Omeo-Benambra v Swan Reach match abandoned due to poor player behaviour

As an umpire shortage crisis grips East Gippsland, a match in the Omeo District league was abandoned by volunteer club officials.

Omeo-Benambra and Swan Reach have been slapped with $500 good behaviour bonds after their Omeo District league match last Saturday was abandoned due to unruly conduct by players.

The match was called off in the third quarter by the two club umpires in charge with Omeo-Benambra leading by 39 points.

A chronic shortage of umpires in East Gippsland has led to club umpires officiating most matches in the six-team high country competition this season.

Tensions escalated during the match when a Swan Reach player sent from the ground, but no reports were laid.

Players also disputed goal umpiring decisions before the match was called off after halftime and Omeo-Benambra declared the winner.

The East Gippsland Umpires Association is unable to supply umpires to the Omeo District league this season due to a chronic shortage. Picture: Michael Dodge)

ODFNL delegates met on Monday night and released a statement confirming the match had been abandoned.

“The umpires took this action in the interests of the health and wellbeing of the players and officials,” the statement said.

“The ODFNL stands by the decision of the club umpires to abandon the game.

“The ODFNL executive and delegates have imposed a bond on both clubs, which will remain in place until the end of the 2025 season.

“As the match had passed halftime the score at the time of the match being abandoned stands with Omeo-Benambra being declared the winner.”

In previous seasons, the league had access to umpires from the East Gippsland Umpires Association, but a wave of retirements and departures since has led to the appointment of club umpires in most matches.

ODFNL president Ray Gallagher singled out former Omeo-Benambra coach Cody Graske for the sportsmanship he showed when he asked the goal umpire to reverse a decision on a goal being incorrectly paid.

“Wouldn’t it be great if all players and supporters showed this level of gratitude and respect for umpires and officials,” he said.

“Imagine how much easier it would be to recruit and retain them.”