Umpire abuse ‘rife’ in suburban junior football leagues

Umpire abuse appears to be rife in suburban junior football leagues.

Teenage umpires are being abused by parents and officials at their children’s football matches and the issue is believed to be getting worse.

The Yarra Junior Football League has held a meeting and issued a reminder to treat them with respect.

Some of the umpires are as young as 14 and claim they are screamed at from the bench, or behind the fence.

It’s understood many of the accused are trying to influence the game, rather than intimidate.

Glen told 3AW Breakfast many of the accused were trying to influence the game, rather than intimidate.

‘I’ve seen umpires (aged) 14, 15, 16 walk off the ground in tears,’ he said.

‘The coaches, in some cases, are worse than the parents.’

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