Whistleblowers set to honoured at AFL games throughout the region this weekend

There’s no game without them so this week the vital role umpires pay in Aussie rules will be celebrated across the country and on the Northern Rivers.

UMPIRES: Lismore Swans club umpires Shawn Holland and Salvatore Scholl said umpiring keeps them fit, is very satisfying and a sense of humour to manage pressure is vital. Photo: Alison Paterson

The officials with the whistle will be the star of the show at local Aussie rules games around the country as the AFL celebrates Community Umpiring Week.

Those stalwart souls, whose ability to run backwards can often outpace players running forward, will be recognised for the remarkable part they play.

AFL North Coast spokesman Paul Taylor acknowledged the key role that local umpires play. “Umpiring can be a thankless task, so Community Umpiring Week, is a great chance for our league, clubs, coaches, and players to recognise these men, women, boys, and girls and say thanks,” he said.

“Umpires are not only responsible for managing the rules of the game, they also set the tone for behaviour on and off the ground, and for ensuring the safety of players during matches. “They do a great job every week of the season and this is our chance to celebrate their contribution.”

At Lismore Swans, members Shawn Holland, Salvatore Scholl and Ronny Meldrum all officiate at AFL North Coast games.

“It keeps me fit and it can be very satisfying,” Scholl said.

“I usually do one or two senior men or women’s games and this year I’ll be doing juniors with AFLQ.”

Holland said now he’s retired for senior men’s competition, umpiring allows him to share his knowledge and keep fit.

“And it’s good fun,” he said.

Meldrum, 54, who this weekend will be umpiring the highly anticipated match between Casino Lions and Grafton Tigers at Queen Elizabeth Park 2, Casino, said it’s exciting to be in the thick of play.

“I’ve played and coached for over 25 years”, Meldrum said.

“Along with cycling and surfing, umpiring keeps me fit.”

All agreed a sense of humour is important as the role can involve dealing with players getting overheated in the moment.

“If you can bring a sense of humour into the situation, it can help players understand your perspective and decision,” Scholl said.

AFL National Community Umpiring Development Manager, Damian Anderson said with more than 1.4 million people playing Australian football, umpire numbers have never been more important.

“There are over 15,000 umpires officiating in community football matches each week and over 12 per cent are female, a significant increase in line with the expansion of female football”, he said.

“Over 94 per cent of umpires currently play or have played junior football.”

AFLQ and AFL North Coast this weekend

In the AFL North Coast league, at Oakes Oval, Lismore, the Lismore Swans will host Port Macquarie in the senior men and the women’s games.

At Casino the Lions will host the Grafton Tigers with first bounce at 2:50pm at Queen Elizabeth Park 2, Casino.

On social media the Lions says their players“ha ve been hitting the track strongly this week”.

“The club is excited about this weekend’s game in our home town of Casino,” the post said

“Come on down and support the club in our first year back!”

Meanwhile, in AFLQ this weekend the Ballina Bombers are hosting the Tweed Tigers at Fripp Oval, Ballina.

Women play at 10am, reserves play at noon and seniors play at 2pm.

Byron Bay Magpies have a bye.