Umpires

[1eyedog]

Here we go again another useless thread about umpires. Umpire bashing is becoming as common as bottled water these days but what I don't understand is the inconsistency throughout the length of an entire game by the same umpire. I have no set example, it is an impression gained from watching most games of footy this year. The first quarter is umpired differently to the third quarter and the last quarter is umpired differently than the other three. Do umpires just say 'Bugger it I've got sore lips I'm sick of blowing this thing I'm going to put it away until the first quarter of next week?'

Seriously, why do umpires pull out a million free kicks in the first half and barely blow the whistle when the going gets tough? Do they honestly miss that many free kicks in the last quarter in the midst of the battle or are they too timid in case they make a bad decision, potentially influencing the game result? Why is there so much diversity in the decision making process through four quarters of football. It really gets on my nerves even when the Bulldogs aren't playing and bad/too many decisions often spoils a good game of footy. What can be done? Is more criticism from Kennett and Malthouse and co actually going to help or incite an official review?

[Before I Die]

Are players often inconsistent across the four quarters? Clearly, the answer is yes. Why is this the case? Fitness, nerves, .......?

Same question, probably same answer.

[1eyedog]

I would argue the players role is X100 of that of umpires, although I see what you are alluding to. An umpire runs around and goes decision, decision, a player busts his gut, gets smashed and then does it all over again. I think we can expect a little more consistency from umpires, it's the only thing they have to do out there, make decisions I mean. I'm not sure if any data exists but I would like to see how many free kicks are paid per quarter. I'd wager that the percentage of free kicks per quarter goes down markedly the further the game progresses while (IMO) more free kicks are obvious, especially in tight games where players are tired and the scores are close.

[Mofra]

Umpires have an impossible task. As much as the inconsistencies piss me off, I don't think there is a way amongst a pool of 12+ umpires, with rules that are highly open to interpretation, to achieve consistancy.

[1eyedog]

Yep spot on I suppose. It's almost a rhetorical question. There are way too many contingencies for consistency so there is no singular explanation for it. I''ll live with it but it is still a huge detraction from the game itself IMO.

[bornadog]

You know what, its useless getting heated up about umpires as once the decision is made, there is stuff all you can do about it. Very few games are decided by the umpires.

[AndrewP6]

You know what, its useless getting heated up about umpires as once the decision is made, there is stuff all you can do about it. Very few games are decided by the umpires.

No, but quite a few are spoilt by them...

[Rocket Science]

You know what, its useless getting heated up about umpires as once the decision is made, there is stuff all you can do about it. Very few games are decided by the umpires.

Not sure I'd concur. I've seen numerous decisions/non-decisions at critical junctures in games this year alone.

If they unduly influence the result of one game, it's one too many.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Umpiring has become a bit like solving a tough mathematical equation, so many formulae and rules to remember that it has become difficult and complicated and they are understandably finding it hard to make a good judgement or get the right answer at times.

It is hard not to get frustrated, especially when different umpires in the same game are interpreting these rules differently. But I agree the finger of blame should be pointed at the blokes behind the desks who are almost ocd with their kneejerk tinkering of the rules from year to year.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Just an afterthought, so far the controversial 'rushed behind' rule has seem to work quite well, but is anyone else exceptionally nervous about this massive grey area?

I just feel that, like the deliberate out of bounds, they are going to be reluctant to pay it until that one moment in a tight contest, in a massive game, when the crowd sweeps them up in the moment and it will cost a team (hopefully not us) the game.

It is a ticking timebomb...

[Go_Dogs]

Full time professional umpiring is the only way to help fix these issues. I've been saying it for a few years now. Some in the media are starting to sprout the same thing...hopefully soon enough it happens.

[LostDoggy]

3 things about umpiring

-Dont show them on TV (if possible)

-Dont mention their names

-Dont play the audio from their mic's

[Sockeye Salmon]

Just an afterthought, so far the controversial 'rushed behind' rule has seem to work quite well, but is anyone else exceptionally nervous about this massive grey area?

