IT’S NOT often one of Australia’s premier umpires takes a training session, but for the south east’s up-and-coming umpires, Wednesday’s run around in the rain turned out to be their best yet of the season.
Trading his usual stomping grounds in the AFL for Fountain Gate’s Max Pawsey Reserve, AFL umpire Ben Ryan came out to run the best-and-brightest of the South East Juniors (SEJ) umpiring brigade through their paces.
Whistles at the ready, the umpires learned from the umpiring veteran, with 67 AFL matches under his belt, as he instructed the juniors on everything from following the action around the ground, throw-ins and ball-ups to what it takes to become an elite umpire.
South East Juniors’ Umpiring Manager Rod Hamilton said the umpires learned a tremendous amount from Ryan.
“Ben Ryan is fantastic and he interacted well with the kids,” Hamilton said.
“For the kids – to see an AFL umpire in real life – it’s a great thrill.
“Even in the pouring rain he’s running around with the boys and girls and answered all their questions.”
Ryan regaled the umpires about his four years umpiring in the top league – amazing the kids with his superhuman running skills as he knocks off around 15 kilometres per match – and what it takes to progress through the ranks and become an elite umpire.
“Everyone was really impressed with him,” Hamilton said.
“He started at Rockhampton – and AFL is a fifth sport up there – and he emphasised that if you dream and continue to live it, hopefully the success comes.
“He told us he runs 14-16 kilometres a game… I think that was the biggest surprise for the kids – just how much work they have to do.”
With around 200 junior umpires in the South East Juniors ranks, the league is burgeoning throughout the ranks, but is always looking for new umpires of any age or gender to join up and blow the whistle to support the sport.
If anyone is interested in joining the league – field umpires in particular at the moment – contact the league at umpiring@southeastjuniors.com.au.
