THE Bendigo Umpires Association’s mentor program is assisting in nine of its members making the transition from boundary to field umpiring this season.
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The umpires are learning on the job at under-14 level in the Bendigo Junior Football League in what was previously known as the Green Shirt Program.
“In previous years we averaged about four members wanting to switch to field, so to have nine members from the start of the season is great for junior football,” BUA coach Dean Goodridge said ahead of Community Umpiring Round this weekend.
“We’ve had so many of our members come through this program, including umpires like Ben O’Brien and Bronte Annand, who are now field umpires in the VFL.
“It’s a tough gig to get out in front of everyone, blow the whistle and pay a free kick for the first time, but have faith… the BUA puts extensive time into providing footage and documentation to assist in their learning.”
The BUA trains at Weeroona Oval on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5.30pm.
