Western Region Football League Team (Part 4)

[hotdogvanmember]

If this is true it needs to be sorted out quickly - obviously there is someone involved who is not well liked by the umpires, without the umps the comp is screwed we can kiss footy good bye so the wrfl should listen to the umps and give them what they want or close enough to it imo

does anyone have any info on this?

Kev Hillier have you heard anything?

From today's Herald Sun website:

ABOUT 130 suburban umpires went on strike last night, throwing weekend football games into doubt.
At a meeting last night 80 umpires from the Western Region Football League umpires' association voted to strike.
Pay, league issues and friction with a senior official are believed to have triggered the strike.
The umpires vowed the association's 130 umpires would not umpire until the official was removed.
If the strike is not settled before the weekend, matches from Division 1 to under 9s could be abandoned, affecting about 3000 players.
The league, which has 10 division one and 10 division two teams, covers Spotswood, Hoppers Crossing, Altona, Footscray, Braybrook, Sunshine, Yarraville, Laverton and Deer Park.
Umpires' association secretary Terry O'Donnell and the association have been criticised for speaking to the media and will appear before a league hearing tonight.
One umpire, who did not want to be named, said the matter was "out of control".
A spokesman for the league could not be contacted last night.

 

[roosters44]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

You sure you've used enough different fonts and font sizes there Roosters44? Perhaps you should've gone for some colours as well!!!

ha ha they asked me to put it on and i didn't know how so i just guessed and pasted, the pictures didn't come up.

as you can tell i'm computer illiterate.

 

[SWANNEES]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

If this is true it needs to be sorted out quickly - obviously there is someone involved who is not well liked by the umpires, without the umps the comp is screwed we can kiss footy good bye so the wrfl should listen to the umps and give them what they want or close enough to it imo

does anyone have any info on this?

Kev Hillier have you heard anything?

allegedly umpires boss terry gunn is the problem,anyone who can confirm ?
pity borgies not around at least he called it as it was.

 

[Gobombers55]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

allegedly umpires boss terry gunn is the problem,anyone who can confirm ?
pity borgies not around at least he called it as it was.

I heard he was the major problem at the start of the season as well.
It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

 

[FootyLover06]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

From what I was told, the Hoppers bloke whilst giving his defence, put himself in it by admitting to pretty much what the umpire said. Now I am hearing this second-hand, but if this is the case, how can the umpire lie to a tribunal if the players defence is exactly (near enough) to the umpires charge ?

If reporting someone for breaking the rules is lagging, and going to the tribunal and telling them what he saw is lying, then yes, you are correct. Personally, I would suggest he was doing his job.

Well i am unsure if you were at the game but this so called umpire hardly moved from the middle of the ground all day as he could hardly move and the incident was over the other side of the ground. This umpire also was seen to be paying free kicks so the ball would clear out of his area as he could not keep up with the game. He also did not even send the Hoppers Player off until half time and was heard saying i did not know i could send a player off.

How a player who has played over 300 games at the club and never has been reported in his life gets 2 weeks for this is outrageous and i think the dills who delivered the verdict need to have a good hard look at themselves.

Am interested to hear some other peoples views on this.

 

[cougarman]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

allegedly umpires boss terry gunn is the problem,anyone who can confirm ?
pity borgies not around at least he called it as it was.

I heard he was the major problem at the start of the season as well.
It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

I heard the same thing at the start of the season, also heard the wrfl can't remove him from his role because he was appointed by a higher body - football victoria or something like that did anyone else hear that

If he is such a big problem and all the umpires want him outed surely the powers that be have to take notice of what the umpires are saying - there is an obvious problem

 

[1969]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Heard on SEN interview about WRFL. No footy this week boys. Strike is on.What is going on? Umpires not getting paid? Sad state of affairs. League needs to get onto it now!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[evodafalcon]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

I heard the same thing at the start of the season, also heard the wrfl can't remove him from his role because he was appointed by a higher body - football victoria or something like that did anyone else hear that

If he is such a big problem and all the umpires want him outed surely the powers that be have to take notice of what the umpires are saying - there is an obvious problem

just got my uncle to talk to swabby (family friend) from footy victoria, they wanted terry in his role but from what he just said, they will be making themselves invoolved in this today along with wrfl and afl umps association for advice but he did say that there is not many things that are going well for terry.... maybe see a mid year sacking????? i will keep u all posted wjen i hear.
WRFL need to pick up there game....i spoke to them about this 2 weeks ago but on def ears as usual..... evo is always right lol

 

[AFC_2009]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Well i am unsure if you were at the game but this so called umpire hardly moved from the middle of the ground all day as he could hardly move and the incident was over the other side of the ground. This umpire also was seen to be paying free kicks so the ball would clear out of his area as he could not keep up with the game. He also did not even send the Hoppers Player off until half time and was heard saying i did not know i could send a player off.

