2008 Laws of the Game Changes
Posted: Monday 26 November 2007
Source: www.afl.com.au

The AFL Commission met on Tuesday 20th November 2007 to consider the recommendations from the Laws of the Game Committee. The result of the meeting was that there will be no major changes in season 2008 with the AFL Commission believing that it is now time for a year of consolidation.

The following minor changes will occur to the Laws of Australian Football:

1. Emergency umpire ability to end quarters
Rule 10.4.2
“Play in each quarter shall come to an end when any one of the field Umpires or emergency field Umpires hears the siren.”
The adjustment to this rule allows for the emergency umpire to assist (if necessary) with communication to the field umpires that the quarter has come to an end. The emergency umpire is likely to be closer to the siren than the field umpires and so better positioned to notify them that a quarter has ended in the event that a siren is not heard. This change will reduce the likelihood of potential errors.

2. Relocation of centre square and circle
Rule 4.3
“Where a Controlling Body is satisfied that the area within the Centre Square and Centre Circle will prevent the bouncing of the football or is otherwise in an unsuitable condition, it may direct the relocation of the Centre Square and or Centre Circle.”
This is a technical change for what is generally normal practice in junior competitions.

NSWAFUA grows a Mo for Movember
Posted: Thursday 1 November



During Movember (the month formerly known as November), Members of the NSWAFUA will be growing a Mo to help support men's health and the fight against male depression and prostate cancer. Why...

• Depression affects 1 in 6 men...Most don't seek help. Untreated depression is a leading risk factor for suicide.
• Last year in Australia 18,700 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 2,900 died of prostate cancer - equivalent to the number of women who die from breast cancer annually.
• Men are far less healthy than women. The average life expectancy of males is 5 years less than females.

To join our NSWAFUA Movember team, go to http://www.movember.com/au/register and simply follow the steps. Once you have completed your registration you'll be
sent all the info you need to get growing and sponsored as part of our
Movember team. You will need these details to complete your online registration:
Captain's Rego: 127627
Captain's Email Address: jfox@internode.on.net

To sponsor our NSWAFUA Mo, please go to http://www.movember.com/au/donate, enter our registration number (which is 127627) and your credit card details. Or you can sponsor us by cheque made payable to the "Movember Foundation" clearly marking the donation as being for my Registration Number: 127627. Please mail cheques to: PO Box 292, Prahran VIC 3181. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

The money raised by Movember is donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue - the national depression initiative, which will use the funds to create awareness, fund research and increase support networks for those men who suffer from prostate cancer and male depression.

Thanks for your support!

Unofficial pre-season training has now commenced
Posted: Tuesday 3 October 2007

It’s time to start thinking of the 2008 season!

Non compulsory pre-season training commenced on Tuesday 30 October. Danny Deigan will be taking the Sydney AFL Umpires (October to January) pre-season training this summer. Sessions will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6pm, and Saturday mornings at 8am - all at various venues. There will also be some supplementary material on cross training and strength sessions (to be done in your own time).

Danny will send out weekly emails to all umpires with session details, times and locations. If you are not on this email list, have any suggestions, questions or feedback about any of the sessions, or would like more information regarding pre-season training please Contact Us.

2007 NSWAFUA Award Winners
Posted: Monday 24 September 2007

Congratulations to the following award winners at the 2007 NSWAFUA Presentation Night, held on Saturday 22 September at Bond Cafe.

The Presentation Night Edition of White Line Fever and photos from the evening are available in Members.

Information about the award criteria and previous recipients is available in Award Winners.

Kalayzich named Sydney AFL Team of the Year Umpire
Posted: Friday 14 September

Frank Kalayzich has been named as the umpire in the inaugural Sydney AFL Team of the Year, unveiled at the 2007 Grand Final Luncheon. It is the first time that a team of this nature has been selected with the Coaches of the ten Premier Division teams given the responsibility of selecting the side.

From everyone at the NSWAFUA, congratulations Frank!

Sydney AFL article on the Sydney AFL Team of the Year.

Premier Division Grand Final Umpires
Posted: Tuesday 11 September 2007

Umpires for this weekends Premier Division Grand Finals at Henson Park on Saturday 15 September have been announced. Congratulations to the following umpires on their appointment.

Sydney AFL article on the Grand Final appointments.

First and Second Division Grand Final Umpires
>Posted: Thursday 6 September

Umpires for this weekends First and Second Division Grand Finals at Kelso Oval on Saturday 8 September have been announced. Congratulations to the following umpires on their appointment.

Umpires for this weekends Under 18 Challenge Cup Grand Final at Henson Park on Sunday 9 September have also been announced. Congratulations to the following umpires on their appointment.

