POP’S CHAT
GAME ON!!
Final home and away games are ahead as the 2026 Finals series looms.
For Umpires, the landscape changes. Games for many teams are “crunch games”. Finals contention, making the 5, having a chance to play finals….these are super crucial themes our football clubs are embracing at this time.
This is the time of year our umpires are making the preparations for their finals series as well.
Weekly formal written feedback has now ceased. Observers and selectors have provided regular feedback through the season using Sportsgauge. Mid Season Reviews and regular feedback should see every umpire well placed to contend for those important games ahead, put advice into action.
Sportsgauge ensures observers of games are directed in their observations to the same match performance criteria. They are all expected to look for the performance attributes the feedback forms require. This ensures a steady message to guide the development of every umpire viewed.
From now on, observers and selectors will speak to umpires when reviewing games and we hope that umpires too will seek this verbal feedback as they prepare for finals footy.
The key messages remain …
” Sustained performance over 4 quarters, well-manged games, focused and clear positioning/decisions to enhance the football contest. Strong team performances in each discipline, everyone working together.”
Every umpire has their part to play. Every game from now on is vitally important to teams and we have the privilege of umpiring those games to bring out the best in footy and in ourselves.
Prepare well…. BE READY, BE RELIABLE, BE REALISTIC and above all ENJOY-every game
This is the time of year we share and love so much.
POP
To View Previous Pops chat click on the dates
7th April 2026 - Pops Chat 1
13th April 2026 - Pops Chat 2
FIELD UMPIRES NOTES
20/7/26 -
TRENDS:
Set kick after siren procedure (whistle, hands up in order necessary etc)
Ground inspection with your fellow fieldies to discuss tactics, positioning and conditions.
Whistle intensity and accompanying voiced decisions
Voice every handover and tap through- looking behind after handovers.
TRAINING EMPHASIS IDEAS
1. Team work and encouragement of voice (respectful Vs assertive)
2. BTI Triggers.. when to and where to position. (maybe work with boundaries here?)
3. Pack movement…anti flat foot.
4. Making position and distance apart in 2 and 3 umpire games…different adjustments needed.
GOAL UMPIRES NOTES
20/7/26
Revise protocols about correct identical dress.
Revise protocol about waving off the scores
Revise protocols about ball hits post for minor score and card making timing.
TRAINING EMPHASIS
1. Getting under flight for set kicks and distance from goal line at set shorts.
2. Flag retrieval and return and maintaining up-field vision.
3. Shoulder taps being more pronounced, flag waves less daggy (across faces)
GOAL HISTORY