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Steven Wallbank to umpire 450th game!
Posted: Thursday 12 June 2008

Steven “Harvey” Wallbank reaches an amazing milestone this weekend, when he will umpire his 450th game in the AFL Sydney. Described as the “backbone” of the Sydney umpiring group, he has been a tireless contributor over the years and his level of dedication is as evident today as it was when he first began.
After finishing his playing career with Manly in the Sydney Football Association, Harvey umpired his first match in 1990 – before many of our current umpires were even born!?!
Over the years his commitment to the code has extended to volunteering his time to umpire at junior representative carnivals and wherever possible, assisting in the development of Sydney football. There would be very few people involved with AFL in Sydney that have not encountered this local icon – be it at The Reg Bartley Oval on training nights, weekends at club level or at the SCG/Olympic Stadium at Swans home games – and those who know him well also know he’s always got time for a friendly chat.
A long time Member of the NSWAFUA Committee, Harvey has chosen not to nominate in recent years in order to “… give others the opportunity”. In his time with the NSWAFUA Harvey has received numerous awards, including: the Encouragement Award in 1991, the Service Award in 1993, the Appreciation Award in 1998, the A. W. St Clair Award in 2000, the Presidents Award in 2001, and the Encouragement Award again in 2005.
Harvey was elected as a Life Member of the NSWAFUA in 2002 in recognition of his commitment and enthusiasm over his many years of dedicated service. To this day Harvey continues to volunteer for and assist the Association, acting as our Club Umpire Liaison Officer in 2008. Umpiring in Sydney would be at a loss without people like Harvey.
On behalf of everyone in the Sydney footy community, we wish Harvey all the best for both his 450th game and (if the results of this year’s beep-test results are any indication) for plenty of years to come. Congratulations! |
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New website server
Posted: Wednesday 30 April
The NSWAFUA website has been ported to a new server today.
Whilst this process is finalised, some areas of the website - including the Member Portal - may be temporarily unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience caused until this is completed. |
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Round 4 wet weather information
Posted: Thursday 24 April 2008
The rain has once again caused disruptions to ground availability for this weekends matches. There have already been a number of changes, and the times, venues or days games are played may be further varied.
Amended appointments are now available from Members | Appointments. Please check your email for any further changes as well as consulting the AFL Sydney Update Page. If in doubt please call Justin Fox, Graham Glassford, Stewart Eckerman or Ken Ray. |
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Round 4 likely wet weather changes
Posted: Wednesday 23 April 2008
Once again the weather will have an impact on matches this weekend.
There have been a number of changes already due to the wet weather. These include:
Balmain Dockers vs Western Suburbs @ Drummoyne Oval – All games transferred to Sunday
Pennant Hills vs St George / Moorebank Sports @ Ern Holmes Oval – All games transferred to Sunday
It is likely that with the wet weather that some other grounds will be in doubt, although the weather forecast is very good for Friday through the weekend. Please be aware that times, venues or days games are played may be varied.
Please check your email for further updates throughout the week. If in doubt please call Justin Fox, Graham Glassford, Stewart Eckerman or Ken Ray. |
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Round 3 wet weather information
Posted: Friday 18 April 2008 - Updated 5pm
Due to the wet weather there are a number of changes to games being played on the weekend.
Amended appointments are now available from Members | Appointments. Please check your email for any further changes as well as consulting the AFL Sydney Update Page .
If in doubt please call Justin Fox, Graham Glassford, Stewart Eckerman or Ken Ray. |
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Seasons Greetings from the NSWAFUA
Posted: 21 December 2007
The NSWAFUA would like to wish Members and their families all the best for the festive season. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Whilst the exact date is yet to be released by the Sydney AFL Umpiring Department, we estimate that training for Season 2008 will recommence on Tuesday 5 February.
We will keep you posted. |
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Carl Fletcher appointed as UDO for Sydney/Northern NSW
Posted: 21 December 2007
Source: Graham Glassford, AFL NSW/ACT
Graham Glassford, Umpiring Development Manager for AFL NSW/ACT, today announced the appointment of NSWAFUA Member Carl Fletcher to the role of Umpiring Development Officer (Sydney/Northern NSW).
Carl will begin his new role on Monday 21 January 2008. We wish Carl all the best with the new position. |
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2008 Draw released by Sydney AFL
Posted: 20 December 2007
The 2008 draw for all grades has been released by the Sydney AFL.
View the full draw for all grades. |
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Glen Callaghan elected Life Member at AGM
Posted: 7 December 2007
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Glen Callaghan was elected as a Life Member of the Association at the 2007 AGM held on Tuesday 4 December 2007.
Glen has been a continuous Active Member of the Association for 13 years - since 1995. He has umpired over 300 matches in the Sydney AFL, including 35 Field and 3 Boundary in Premier Division Seniors. Glen exemplifies what 'meaningful' involvement in the Association should be, regularly attending all Association meetings and functions. He received the Encouragement Award in 1997, the Trainers Award in 1999, Service to Umpiring Award in 2000, and the John Swensen Trophy - Field in 2007. Glen has also taken several mentoring roles with junior umpires, including a season coaching the Campbelltown juniors. Most recently, Glen umpired the Premier Division Reserve Grade Grand Final this season.
On behalf of everyone at the NSWAFUA, congratulations Glen!
Thank you to all Members who supported the Association by attending the meeting, submitting Proxy Votes, or tendering their apologies. |
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2008 Committee elected at AGM
Posted: 7 December 2007
The Committee for Season 2008 were elected at the 2007 AGM held on Tuesday 4 December 2007. Congratulations to:
President - Anton Lewis
Vice President - Angus Heritage
Secretary - Sean Richardson
Treasurer - Michael Peck
Ordinary Members - Troy Edwards, Carl Fletcher, Andrew Rutherford
The Association's sincerest appreciation is extended to outgoing Committee Members David Harding and Luke McSpeerin for their efforts and contribution to the Committee over the last few years. We would also like to welcome incoming Committee Members Troy Edwards and Angus Heritage.
Thank you to all Members who supported the Association by attending the meeting, submitting Proxy Votes, or tendering their apologies. |
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2008 Laws of the Game Changes
Posted: 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. |