Umpire development manager for AFL Victoria Country, Rod Threlfall said the award recognised the group's outstanding feats on and off the field last season.

"The initatives the BUA had in place impressed the judging panel," Threlfall said.

"The BUA's work in the charitable field, building links with the North Central league, and it's feedback and observers group were all great initatives.

"The Bendigo umpires are an active participant in the V/Line Academy program, have promoted themselves through the media, have a physio to help treat or limit injuries, and the coaches have done a lot to help train and educate new umpires."

BUA chairman and field umpire John Norton said the award was great recognition for all involved with umpiring across various levels of football.

"I am extremely proud of all our members and particularly the board and coaching staff who work tirelessly each year," Norton said.

"Our first aim is to do the best job we can.

"Although we don’t set out to achieve this type of award, it is great recognition from the football community."

Among the highs in 2014 were new members to the goal and field umpire group through the “introduce a friend” initiative.

"We are strongly supported by our sponsors Bendigo Bank, GJ Gardner Homes and Bendigo Stadium where we hold a majority of our social functions," he said.

Norton encouraged anyone contemplating football  umpiring, either field, boundary or goal, to give it a go.

Pictured at Friday's presentation at Queen Elizabeth Oval were Tony McNamara, football development manager for AFL Central Victoria; Dean Goodridge, director of coaching at BUA; Rod Threlfall, umpire development manager AFL Victoria Country; John Norton, BUA chairman and field umpire; and Mitch Pitt, BUA board member and field umpire. 

The Bendigo Umpires Assocaition's annual general meeting will be held on December 3 from 6.30pm in the Weeroona Oval clubrooms.