Bendigo Umpires Association, AFL Central Victoria call out abuse

“Multiple reports” of abuse against officials as young as 12 has forced one country footy umpires association to warn clubs they may be forced to officiate games themselves.

The BUA and AFLCV have called for the abuse to end.

A country footy umpires association has warned clubs could be forced to provide their own officials if abuse continues.

The Bendigo Umpires Association in partnership with AFL Central Victoria have written an open letter to the community calling out cases of abuse against some officials as young as 12.

It comes after both bodies have received “multiple reports this season of spectators berating umpires, both during games and as they leave the field”.

“In some cases, groups of adults have targeted individual junior umpires,” the letter said.

“Unfortunately, we continue to see a troubling trend across our leagues: verbal abuse directed at umpires – some of whom are as young as 12 years old – by spectators, including adults.

“If the current trends continue, we will face a future where clubs may be forced to provide their own umpires, even at senior level – a burden we all want to avoid.

“This is not only unacceptable; it is damaging to our game.”

The umpires in charge of the region officiate games for the Bendigo, Heathcote District, Loddon Valley and North Central men’s competitions. The Central Victorian Football League women’s competition and Bendigo Junior league are also in the region.

Under the current model, the BUA is filling hundreds of appointments every weekend.

The letter said umpires are like players and would “occasionally make mistakes”.

“Even our most experienced umpires cannot get every decision right. But their commitment, effort, and intent should never be in question,” it said.

While calling out the abuse, the umpiring group said it would welcome feedback from members of the community but in the right way.

“We all have a role to play in supporting umpires – especially our youngest ones,” the letter said.

“Like players, umpires need guidance and development, not hostility. Constructive feedback is a vital part of that growth. The appropriate way to provide feedback – whether positive or critical – is formally through your affiliated club using official league communication channels.

“This ensures all feedback is received in a respectful and structured way and can be reviewed and actioned by umpire coaching staff.”

Originally published as Bendigo Umpires Association, AFL Central Victoria call out abuse