Macca runs 150th AFL boundary
Posted: Monday 3 September



Last weekend one of the AFL’s most experienced umpires, Adam McDonald, umpired his 150th AFL game on the boundary.

Adam first began umpiring in 1990 at the age of 20 in what is now the Southern League in Melbourne. By 1992 he had progressed to the VFL and with steady improvement over the next few years culminated with an appointment to the 1997 AFL Reserves Grand Final.

In 1998 Adam was elevated to the AFL senior list and has remained there since. He reached the peak of his umpiring in the years of 2001-2003 where he umpired 3 AFL regular season finals (one of which being a second semi final) and an AFL pre season grand final in 1999.

Such is Adam’s enthusiasm and approach to umpiring that a few years ago he set himself to a goal of running 1000km in a pre season.

During pre season in 2005 Macca broke down with a back injury that required surgery and put him out for the entire season. Many would retire at this point but not Macca, and through dedication to rehabilitation and a gradual trust in his body he returned to the AFL in 2006, and by mid season was back to his best form.

Adam also gives much back to umpiring and is constantly involved in administration and the welfare of umpiring as the AFLUA representative in NSW. He has always taken a genuine interest in the welfare of umpiring and other umpires, and is much respected by the Melbourne boundaries as the founding member of the AFL Grand Final “Geebung”, recovery session.

Since moving to Sydney in 2006 Adam has helped to guide up and coming boundary umpires at Sydney and AFL level. You will never see him give less than 110% every time he runs out on the ground and by example of his approach to umpiring continues to be an inspiration to developing umpire both on and off the field.

Adam’s consistently good form and extensive understanding of the game has kept him umpiring at the top level of boundary umpiring in Australia.

The NSWAFUA and all connected with Sydney AFL football, along with Molly, Ella and Penny, would like to extend their congratulation to Macca on umpiring his 150th senior AFL game last weekend at the SCG.

Frank Whistles Up 350
Posted: Wednesday 15 August



One of Sydney’s most recognisable field umpires – Frank Kalayzich – umpires his 350th Senior Grade game this weekend. Frank is well known and respected by all of the Premier Division clubs in the Sydney AFL, as well as the officials and players. All associated with football in Sydney have appreciated Frank’s open and friendly discussions both on and off the field. His relationships with various senior clubs ties back to his early playing days when he played for North Shores Under 18’s team with many of the football personalities still involved in various Sydney football clubs today.

Frank has been umpiring in the Sydney AFL for 24 years, and it is a great achievement for him to maintain the high standards he has set over such a long period of time. Frank is known for his quality and consistency in decision making, which does not waiver in any circumstances. Frank is also a valued Life Member of the NSW Australian Football Umpires Association, which he was awarded in 1996.

Frank could not know, as a teacher at Christian Brothers' Manly, that when he was asked to play for Seaforth and umpire in the North Shore juniors in 1978, that it would start him on such an illustrious umpiring career. Frank began umpiring in the Sydney AFL in 1983 and officiated in his first Senior Grade game three years later. To think that he has been umpiring at the highest level in Sydney for 21 years is testament to his professionalism and drive.

Frank has also umpired 50 VFL/AFL Reserves games over the years and has also officiated in an amazing eight Sydney AFL Senior Grand Finals (1987, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2006), including four in a row in the early nineties and last year’s epic battle between the two Hills teams at a very wet Henson.

As the years have passed, keeping Frank on the track each week requires a bit of work. He enjoys spending time in the pool a number of times a week, doing numerous laps to loosen up and maintain the tan. The hours on the massage table at training (and at various grounds) have also proved invaluable in helping him stay injury free this year. He is generally the first to get on the table when the opportunity arises.

Frank’s consistently good form and extensive understanding of the game have seen him become a Sydney favourite on either side of the boundary line. When asked why he still enjoys putting in all the hard work needed to stay at the top of umpiring, he replied that “the enthusiasm of the umpiring group is great, and has developed significantly in recent years with David Howlett and Graham Glassford at the helm - and to maintain my fitness.”

Frank is a teacher by trade at Santa Sabina College, where he and football are often discussed in the corridors (his wife Jane is the school principal). Frank is currently enjoying being ‘Mister Mum’ at home due to taking some extended leave, and is enjoying his time away to let him attend to all those household chores that he has never previously had the time to do.

The NSWAFUA and all connected with Sydney AFL football would like to extend their congratulations to Frank on umpiring his 350th Senior game this weekend in the Sydney University versus North Shore clash at University Oval. We hope to see you in the mid zone for many more.