How a player who has played over 300 games at the club and never has been reported in his life gets 2 weeks for this is outrageous and i think the dills who delivered the verdict need to have a good hard look at themselves.

Am interested to hear some other peoples views on this.

Wasn't at the game, so obviously I didn't see it.

The point is however, that as I have stated earlier, according to people I have spoken to, the Hoppers player pretty much got himself suspended by admitting that he did something (not sure what exactly). Whatever the Hoppers player said, was more or less what the umpire said. As such, he was suspended for two weeks. Basically his history counted for nothing as soon as he gave his evidence. A bit rough, but what can you do ?

With regards to not being sent off until half-time, there are a number of legitimate reason for this to occur. No cards available, confusion as to rules etc...

I think what we have to keep in mind is the fact that he was a club umpire, and was doing both Altona and Hoppers a favour. It was probably the first time he ever had to umpire, wasn't clear on rules regarding send-offs/reports etc...Apart from all this, if he didn't do it, there was no way the game would have gone ahead.

On a slightly different note, I have been chatting to a few people with regards to this strike, and one of them suggested that the WRFL may ask clubs to supply club umpires for U18, reserves and seniors. What are people's thoughts on that suggestion ?

 

[SWANNEES]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Wasn't at the game, so obviously I didn't see it.

The point is however, that as I have stated earlier, according to people I have spoken to, the Hoppers player pretty much got himself suspended by admitting that he did something (not sure what exactly). Whatever the Hoppers player said, was more or less what the umpire said. As such, he was suspended for two weeks. Basically his history counted for nothing as soon as he gave his evidence. A bit rough, but what can you do ?

With regards to not being sent off until half-time, there are a number of legitimate reason for this to occur. No cards available, confusion as to rules etc...

I think what we have to keep in mind is the fact that he was a club umpire, and was doing both Altona and Hoppers a favour. It was probably the first time he ever had to umpire, wasn't clear on rules regarding send-offs/reports etc...Apart from all this, if he didn't do it, there was no way the game would have gone ahead.

On a slightly different note, I have been chatting to a few people with regards to this strike, and one of them suggested that the WRFL may ask clubs to supply club umpires for U18, reserves and seniors. What are people's thoughts on that suggestion ?

just to clarify 3 of your points,,
onus is on club to supply cards,if did not know rules maybe should not have umpired,if no umpire side who cannot supply umpire forfiets as per wrfl ruling rgds.

 

[whispering jack]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

In div 2 ressies they use club umps every week and usually its a shambles, there are games where some honestly cheat, some just dont no the rules, if close games they tend to decide the result, it also has a tendency to insight violence on the field and at times in the crowd, if we were to have club umps doin all games this weekend it could open the door for trouble but if its the only way to have games go ahead i guess clubs will have to look at it.

 

[Iknowfooty]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

just to clarify 3 of your points,,
onus is on club to supply cards,if did not know rules maybe should not have umpired,if no umpire side who cannot supply umpire forfiets as per wrfl ruling rgds.

Good to see you back on BF Tails voicing your words of wisdom. Catch up for a beer at our ground next time around.

 

[AFC_2009]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

just to clarify 3 of your points,,
onus is on club to supply cards,if did not know rules maybe should not have umpired,if no umpire side who cannot supply umpire forfiets as per wrfl ruling rgds.

At the end of the day, I'm sure the Hoppers boys would have been very disappointed to come out to Altona, only to have the game forfeit.

 

[VIPER1]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

There is "NOTHING" bigger and more important than the bounce on Saturday. The umpires need to resolve this without bringing the game into disrepute, otherwise this falls into the category of conduct unbecoming.Here is an excert from the AFL code of conduct which includes umpires.
Responsible, ethical and lawful conduct is in the best interests of the AFL's key stakeholders - supporters, members, media and corporate partners and various levels of government as such conduct repays the trust, support and investment those stakeholders provide to clubs, players and the AFL.

As such, all persons involved in the AFL competition can be expected to be held to a higher standard of behaviour.

The upside is all junior football should be able to commence using their own club umpires as per normal, right up to under 18's. As for the seniors and reserves all clubs should find alternative umpires from other leagues if necessary because the show must go on!!

