A continual decline in umpire numbers is threatening to undermine the integrity of the Mininera and District Football League.
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League president John Box said there have been times in 2021 when there have not been enough umpires available to cover all the fixtures.
"This year we've had to use club umpires about four or five times, which is more than we've had to use in previous years, so it's definitely getting worse," he said.
The League is provided its umpires from the Ararat and District Umpires Association and Western District Umpires Association Hamilton.
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However, Box said with the dearth of umpires extending beyond the region, widespread changes may be necessary.
"I think it's a shortage right through Victoria," he said.
"The umpires associations and the AFL are trying to get more people interested in umpiring.
"I think it's been discussed that there maybe needs to be an increase in wages, and an effort to educate people to stop them abusing umpires on the boundary, otherwise we're going to be in trouble."
Western District Umpires Association's Caleb Millard said they had a dedicated group of umpires but one that is stretched thin
"We've been really short the past couple of years. We're doing our best but the numbers we have at the moment are not great," he said.
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"Hopefully we can still supply umpires for all the footy clubs out there."
Millard said the issue had been exacerbated since the 2020 season was curtailed due to COVID-19.
"In 2019, we had about 16 field umpire, then by the time we returned from COVID we lost four or five because of fears about the contact with the players and the footy," he said.
"The last couple of weeks, before the (circuit breaker) lockdown happened, we were really struggling to fill in our games."
Millard said the association was eager to welcome new faces.
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"We're happy to give anyone a go; from young to old. It's really important to have umpires at the end of the day because if you don't have them there won't be a game of footy," he said.
People interested in becoming an umpire can inbox the Western District Umpires Association on its Facebook page or phone Caleb Millard on 0499 804 099.
Registrations for the Ararat and District Umpires Association can also be made on the GameDay website.
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