Umpiring laughable

[Teflon]

Umpires are cheats.

i think its human to be harder on the side you dislike the most.....

Of course they cheat....ffs smell the roses

Cricket now has an international umpires panel why?

Plugger, are/were you an umpire? Granted its not easy lots of grey areas but there are games where bias raises its head (no pun intended).

Do you not notice hometown decisions. Remember the Swans when they 1st went to Sydney? wait for the new sides to hit the field...umpiring toward them will be scary and u know it

Yes I stll umpire my local seconds side in the Ammos because you have to supply umpires. Have done it for 20 years now. I said they cheat what more can I say but I am really confused by your last statement. We played PA at home today.

You have now explained it all...you're an umpire abused by all and have no footy talent/brains.

Thanks for that but I was ok at footy but I lost an arm in an accident which meant I couldnt play footy anymore.

your obviously still ok at w@nking.

[stinger]

For the first time ever i found myself honestly wondering whether something corrupt was going on behind all the shocking decisions.. Many sports around the world have been ruined by betting, cheating and corruption, but our game appears clean..

Todays display seriously made me think otherwise... Port were longish odds to win, and the decisions were consistantly wrong in the favour, and overlooked when we were infringed..

Probably a long bow to draw, and I should be sighting their pathetic incompetence as opposed to criminal activity, but it was so wrong so often, surely their not that bad.... are they??!!

my thoughts after last weeks game as well

[Teflon]

I genuinely hope the club seek a meeting with Gieschen cause this was deplorable.

Honestly all you want is consistency - we get nothing resembling that today and I thought the crowd were ready to jump the fence at one stage.

Really ordinary from Vozz/Head and St Kilda need to grow some balls and ask some questions.

[GRAMophone]

Agree with everything you said Sobraz. I have never seriously entertained the thought of something corrupt happening with the umpiring but I really wonder about that today. Have never been so astounded with the apparent intent to facilitate a win. The longish odds just add to my concern. Just furious - having to beat two teams.

[starsign]

Sobraz wrote:
For the first time ever i found myself honestly wondering whether

something corrupt was going on behind all the shocking decisions.. Many sports around the world have been ruined by betting, cheating and corruption, but our game appears clean..

Todays display seriously made me think otherwise... Port were longish odds to win, and the decisions were consistantly wrong in the favour, and overlooked when we were infringed..

Probably a long bow to draw, and I should be sighting their pathetic incompetence as opposed to criminal activity, but it was so wrong so often, surely their not that bad.... are they??!!


my thoughts after last weeks game as well

I also agree with these two in that they express my sentiments entirely over the past 2 weeks

last week i posted that its seems common that the umps get swayed by the baying throngs at perth and Adelaide, but now must confess to giving some thought to their blatent display with regard to the $5.50 on offer to WCoast
Today was not a case of human frailty bowing to the masses, far from it , as the more we booed the worse it got!
Now RL in his WA post game conference said words to the effect of ..I can't comment on these things ( re umpiring) but I thought we were the better team on the day which can really only mean one thing ie the third team out there was the deciding factor or made up the difference in the score if you like

Now wether this had something to do with todays blatently obvious biased decision making I 'm not really sure, but that could well be the case
cos RL can't be pinged for saying that I suppose , but when you analyze it , he could really only have meant one thing
I'm buggered if I know anything other than after following the saints for 60 odd years and having seen a few shocking umpiring performances over the journey, I really believe something very smelly is occuring at present... conspiracy is about the only thing its logically pointing to

With GT... then the Richard Head in the sky thing overheard evidently by a few, but understadably too hot for Zig and Zag at the AFL there's plenty of smoke about.... and all 3 top grade umpires cant be really that bad for 100minutes on the one day together surely?

[joffaboy]

There is some real problems with AFL umpiring in general and yesterdays game in particular.

I really think there is only one corrupt dishonest cheat in umpiring and that is Matthew Head.

It is well documneted that he acknowledged that he cheated during a game and the AFL mafia made sure it was swept under the carpet.