 

[FinalsTilt]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Memo from WRFL re Umpires dispute:

MEMORANDUM​

To:​

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WRFL Club Presidents, WRFL Club Administrators​

Cc:​

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WRFL Executive​

From:​

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WRFL CEO - John Batty
WRFL Football Operations Manager – David Newton​

Date:​

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Thursday 21st May, 2009​

Re: WRFL Umpires Association (WRFL UA) Strike​

We have been informed by the WRFL UA that they intend on withdrawing their services
from all matches commencing immediately and do not intend to make themselves
available until certain demands are met.
The first demand is concerned with a perceived payment issue relating to the non
payment of umpires who have nominated the WRFL UA as the point to which their pay
should be deposited. The WRFL have deposited the pays into the WRFL UA account
some 2 ½ weeks ago. There appears to be an accounting and administration problem
within the WRFL UA. The second demand relates to a personnel issue within the WRFL
Umpiring Department.
The WRFL administration is attempting to work through these issues and would hope that
they can be resolved prior to this week’s round of matches.
We would like to confirm that our position is that all scheduled matches will continue as
fixtured.
In the event of a shortage of umpires we will be recommending that competing clubs
organise club umpires to officiate.
We will be giving priority to the Division 1 & Division 2 Senior matches being covered
by WRFL appointed umpires that are not involved in this stop work action.
All clubs will be kept informed on any progress in relation to the matter via email to
ensure that the WRFL administration can continue to deal with this sensitive matter
constant telephone disruption.
Kind regards,
John Batty David Newton
CEO General Manager – Football Operations​

Western Region Football League Western Region Football League

 

[GameOver]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Viper - #1 we don't operate under the AFL (although they do seem keen to take over everything) so the AFL code of conduct is different to that of the WRFL. I've never seen the umpires go on strike like this before so it can't be just a small fry problem.

#2 - Your suggestion that clubs get umpires from elsewhere is ridiculous. Clubs from other leagues will not allow their umpires (as stakeholders in their league) to officiate in WRFL therefore downgrading the quality of umpires they receive for matches. And why would an umpire travel further to umpire a game that they would receive similar pay for and as others have said this involves pay issues. Why would they travel to not be assured of being paid.

 

[GameOver]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Does this follow on from the action last year regarding vote of no confidence in the coach, whereby the league continued to re-appoint that same coach?!?

 

[ROCK07]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Viper - #1 we don't operate under the AFL (although they do seem keen to take over everything) so the AFL code of conduct is different to that of the WRFL. I've never seen the umpires go on strike like this before so it can't be just a small fry problem.


GAMEOVER, Your wrong about our code of conduct, we do operate under the afl, along with the wrfl's own code.

While i was suspended i had to attend the wrfl office, they showed me the AFL code of conduct booklet, highlighting the rules that related to my circumstances.

On the umpire issue, hopefully it gets sorted asap, i'm personaly behind them in standing up for their rights.
Instead of clubs using their own umps we should support the umps and not play altogether. We are likely to have things get out of hand with club umps anyway.
Although i do not want game to not go ahead, support of the umps would be good from all clubs.

 

[AFC_2009]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Does this follow on from the action last year regarding vote of no confidence in the coach, whereby the league continued to re-appoint that same coach?!?

To the best of my knowledge, the answer to your question is yes. But this is only part of why the strike has been called. Reading the statement on here, it also appears that there is a pay dispute of some sort. Something about how they get paid and deductions relating to expenses etc... The issue of the orange out-fit is also involed - Just on that, it is an absolutely rediculous situation whereby you have the official umpires in fluro orange, the club runners in fluro orange and the waterboys in fluro green. For those of us with ordinary eyesight, it is a nightmare at times trying to distinguish exactly who is who.

 

[GameOver]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Apologies in regards to my comments about the code of conduct... I was specifically referring to the sentence posted by Viper that read: As such, all persons involved in the AFL competition can be expected to be held to a higher standard of behaviour. We do operate under code of conduct but that particular sentence does not include WRFL as we are not directly involved in the AFL competition.

Further to the same post in regards to the umpires sorting things out without this course of action or bringing the league into disrepute. Is that not what the vote of no confidence was before the league re-appointed the coach? That is action taken that is not brought into the spotlight yet was taken no notice of by the league. Its been quite a while since that action was taken and I would hope that there have been other attempts made to sort the issues out. If so, good on them for taking further action. If not, I agree, they should be taking reasonable steps to ensure the game continues.