NSWAFUA raise over $200 for BCNA
Posted: Monday 13 August



A HUGE thank you is extended to all Members who helped the NSWAFUA support Sydney AFL Health Awareness Round. With a successful BBQ on Thursday night, along with some very generous donations from Members at matches held over the weekend, the NSWAFUA was able to raise over $200 for the Breast Cancer Network of Australia.

A final figure will not be known until all receipts are tallied this week. If you would like to donate but are yet to contribute, we will still accept donations at training this week.

Heinrichs to hang up the whistle this weekend
Posted: Wednesday 8 August



This weekend, Mike Heinrichs will officiate in his last Sydney AFL game.

While he is largely unknown to most of Sydney's football fraternity, Heinrichs achieved the pinnacle in umpiring, officiating as a goal umpire in the 1999 AFL grand final.

Responding to an advertisement calling for umpires that appeared on the SCG scoreboard during a Sydney Swans match, Heinrichs contacted the then State Director of Umpiring, David Levens.

After trimming off a few kilograms through regular exercise and a change in lifestyle, Heinrichs's talents as an above average goal umpire became evident. He was appointed to his first SFL grand final in 1994, only to break his shoulder the day before the match. The following year, he umpired the first of his five Sydney AFL Grand Finals.

More significantly his career progressed at the AFL level through Reserve Grade, achieving his first senior AFL appointment in 1995, when an injury to another goal umpire lead to him officiate the second half of a match at the SCG.

In 1998, Heinrichs was selected to officiate in the AFL State of Origin and his first AFL finals series, including being appointed as the emergency goal umpire for the AFL Grand Final. The following year, he went one better becoming the first Sydney umpire to officiate on the last Saturday in September - the 1999 AFL Grand Final - Kangaroos v Carlton.

Australian Football also took him to London and Wellington (NZ) for AFL pre-season and exhibition matches. But his moment of fame came at his 'home' ground, the SCG, where he gave the signal and waved the flags for Tony Lockett's record breaking 1300th goal at the SCG. When he retired from the elite level, he had umpired 80 AFL senior matches, including six finals.

Following his decision to 'retire' from the goals in 2001 after 133 senior SFL games, he decided to stay involved in football, as a field umpire. This week he will field umpire his last game - Balmain versus North Shore at Drummoyne Oval in the Premier Division Reserves.

Off-field, Heinrichs was a strong, active supporter of the NSWAFUA, having held the positions of Treasurer (1996-1999) and President (2000) and also 'mentoring' the development of other goal umpires at both the Sydney AFL and at a national level. His commitment to the association was rewarded with life membership in 1999.

He has been a great ambassador for the umpiring community and football. He has selflessly offered his time to assist in the development of the game in Sydney and given considerably to a sport that has also provided him with great spoils.

A fantastic career for somebody who used to kick the footy around in the lower grades for Macquarie University and answered a call for umpires on the SCG scoreboard.

NSWAFUA Support Breast Cancer Network of Australia
Posted: Monday 6 August

The NSWAFUA will be hosting a BBQ after training this Thursday 9 August in support of the Sydney AFL Health Awareness Round.

All money raised from the BBQ will be donated to the Breast Cancer Network of Australia.

Donations will also be collected at training this week and all Sydney AFL Umpires are being encouraged to consider 'sharing' a small part of their match payment this weekend toward this valuable initiative.

Sydney AFL's Health Awareness Round will also be held on the weekend of August 11-12, where all players and officials will be asked to wear 'pink armbands' in order to recognise this worthy charity.

We thank all umpires for their support.

Under 16 National appointments
Posted: Wednesday 18 July

Congratulations to Andrew Rutherford (Field) and Roy Goh (Goal) who were appointed to the umpire at the Under 16 National Championships in Queensland.

Heritage milestone for Serge
Source: AFLUA
Posted: Monday 9 July

Congratulations to Sergio Villagra, who officiated in his 50th AFL match during the Round 14 match between Sydney and Fremantle at the SCG.

Congratulations to Serge on this achievements.

Ken Ray sets new goals
Posted: Friday 29 June

Goal Umpire and NSWAFUA Life Member Ken Ray will officiate behind the goals in his 350th Sydney AFL Senior game this weekend (Round 11).

Ken played junior football for Western Suburbs but it has been goal umpiring in which Ken has truly made his mark.

Ken, a well known character of Sydney Footy both on and off the field, has now umpired in over 400 total games and still performs admirably each week, whether in his capacity as an umpire or coach.

