LAST weekend was Umpire Appreciation Round in the EDFL and for Australian Rules football across the state.
We are incredibly proud that 540 females and males are supporting our competition as umpires in 2019.
We were fortunate to have six umpires from the AFL panel attend our EDFL umpire’s training at Windy Hill.
All were generous with their time and shared the journey and learnings with our aspiring umpires.
Six of our promising umpires attended AFL umpires training at IKON Park last week.
It is tremendous that we are able to provide these experiences for these umpires and hope that in the future they will progress to umpire at that level.
Other EDFL umpires were given a ‘money can’t buy’ experience last Saturday night when they walked out onto Marvel Stadium with the full AFL umpiring panel for that match, dressed in their EDFL umpires uniform (pictured above).
Photos from this occasion clearly reflect the excitement and enjoyment from this special moment.
EDFL footballers will highlight the importance of mental health this weekend when they take part in a state-wide AFL Victoria beyondblue Round from May 10-12.
Footballers across the state will wear blue tape around their wrists to educate the football community on mental health and wellbeing, and the support available.
In previous years, AFL Victoria consulted with clubs and found that mental health was one of the leading priorities for both players and supporters.
Wearing blue tape is a symbolic action telling everyone that speaking up and seeking support for mental health is OK, the same way we talk about and seek support for physical injuries.
Many clubs are also organising fundraising and awareness raising events within their club.
All the best for the weekend.