 

[VIPER1]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Sorry Game Over but i didn't expect the excert to be taken so literally, the point of behaviour is merely a representation of the expectation of how we conduct ourselves during such issues. right now the umpires have pulled the pin and the financial issue as per the letter was in fact resolved 2 1/2 weeks ago but due to administrative issues relating to the umpires account not the leagues, therefore money is no longer a talking point. As for the code of conduct Rock covered that and as for getting umpires elswhere was meant to be taken in the context of lets try and get on the field and play the game. We are all responsible and obligated to each other to ensure the game goes ahead. My biggest concern is that the league which is supported by Football Victoria and the AFL will not capitulate to any part of the football fraternity, that ultimately puts a gun to its head and makes demands if it does it means the empire will crumble from the top. The umpires have right's and there is a dispute proceedure in place for issues to be worked out, the umpires are tired of getting nowhere so they've pulled the pin. Great as for my ridiculous comment about getting umpires elswhere i wasn't trying to ignore or disrespect the issues the umpires are having, i was purely saying that i am happy to pay outsiders more money to officiate my games to ensure my boys get on the park and play the game because i can and will if need be this Saturday. Other leagues are more than happy to allow their umpires to come to Melbourne this week as the league has recommended getting club umpires and most certainly have not disallowed official umpires coming from outside of Melbourne. Remember the league has support from the other leagues as it is in Football Victorias interest to ensure the umpire coup fails, otherwise the league has no control. the tail cannot wag the dog.
My tip is we'll be fine and commonsense will prevail.

 

[Battered]

The problem is not sorted, the league did put money into the umpires account but have refused to let the umpires know who the money belongs to so the umpires couldn't get paid anyway. They have a coach that is most disliked and has provided no training and enjoys causing trouble but the league keep defending him, and the umpires want to be rid of him. They have coaching this year for the field umpires the first time in 3 season due to two specialist field ump coaches. The umps originally had a vote of no confidence in their coach last year and had another one later in the year when the vote was 87 to 6 for no confidence in him and the umps have now had enogh and have pulled the pin as a last resort and they need some support as they get nothing from the league

 

[bloods05]

The problem is not sorted, the league did put money into the umpires account but have refused to let the umpires know who the money belongs to so the umpires couldn't get paid anyway. They have a coach that is most disliked and has provided no training and enjoys causing trouble but the league keep defending him, and the umpires want to be rid of him. They have coaching this year for the field umpires the first time in 3 season due to two specialist field ump coaches. The umps originally had a vote of no confidence in their coach last year and had another one later in the year when the vote was 87 to 6 for no confidence in him and the umps have now had enogh and have pulled the pin as a last resort and they need some support as they get nothing from the league

What was decided by Club's at training tonight,who is in favour of Club umpires doing the one's and who is going to play in the two's with Club umpires as per mostly normal.

Would be nice to know where most Club's stand on this point.

 

[ROCK07]

What was decided by Club's at training tonight,who is in favour of Club umpires doing the one's and who is going to play in the two's with Club umpires as per mostly normal.

Would be nice to know where most Club's stand on this point.

Port Colts are a working class club with a strong union links, we support the umps with their action.
Unless league umpires are provided we will not play.
I hope all clubs support the umpires on this issue, it will benifit the league long term, maybe even short term.
Hopefully common sense prevails

 

[Kozzis Dizzy]

Re: Western Region Football League Team (Part 3)

Sorry Game Over but i didn't expect the excert to be taken so literally, the point of behaviour is merely a representation of the expectation of how we conduct ourselves during such issues. right now the umpires have pulled the pin and the financial issue as per the letter was in fact resolved 2 1/2 weeks ago but due to administrative issues relating to the umpires account not the leagues, therefore money is no longer a talking point. As for the code of conduct Rock covered that and as for getting umpires elswhere was meant to be taken in the context of lets try and get on the field and play the game. We are all responsible and obligated to each other to ensure the game goes ahead. My biggest concern is that the league which is supported by Football Victoria and the AFL will not capitulate to any part of the football fraternity, that ultimately puts a gun to its head and makes demands if it does it means the empire will crumble from the top. The umpires have right's and there is a dispute proceedure in place for issues to be worked out, the umpires are tired of getting nowhere so they've pulled the pin. Great as for my ridiculous comment about getting umpires elswhere i wasn't trying to ignore or disrespect the issues the umpires are having, i was purely saying that i am happy to pay outsiders more money to officiate my games to ensure my boys get on the park and play the game because i can and will if need be this Saturday. Other leagues are more than happy to allow their umpires to come to Melbourne this week as the league has recommended getting club umpires and most certainly have not disallowed official umpires coming from outside of Melbourne. Remember the league has support from the other leagues as it is in Football Victorias interest to ensure the umpire coup fails, otherwise the league has no control. the tail cannot wag the dog.
My tip is we'll be fine and commonsense will prevail.

I for one find it hard to believe that umpires fromanother league will come to Melb to officiate, so much for sticking together? Obviously the umpires would not have resorted to this action unless it was warranted. I believe the league will have to act on this otherwise clubs that host home games this w/end will lose revenue, are the league going to compensate them? The round should not/could not be played with club umpires - all hell will break loose.
The league are always telling everyone to respect the umps, perhaps they might need to show some respect now and listen to their claims. I'd hope other clubs would not "pay more money" to outside scabs I mean umps to come and officiate in the WRFL.