Ballarat Umpires Called Up For Championships

Thursday 22 May 2008

Ballarat umpires called up for championships

Five Ballarat umpires have made the grade to officiate at the 2008 WorkSafe Football Championships in Shepparton later this month.

Seniors umpire Jarrod Burns will join under-18 umpires Ben Murphy, Rhys Duggan, Liam
George and Callum Leonard at the championships.

They join a squad of 26 umpires who have been chosen through their involvement in the
V/Line Umpire Academy.

The V/Line Umpire Academy is part of V/Line's partnership with the Victorian Country Football
League (VCFL).

The academies train over 250 umpire hopefuls from which squads are chosen to officiate at
competitions such as the V/Line Cup, Victorian Country Championships and AFL International
Cup.

V/Line CEO, Rob Barnett, said through the V/Line Umpire Academy budding umpires have the
opportunity to develop the skills necessary for careers in professional umpiring.

"V/Line is proud to get behind the umpires of the future," Mr Barnett said.

"There's just so much value to be gained by helping these young people hone their skills,
develop valuable leadership qualities and build confidence."

Mr Barnett said V/Line sponsored the first umpire academy last year and was so impressed
with the enthusiasm, dedication and caliber of participants, V/Line was compelled to commit to
a 2008 program.

"It's great to see so much potential coming from the regions where V/Line plays a pivotal
transport role, these five are doing Ballarat proud."

VCFL Umpire Manager Gerard Ryan said V/Line's support of the program was invaluable.

"V/Line's involvement with the program ensures umpire have the opportunity to develop their
talent and potentially lead them to a career as an umpire in the AFL," Mr Ryan said.

The 2008 WorkSafe Championships (Pool A) will be held at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton from
Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June.

For more information about V/Line's sponsorship of the VCFL and V/Line umpiring academy
visit vline.com.au.