To demonstrate his skill as an umpire, it must be stated that Ken has been selected to umpire in an amazing five Premier League senior division grand finals. These were the big games in 1994, ’96, ’99, ’03, and ’05. Coach Kenny is still umpiring as strong as ever and we may see him on the field in the biggest game in September again in the future.

Ken began his life as a goal umpire almost 20 years ago, completing his first full year ducking under kicks in 1989. Ken took quickly to the mental and physical demands of the discipline, being selected for the AFL goal umpiring list during seasons 1998, 1999, and 2000. During this time he officiated in many AFL games at the SCG.

For 13 years, Ken has been the coach of the goal umpiring group for the Sydney AFL. This means that every goal umpire officiating this weekend owes much of their skills, fitness, and indeed selection, to Ken. He has helped countless young (and older) men and women into a greater understanding of goal umpiring, and Australian football itself, for over a decade. Ken takes great pleasure in seeing umpires grow and improve and has become adept at creating original and taxing drills to hone their skills on the training field.

Over the last few years Ken has also been the highly successful coach and mentor of the NSW goal umpires on the AFL umpiring list. This is yet another big commitment on his part.

Congratulations to Ken Ray, and both the NSWAFUA and Sydney AFL community hopes to see him straddling the line for many more seasons to come.

Vale Billy Johnston
Posted: Tuesday 19 June

It is with much sadness that the NSWAFUA advises that William "Billy" Johnston passed away on Sunday 17 June. Billy was well known and loved amongst both the Sydney AFL Umpiring Group and the broader football community.

Please find below a message prepared by Kevin Morrison and Ken Foy.

Our sincerest sympathies and condolences are extended to Billy's family and friends.

All Members are requested to wear black armbands in Round 10 in memory of Billy.

Billy's funeral was held on Friday 22 June at Woronora Cemetery.

Round 9 matches postponed/cancelled due to wet weather
Posted: Thursday 15 June 3:30pm

The Sydney AFL has advised that due to wet weather all matches have been postponed or cancelled this weekend (Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June).

Premier Division Seniors - Postponed
Premier Division Reserves - Postponed
Under 18's Premier Cup - Postponed
1st Division Seniors - Cancelled
1st Division Reserves - Cancelled
Under 18's Challenge Cup - Postponed
2nd Division - Cancelled

Please check the Sydney AFL website for any further updates or changes.

Under 18 National appointments
Posted: Tuesday 12 June

Congratulations to Nathan Lessels and Paul Barron, who have been selected to represent the NSW/ACT in the Under 18 National Championships Matches will be held in both Sydney (Round 1) and Melbourne (Round 2 and 3) this year.

We wish both Members all the best for the carnival.

Representative appointments
Posted: Wednesday 6 June

Congratulations to Damian Anderson (Field), Paul Crockford (Boundary) and Simon Osborne (Goal) who were appointed to the Sydney AFL vs Canberra AFL Representative Game in the ACT over the Queens Birthday long weekend.

Congratulations are also extended to Michael Peck (Field), who was appointed to the National U18 Championships Challenge Cup in Melbourne over the Queens Birthday long weekend.

McSpeerin setting new boundaries
Posted: Friday 25 May

Boundary Umpire and NSWAFUA Life Member Shane McSpeerin will break the Sydney AFL record for the most games officiated by a boundary umpire when he patrols the white line at Drummoyne Oval this Sunday.

The clash between the Balmain Dockers and Pennant Hills will be McSpeerin’s 268th senior appearance - a huge achievement in anyone's language.

McSpeerin has been involved in umpiring for 15 years and during that time he has rarely missed a game. He is also a life member of the NSW Australian Football Umpires Association. McSpeerin is well known to all of the first grade clubs in the Sydney AFL competition, as well as many officials and players.

Players and officials have welcomed his friendly and approachable manner and this has done much to promote closer relationships between clubs and umpires. He is a keen student of the game and his insights into the game are well respected. The line “I have a theory” usually precedes some of his most astute insights. He has also been known to offer “assistance” to field umpires who may be debating their best and fairest votes at the end of a game.

McSpeerin possesses an uncanny recall of sporting statistics and his coverage extends to numerous sports. He has a prominent sporting background, having played football for Melbourne from 1971 to 1973 during which time he made 16 senior appearances. He would have played many more senior games if not for persistent hamstring injuries. He possessed excellent athletic ability, and was also a talented cricketer who played A Grade cricket in the Melbourne suburban competition.

After moving from Melbourne to Sydney, McSpeerin became involved with the Sydney Swans under-19s and was the team's runner for three seasons from 1989 until 1991. When the under-19 competition was disbanded, McSpeerin moved into the umpiring ranks.