Vosso is not a cheat, either ar the rest of the umpires. Insipid, incompetent, pathetically underskilled, precious, and protected by a corrupt AFl hierarchy, YES. Cheats? No.

Terrible issues with the culture of umpiring. We all go to the footy and end up watching the umpires who think they are the stars of the game. They stand there making their extravagant hand signals so they can be in the limelight.

They are failed footballers who attempt to thrust their authority at footballers who are miles ahead ogf them in skill character and committment. Their schoolboy jealousy of real footballers is all too obvious and really shows their lack of character as humans.

the other HUGE problem is consistancy of three umpires. NRL tried two referees in practic matches and it was a disaster of inconsistancy.

Three umpires is an absolute disaster. At least one umpire per game is not up to the task. Why boundary umpires cant have more of an influence on the game is beyond me. Cut the field umpires to two and give the boundary and goal umpires for of a say.

Finally Gieschen and the AFl have made this monster. The umpired can do whatever they want and never get critisised because the decisions are so open to intrepertation that they are never wrong. Also the umpires cannot have one word of critisism uttered against them. Not one. Otherwise they exact revenge like the smallminded bullyboys they have been allowed to become by the AFL and do what was condone in Whispers in the Sky.

On that how can the AFL allow a documented corrupt CHEAT in Matthew Head to umpire the little league let alone any AFL game. He is the Hansie Cronje stench of corruption all over his balding ugly bonce but the AFL protected the cheat and corrupt official and swept the cheating under the carpet.

the AFL has made this monster. If they kill of my club (they would love to kill at least three Melbourne clubs - no doubt) with this institutionalised inepitute and incompetence, I am sure there will be dtr of a million less AFL supporters.

I only support the Saints. Dimwit and his crew has destroyed my confidencw in the integrity of the game. Lose the Saints and footy will be only a distraction like the WWE for example.

[bigcarl]

I genuinely hope the club seek a meeting with Gieschen cause this was deplorable.

Honestly all you want is consistency - we get nothing resembling that today and I thought the crowd were ready to jump the fence at one stage.

Really ordinary from Vozz/Head and St Kilda need to grow some balls and ask some questions.

we'd have a fair case in asking that umpire head never again officiate at one of our games, i would have thought, given "whispers in the sky".

and yes, this week would be a better time to seek a meeting. far better to whinge when you win.

when you lose it sounds like sour grapes.

[yipper]

Interesting listening to Dennis Cometti calling the game, he was getting quite frustrated it seems with the umpiring - he alluded several times to how it seemed that they were paying every 2nd free - and only one team was getting the benefit!!

There was a huge inconsistency in paying holding the ball - and it always favoured Port. The big questions are how can the AFL ensure that umpires don't bet on games? How can they guarantee the StKilda Football Club that Matthew Head is not a cheat?

[JeffDunne]

The big questions are how can the AFL ensure that umpires don't bet on games?

They can't.

Other sports have introduced measures to try and catch corrupt officials.

The AFL - as they do when they want to ignore an issue - claim there isn't an issue.

[barks4eva]

What gets me is that there were 22 878 people at the Dome and why was it left to me to deliver the almighty spray to this bone monkey as he walked up the umpires race?
I even had to run from the other side of the ground at the 28 minute mark to greet him.

The smug little grin he gave me as I delivered him a fair dinkum spray was almost enough to inspire me to wait in the carpark for this cheating piece of scum.

This ass bandit should never have been umpiring another game after whispers in the sky, but once again another AFL coverup swept under the carpet.

And what's with all the soft c**k journo's?

FAIR DINKUM

Demetriou gives himself an 80% pay increase around $780,000 extra at the very same time he buys his new Toorak mansion.

Fricken pig with his nose firmly in the trough, when his head isn't stuck so far up his arse, while he systematically destroys the game.

and no yellow bellied, brown nosing, sycophantic, spineless jelly fish media glove puppet says boo.

and as for Vozzo if he wants to see the true definition of kicking in danger, perhaps I'll give him a demonstration in the carpark the next time this ass clown scerws us over

FAIR DINKUM

[Eastern]

[quote="barks4eva"]What gets me is that there were 22 878 people at the Dome and why was it left to me to deliver the almighty spray to this bone monkey as he walked up the umpires race?

