The Mininera and District Football League is working to ensure there will be enough umpires for the new season, only two weeks out from the first round.
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The league is still waiting on confirmation that Wimmera Umpires Association will be available to provide officials for the Mininera and district league games.
New chairman John Box said the league met with the umpires association on Wednesday night to discuss the use of the umpires during the 2017 season.
“We are still chasing some umpires for the season, we are a bit short on Wimmera umpires but hopefully by the end of the weekend after the meeting we will know more on the situation,” he said.
“We have Ararat and Hamilton umpires on board already but we just need a few more to complete the squad.
“It is definitely the main worry at the moment and I hope the Wimmera umpires do come on board.
“But I do not believe there is any risk of not having enough umpires for the opening round.”
Box took over from former chairman David Watson during the off-season and is working hard to try and boost junior numbers.
Box said he has put forward a proposal that could help the teams struggling with players in the younger teams.
“Junior numbers are still down which has been a bit of an issue as of late,” he said.
“The numbers in the cities and bigger towns are okay, but the more isolated areas are struggling a little bit.
“So I have recommended that we look at trying to encourage the extra numbers to go and play for other teams to try and spread it around a bit.”
There is a meeting planned for the weekend where Box will meet with clubs ahead of the season.
Box said it was important to keep in regular contact with clubs before and during the season to ensure there are no major issues.
“It is good to get in contact with the other clubs and ensure they are all set for the season,” he said.
“And to discuss anything that they feel may need to be addressed.”
Box also said it was good to see more players changing teams, rather than leaving the league completely.
“There has been a bit of a turnover but it has always had strong numbers in the seniors,” Box said.
“Probably more than most years I would say.”
A resolution is expected regarding the umpiring situation by the end of the weekend.