In more recent years, he has battled leg injuries but despite these he has still managed to get the task completed each week. The hours on the massage table at training have clearly proved invaluable.

McSpeerin is in the twilight of his career and despite the years ticking away he still performs admirably at first grade level.

Congratulations to McSpeerin, and both the NSWAFUA and Sydney AFL community hopes to see him “round the boundary” for many more seasons to come.

In Memory - Ken Brewer
Posted: Friday 11 May

Former umpire Ken Brewer passed away following a heart attack in Melbourne last Friday night. He was 53.

Ken originally hailed from Melbourne, and moved to Sydney in 2003 for work commitments. Having previously umpired with the Amateurs in Victoria, Ken joined the Sydney panel for a couple of years before work took him back down to Melbourne.

Ken was also a well-respected cricket umpire, having umpired at State Level. He also officiated in a number of womens cricket matches in both Sydney and Melbourne.

A funeral was held in Melbourne on Thursday 10 May.

The NSWAFUA extends their condolences to Ken’s family and friends. All Members are requested to wear a black armband this weekend in memory of Ken.

Website problems - our apologies
Posted: Monday 7 May

For reasons beyond our control, we have experienced some major website problems over the past week. Thank you for your patience whilst these issues were resolved.

Our new address (www.nswafua.com.au) is now up and running. Some minor teething problems may still be encountered in the short term, and we will work to resolve these as soon as possible.

If you happen to experience or identify any problems or errors, we'd appreciate if you could please Contact Us.

Further Sydney AFL Draw amendments
Updated: Thursday 10 May 2007
Posted: Tuesday 24 April 2007

Further amendments to the Sydney AFL Draws have been made. The latest versions of the draw for all grades are now available in Resources - Draws.

Ashley Sandison reaches 50 AFL games
Source: AFLUA
Posted: Monday 23 April 2007

Former Member Ashley Sandison umpired his 50th AFL match at the MCG in the Round 3 clash between St Kilda and Essendon.

Ashley started umpiring in the SANFL in 1994, before selection to the AFL panel in 2001. He joined the NSWAFUA in 2003, before moving to Victoria for the 2007 season. Ironically Ashley's first match as a Melbourne based umpire was the Round 1 clash between Sydney and West Coast at Telstra Stadium.

From everyone at the NSWAFUA, congratulations Ash!

Congratulations to Joel Elliot
Posted: Friday 20 April

Former Member, Joel Elliot, has recently announced his engagement to partner Aemilia. This comes after Joel's move back to Melbourne this year, having umpired in Sydney for the last two seasons.

From everyone at the NSWAFUA, congratulations Joel!

Updated Sydney AFL Draws 2007
Posted: Monday 12 April 2007

Updated versions of the Sydney AFL Premier, First Division, Second Division and Under 18 Draws for the 2007 season are now available in the Resources - Draws section of this site.

Altered training arrangements
Posted: Monday 12 March 2007

Please be aware altered training arrangements have been announced by the AFL for upcoming sessions:

Tuesday 13 March
Please meet at The Reg Bartley Oval at 6pm. From here we will car pool to Redleaf Pool, Double Bay. Entry is free. The session will involve swimming. Make sure you bring your swimmers, running shorts and running shoes.

Tuesday 20 March
Please meet in the Public Car Park (Clovelly Life Saving Club, Clovelly Road) at 6pm. Parking is free. From the car park we will proceed to Clovelly Beach. The session will involve both running and swimming. Make sure you bring your swimmers, running shorts and old shoes that can get wet.

Mick Rodier passes away
Posted: Wednesday 7 March 2007

The NSWAFUA was saddened to learn that Michael (Mick) Rodier passed away in late February. He was 75 years of age.

Mick was a former Goal Umpire and Member of the Association who umpired in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was living on the Central Coast recently, but formerly lived in Glebe and was also involved with the Balmain Club.

The NSWAFUA would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Mick's family.

Sydney AFL By-Laws 2007
Posted: Monday 19 February 2007

The Sydney AFL By-Laws 2007 are now available in the Resources - Laws section of this site.

Changed training venue: Tuesday 6 March
Posted: Monday 5 March 2007

Training will be at Centennial Park on Tuesday 6 March.

Please meet in the Gold Members Car Park (Aussie Stadium, Driver Avenue) at 6pm. Parking is free. From the car park we will proceed to Centennial Park.

Sydney AFL Draws 2007
Posted: Monday 19 February 2007

The Sydney AFL Premier and First Division Draws 2007 are now available in the Resources - Draws section of this site.

Laws of the Game 2007
Posted: Monday 19 February 2007

The Laws of the Game 2007 are now available in the Resources - Laws section of this site.

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