I just feel that, like the deliberate out of bounds, they are going to be reluctant to pay it until that one moment in a tight contest, in a massive game, when the crowd sweeps them up in the moment and it will cost a team (hopefully not us) the game.

It is a ticking timebomb...

It's working very well so far but it's still a disaster waiting to happen.

So far the umpires have handled it fantastically well, not paying it until the player (Pratt) has given them no other possible option - good for them - but at this stage every player is petrified of the rule.

The next thing that will happen is players will start to get a bit more comfortable with it and start pushing the umpires patience a bit more. The handball through that just missed a teammate, running it over the line while under 'pressure' (or not?). That's when the umpires will really be under the pump and a glory hunter like Chamberlain will pull the trigger while a less experienced (and less egotistical) umpire will let it go.

[Sedat]

It's working very well so far but it's still a disaster waiting to happen.

So far the umpires have handled it fantastically well, not paying it until the player (Pratt) has given them no other possible option - good for them - but at this stage every player is petrified of the rule.

The next thing that will happen is players will start to get a bit more comfortable with it and start pushing the umpires patience a bit more. The handball through that just missed a teammate, running it over the line while under 'pressure' (or not?). That's when the umpires will really be under the pump and a glory hunter like Chamberlain will pull the trigger while a less experienced (and less egotistical) umpire will let it go.
We've been the worst team at handling the new rule so far - I counted 2 goals that we conceded directly as a result of panicking near our defensive goal line against Carlton, and then there was the Addison brain fade against North that cost us another goal.

I also fear that the rule will become less consistently interpreted as the season unfolds.

[1eyedog]

Not sure I'd concur. I've seen numerous decisions/non-decisions at critical junctures in games this year alone.

If they unduly influence the result of one game, it's one too many.

Agreed. While we didn't kick straight anyone remember the Brad Johnson decision in the second half of the last quarter in last year's Prelim? I bet you all do and we were still a show at that juncture.

[bornadog]

We've been the worst team at handling the new rule so far - I counted 2 goals that we conceded directly as a result of panicking near our defensive goal line against Carlton, and then there was the Addison brain fade against North that cost us another goal.

I also fear that the rule will become less consistently interpreted as the season unfolds.

When you play football one way for 100 years, and then some dude changes it overnight, its hard to get use to it.

[Mofra]

When you play football one way for 100 years, and then some dude changes it overnight, its hard to get use to it.
Aw c'mon now, apart from Robert Harvey who would still be capable of playing football when they're 100 years old?

[Happy Days]

You know what, its useless getting heated up about umpires as once the decision is made, there is stuff all you can do about it. Very few games are decided by the umpires.

Rd 21, 2005?

That was enough for mine.

[LostDoggy]

By 2064, umpires will be replaced by perfectly impartial robots who apply the laws of the game consistently and dispassionately.

Be patient folks.

[bornadog]

Aw c'mon now, apart from Robert Harvey who would still be capable of playing football when they're 100 years old?

Very funny:D

[LostDoggy]

Aw c'mon now, apart from Robert Harvey who would still be capable of playing football when they're 100 years old?

Craig Bradley.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Aw c'mon now, apart from Robert Harvey who would still be capable of playing football when they're 100 years old?

Michael Tuck. He was about double that when he retired. I dont think he actually started playing till his 70's

[AndrewP6]

The monkeys are at it again in the Weagles Vs Tiges game...penalised one of the Tigers for deliberately rushing a behind, then ten minutes later a bloke does exactly that and its OK... Oh well, I suppose I'll cut them some slack...it's a ridiculous rule..

[Happy Days]

The monkeys are at it again in the Weagles Vs Tiges game...penalised one of the Tigers for deliberately rushing a behind, then ten minutes later a bloke does exactly that and its OK... Oh well, I suppose I'll cut them some slack...it's a ridiculous rule..