FAIR DINKUM[/quote]

Because YOU are our official unofficial umpire sprayer !!

[bozza1980]

we'd have a fair case in asking that umpire head never again officiate at one of our games, i would have thought, given "whispers in the sky".

The AFL consider whispers in the sky closed, they even performed a white wash for this to be the case.

Their finding was in essence...

Matthew Head didn't lie when he denied saying "Now I know what a win feels like"

also Tony Jones and the others who claimed they heard him say it were also not lying.

Matthew Head would have been shattered in the last quarter when he had to pay a free kick to us.

[stinger]

tell us what you said to him b4e.....

[barks4eva]

tell us what you said to him b4e.....

Was nothing more than you would have read before on here, condensed into 10 seconds

[stinger]

tell us what you said to him b4e.....

Was nothing more than you would have read before on here, condensed into 10 seconds

[saintspremiers]

I also blame the media.

Those bunch of soft clocks have not written a thing about it in the papers today.

They are as weak as piss....they'll only make an issue/discuss it if our club makes an issue.

FFS media stand up to Umpire Gimmie and the AFL and report on what REALLY happend.

The 50 metre penalties were the icing on the cake for Umpire Jobby and his band of mates.

[joffaboy]

What gets me is that there were 22 878 people at the Dome and why was it left to me to deliver the almighty spray to this bone monkey as he walked up the umpires race?

Because my knee is stuffed and anyway I was sitting in your paid for seat.

Also I am not a nutcase like you.

[saint66au]

Just adding another 5c worth..

1. I cant remember another time at the Dome where 22,000 people have stopped singing our song to deliver an almighty hooting to the officials as they left the ground. We gave Goldspink a serious reception as he walked off at 1/2 time at a game v North in 04 or 05...but I reckon that topped it

2. Anyone see the pic of Motlops "mark" in the Hun today? All of you who screamed blue murder for "hands in the back" at the time would have probably thrown the paper across the room. Ive been 40ft in the air on a step ladder and gripped it less hard than Motlop was gripping that shoulder

3. Any thread that brings B4E and stinger together in a blaze of winks and general mutual merriment should be immediately nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize

[Ralphy]

it was great we beat 2 teams yesterday....

the umpiring was feral and whatever on sunday, all weekend it was pray that none of them ones that did it yesterday do it against Pies
(whos the best umpire at the moment that is fair?)

[stinger]

...well...i'm only human....if b4e gave that turd a spray...i'd even buy him a beer....or two.....

[ozrulestrace]

A considered opinion from Grant Thomas-media commentator, on www.wwos.msn.com.au from today.
Worth a read

Umpire Department - Warning Light On 4/08/2008 10:35:00 AM, Grant Thomas Next
The Umpire Department is in drastic need of a service – or better still a completely new engine! Life provides plenty of signals that allow us to adapt and improve. Last week my car threw a flashing warning signal at me – it was in need of a service. Many years ago we would not have had the privilege of a warning – the beast would just cease up and stop.

Fortunately today's technology allows critical information to be fed to a central analysing system that determines the best course of action. Could you imagine what would happen if our engine system possessed a personality - and much worse were precious, unaccountable and with an ego that was fuelled by everything around them?

The system would ignore all vital signals, it would consider itself the most important part of the vehicle and push on regardless.

Or maybe even worse the system would evaluate the situation and never ever be wrong because the system could interpret the situation whichever way they wanted - effectively it would always be correct because of the breadth of the diagnosis option.

The width of interpretation within our umpiring system has reached gulf-like proportions. They can never be wrong in making a decision because the rule allows them to interpret against very broad parameters and the "interpretation" changes year by year, game by game, quarter by quarter and contest by contest. What is "ample time" in one man's eyes is "he had no chance" in another's; what is "he dragged it in" in one circumstance is "no, you held it to him" in another; "pushed him in the back in the tackle" or "you fell forward yourself".

