BUA ready for BFNL Grand Final Day
Congratulations and best wishes to the clubs competing in grand finals at the QEO.
Much like the situation for the players representing their clubs on the big stage, today marks the ultimate achievement for Bendigo Umpires Association members.
Grand final day is the culmination of months of hard work on the training track and strong performances in games on a weekly basis in the BFNL, NCFL, HDFNL, LVFNL, CVFLW and BJFL.
Credit needs to go to the BUA coaching staff and appointment officers who manage hundreds of umpires each week.
BUA director of coaching Dean Goodridge oversaw a talented management team.
Paula Shay successfully completed her first season as chair of selectors for field umpires, while Peter Kirkwood did a mighty job to co-ordinate all the field umpire appointments in junior football.
Boundary umpire coach Matt Vitiritti and boundary umpire appointments officer Andrew Day guided a 100-strong boundary umpiring brigade this season.
Paul Bauer was in charge of the goal umpires as coach and appointments officer.
The most pleasing sign for the BUA this year was the development of young umpires across all three disciplines - field, boundary and goal.
Earlier this season, some of the BUA's up-and-coming umpires were given the opportunity to experience an AFL gameday alongside AFL umpires, while some of the BUA's junior field umpires had the chance to officiate Auskick games at half-time of the Geelong versus North Melbourne and Essendon versus St Kilda matches.
Those experiences are vital for umpire development.
The BUA, much like umpiring groups across the state, has an ageing demographic and it is crucial for community football that young umpires are encouraged to continue their pathway to senior level.
The doors at the BUA's base at Weeroona Oval are always open for prospective new umpires in all disciplines.
Umpiring is a great way to stay involved in football, maintain fitness, meet a wonderful group of people and you get paid for it.
If you would like to get involved in football umpiring, please contact the BUA via
The BUA would like to thank the leagues, clubs and players for their support in 2025.
The BUA wouldn't operate without the valued support of its sponsors - Bendigo Bank, The Bendigo Club, Mark Prince Eyecare Plus, Eaglehawk UFS, Inglewood and District Community Bank, Build Pro and Echuca Workers Club.