Bit harsh...Polo took it upon himself to create the pressure he was under, and had ample time to get rid of the ball. Embley, on the other hand, simply had no other option. I thought the umpires did that well.

[AndrewP6]

Bit harsh...Polo took it upon himself to create the pressure he was under, and had ample time to get rid of the ball. Embley, on the other hand, simply had no other option. I thought the umpires did that well.

Agree on Polo...he looked stupid, as he had heaps of time and options. I reckon ones like Embley's should be penalised... if that's the rule they want to have in...if that wasn't deliberately rushed, then nothing is...

[bornadog]

Couldn't believe how quickly the umpire blew the whistle for a 50metre penalty against both Libba and Bob. They barely moved and bang.

[azabob]

Couldn't believe how quickly the umpire blew the whistle for a 50metre penalty against both Libba and Bob. They barely moved and bang.

And Liberatores holding the ball in the first ten seconds.

[bornadog]

And Liberatores holding the ball in the first ten seconds.

That was truly a joke.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Couldn't believe how quickly the umpire blew the whistle for a 50metre penalty against both Libba and Bob. They barely moved and bang.

Yep .and yet there were a couple of similar occasions where the Bombers did the same...yet ever so charitably were advised to go back a metre.

[The bulldog tragician]

And yet there's a Bomber whingefest on twitter :)

[bornadog]

And yet there's a Bomber whingefest on twitter :)

Last time I looked they had more frees than us.

[jeemak]

Couldn't believe how quickly the umpire blew the whistle for a 50metre penalty against both Libba and Bob. They barely moved and bang.

In each instance they clearly let themselves down and showed a complete lack of either discipline or awareness. Nobody to blame but themselves, and next time each should take note of where the mark is and make a point of showing the umpires they're aware of it by pointing down and taking a step back from it.

It's bloody simple, and it seems we get done for it more than others.

[jeemak]

Last time I looked they had more frees than us.

I didn't look at the frees after the 20 minute mark of the third either.......

:)

[mitch0418]

And Liberatores holding the ball in the first ten seconds.

Yeah that was ridiculous. I really don't understand the holding the ball rule and I think the umpires have even less a clue. How can Libba get pinged when he was tackled as soon as it was tapped to him yet later in that quarter or the third a Bombers player (can't remember who sorry) was tackled in their forward 50, did a 360 degree turn that looked like he was doing the waltz and the ball got knocked out of his hands but that was play on and resulted in a goal for them. If you have time to swing around in a full circle and bow to your dance partner then I'm pretty sure that is prior opportunity. It makes me angry every week.

[WBFC4FFC]

Yeah that was ridiculous. I really don't understand the holding the ball rule and I think the umpires have even less a clue. How can Libba get pinged when he was tackled as soon as it was tapped to him yet later in that quarter or the third a Bombers player (can't remember who sorry) was tackled in their forward 50, did a 360 degree turn that looked like he was doing the waltz and the ball got knocked out of his hands but that was play on and resulted in a goal for them. If you have time to swing around in a full circle and bow to your dance partner then I'm pretty sure that is prior opportunity. It makes me angry every week.

Hate those ones, where the ball is knocked out but the ump does not want to stop the flow of the game, yet the infringer's side profits from it!

[bornadog]

Yeah that was ridiculous. I really don't understand the holding the ball rule and I think the umpires have even less a clue. How can Libba get pinged when he was tackled as soon as it was tapped to him yet later in that quarter or the third a Bombers player (can't remember who sorry) was tackled in their forward 50, did a 360 degree turn that looked like he was doing the waltz and the ball got knocked out of his hands but that was play on and resulted in a goal for them. If you have time to swing around in a full circle and bow to your dance partner then I'm pretty sure that is prior opportunity. It makes me angry every week.

Another rule that was tinkered with many years ago, and now everyone is confused including umpires

[bornadog]

Razor Ray is retiring. I like this quote from him when asked about favourite players he likes to interact with:

“Ben Hudson, the people's beard, he was always at me, but always funny."