Unfortunately the outcome can be catastrophic to players and teams.

Having had the advantage to sit on the "other side of the fence" for a year or so I have watched with a keen eye the performance of the umpires department. I have also had the benefit of watching my sons play football – one in the TAC and one in local Under 11's.

The state of play in relation to umpires is comprehensively poor.

Unfortunately the same theatre is starting to evolve in the junior ranks with umpires perfecting the "holding the ball" theatrics to a tee. There seems to be more focus on how you look than how you adjudicate. Interestingly the action imitates "dropping the ball" which is no longer a rule. I vividly remember asking Jeff Gieschen why the "dropping the ball" action was to be retained by the umpires I was astounded to hear that: the crowds really enjoy it, the umpires like it and it provided some great anticipation and theatre to the game.

Well I am really happy for them. I am so glad that they are able to get a little "lift" out of ruling on a free kick – you know... provide a little added benefit for the unsung heroes, shrinking violets, humble, selfless referees of the game.

Apologies for the sarcasm and back to the real issue.

Why are the umpires made to look like fools with their theatrics? It's not the way I would attempt to popularise a career with waning support. They are payed exceptionally well and full-time professional status seems to be a foregone conclusion which will further increase their already sizeable package.

On the downside they are totally unaccountable. Answerable only to their hierarchy who go out of their way to defend their actions and pay lip service to feedback especially from coaches and players. Protect any group from constructive feedback and advice and you can treble the external frustration and vitriol.

The entire structure is fundamentally flawed, drastically needs rejuvenation and a change of branding which will over time revitalise public perceptions. This cannot possibly occur with the current leadership. There are rumours of internal bickering and disputes over strategic direction and management.

Umpiring should be a great career, eagerly sought and competitively acquired. Unfortunately it is pigeon holed as a job not to be sought after that attracts certain individuals and with that comes ridicule and little respect.

Surely the AFL will look at the public perception and realise that their fining regime, gagging philosophy and umpire promotion strategy just aint working.

Many clubs have recently been through very stringent and sensitive feedback strategies to improve external perceptions in relation to respect and professionalism. Most of the future modelling as a result of their findings would revolve around honesty, respect, selflessness and humility.

It would do the AFL well to implement the same process within the umpiring department. Maybe, just maybe the AFL could sit in on a few of the sessions.

[bigred]

I was bleating about this two flowering years ago.

Umpires have seriously killed the game for me.

[stinger]

www.wwos.msn.com.au


i unashamedly love grant thomas....and if pple want to know why...read the article.....

[barks4eva]

A considered opinion from Grant Thomas-media commentator,

Last week my car threw a flashing warning signal at me – it was in need of a service. Many years ago we would not have had the privilege of a warning – the beast would just cease up and stop.

Much like running out of petrol, hey?

Only joshin, Grant Thomas is 100% on the money and it is an excellent read, but what's the bet, as a result, we'll cop it up the clacker again from these gimps, gumps, geeks and goofballs, with us beeing seen as guilty by association.

FAIR DINKUM, the AFL is a joke, run by a megalomanical dictator who gave himself an 80% pay increase at the very same time he bought his new Toorak mansion


They/Demetriou/AFL/umpires screwed Grant/St.Kilda over before with the whispers in the sky and then in the next season delivered 11 games with 6 day breaks, far more than any other club, with the next worst being around 8 six day breaks, for someone having th temerity to actually speak the truth.

I didn't really like Grant saying what he said at the time, knew it would come back to bite, as the AFL is a corrupt organization run by an absolute vindictive lowlife prick.

This most likely cost us a top 4 finish and who knows this issue and it's ramifications could have ultimately cost Grant his job as coach.

Truly that is one excellent article.

[Grimfang]

As a certain player said when interviewed in the Victory room after the game; "If you question their decisions, you cop it worse from them."

Head is an absolute disgrace to the AFL umpiring fraternity and should have been sacked. The fallout from that though would have damaged Vlad's image and we can't have that.

GT was correct in his comments about umpire egos.