After a recent consultation between the East Gippsland Football Netball League (EGFNL) and East Gippsland Umpires Association (EGUA), all senior and junior clubs were issued with a letter regarding escalating concerns in relation to umpire abuse by players and spectators.
At the fore front is abuse at junior games on Sundays, which has increased dramatically, raising concerns among officials,
Causing further concerns in regard to junior matches, most are being officiated by younger umpires in the infancy of their career.
These budding umpiring stars of tomorrow can’t afford to be lost to umpiring given the current environment in the region.
Field umpiring numbers in the East Gippsland are at a low, levels unseen for the many years, with appointments to the Omeo and District Football Netball League spasmodic at best
The league has adopted a zero-tolerance policy in regard to abuse from players, officials and spectators.
From round seven, any player, official or spectator who breaches the EGFNL Code of Conduct will see the league impose financial penalties on the club.
These fines will be on top of any suspensions handed down by the Match Review Officer for reportable offences and the costs associated with Match Review.
Interestingly the numbers of reports thus far in season 2025 are down dramatically on recent seasons.
Spectators will be dealt with by the league, with fines imposed on the club.
The league is encouraging clubs to ensure that players, officials and spectators are aware of the Codes of Conduct and the consequences of breaching the codes.
The local umpires will also have to tighten up their officiating of the law, with a player sent off for umpire abuse in the recent Bairnsdale verses Maffra senior Gippsland League fixture but not reported.
