either officiating or playing our game.’’
The Rosewater Football Club, where Rumbelow, 36, has been a member since starting in the under 9s, could also face sanctions. He is a former club captain and life member.
Rumbelow has also played first grade cricket for Port Adelaide and West Torrens. He was a member of the 2006-007 West Torrens side which ended a 45-year premiership drought.
After two years as senior coach at West Torrens, he quit the role mid-season in January. Five times he has been awarded the SACA junior coach of the year.
Trewartha has been a member of the SANFL Umpires Association for 49 years and was awarded life membership in 2014.