For those newbies, this phrase was born on WOOF by one of our posters and at the time grew and grew.


The Coon Dog called me and said, call Rocket, he wants you to do a presentation to Huddo. Ohmygod.

I called Rocket and it was true. I was to turn up to an Opposition Review meeting, make a presentation front of the entire team of a BHBAS t-shirt to Huddo. And if I wanted I could stay for the meeting.

Apparently the idea was put together by Mr Murphy and Mr Minson who are good mates of Huddos. I was advised that he is a smartarse who hangs shit on everyone. (I actually witnessed this - he is v funny)

I arrived at 9.30, met Rocket, and then Murph and Gilbs and showed them the Powerpoint presentation I had put together. They loved it. The plan was for the meeting to start, Murph to introduce me as someone who had a proposition about fundraising for the end of year trip and then I was away.

Before the meeting I spent a pleasant few minutes talking with Rocket. He is a lovely bloke, he is upbeat about the teams prospects this year but also realistic. I didn't hear anything I didn't want to hear.

I went into the meeting at 10 - I met Johnno ("Hi I'm Brad" and I wanted to say "Der!" but I didn't. I met Gia who was on the massage table which they have in their small theatre/meeting room. So I sat in a chair next to the massage table where Gia was getting a rub down (I first sat in one of the proper seats and was told "That's Aker's seat, you don't want to sit there"

Rocket opened the meeting, and asked Murph to say a few words. Murph got up and introduced me as someone who was here to talk to them about a fundraising proposal for the end of year. I stood up and they started the first slide - everyone laughed! (thank god) and we went from there.

I had a pretty tense 48 hours putting the slides together, but it paid off.

I thanked everyone for coming along to the Annual General Meeting of the Ben Hudson's Beard Appreciation Society. I also thanked Rocket and the Club for hosting the meeting and announced that we had a special guest as well! Not only had Ben Hudson's beard come along but also Ben Hudson!

The presentation went better than expected. At the end, I called Mr Hudson down gave him a t-shirt and presented a certificate of appreciation to his beard.

The presentation is attached below - the biggest laughs were for the "this is a beard" photo and the "how we will win a flag photo".

I got many laughs and clapping and hand shakes afterwards and frankly I am so impressed with myself I don't know what to do.

The opposition review meeting was fascinating. The dogs are very professional, very focused.

Later, Rocket gave me a tour and then I watched training for an hour or so. I had a lovely time.

Will attach the presentation and so on as soon asap.

[Sedat]

Unpopular opinion, Razor Ray is an excellent umpire. He does have a giant ego but he almost always makes the right decisions (and non-decisions) when officiating.

[Happy Days]

New most hated umpire is that one with the horrible 2011-era slicked back undercut. I will not be learning his name.

[Mantis]

New most hated umpire is that one with the horrible 2011-era slicked back undercut. I will not be learning his name.

Jacob Mollison - 32

You can thank me later.

[mighty_west]

Unpopular opinion, Razor Ray is an excellent umpire. He does have a giant ego but he almost always makes the right decisions (and non-decisions) when officiating.

He probably got a bad rap because of that ego but always thought he was a good ump, the one i couldn't stand was Dean Margetts, now he was shite!!!

[ledge]

Razor loving the attention that retirement brings.
He is like the famous dicky bird, David shepherd and Billy Bowden of AFL.
All of those in one , quirky would be the word.

[Axe Man]

The Most Brutal Sledge Ray Chamberlain Copped During His Career (https://articles.listnr.com/triple-m/the-most-brutal-sledge-ray-chamberlain-copped-during-his-career/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=comment&fbclid=IwY2xjawETxypleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcAh13JsMEhHF68dNBffgxA fN5yLro2iM_JdEGlXbIAoOEqOj1sq4QCmeQ_aem_ttxUTsIhprsy0tBhlJGg RQ)