Lady Umpires

[soupman]

I notice in todays Herald Sun our very own Susan Alberti is supportive of introducing female umpires to AFL level in some larger capacity. I am interested to hear other's opinions on the matter.

Personally I would be completely accepting of female umpires in the AFL, on the provision that they are selected at that level because they deserve to be and not because they are the token female.

According to others radio listening ability there were actually a few opponents of this, for two major reasons:

1. Female umpires won't be able to handle the abuse that supporters will hurl at them, possibly because they are more mentally fragile.

2. As the role that is being suggested for them is as boundary umpires, there is an argument that the running involved is too much in terms of quantity and pace. As in, the times required of boundary umpires to run are close to those required of female Commonwealth games athletes and thus those candidates for the position would be better spending their time and efforts on a running position.

The only point I found which I disagreed with was Susan Alberti's statement that females have superior intuition in terms of being able to read behaviour and tell if someone is diving as an example. I think this is something which varies person to person regardless of gender, and isn't particularly prevalent in either males or females, at least not in a sporting adjudicating sense.

So what are your thoughts? Is it worth doing? Would it improve the game? Would female umpires have an advantage through their "intuition"? Would they be too intimidated?

[Go_Dogs]

Susan was on radio in Adelaide tonight talking about this issue.

I think she spoke very well and I think the idea certainly has its merits. I feel it's something that is bound to occur, but also something I would throw my support behind.

[AndrewP6]

I don't necessarily think it needs to happen, or that it should. Whoever is out there should be there because of their ability to do the job. I do agree with the arguments that some may not deal with the abuse/criticism, and that the physical demands may be excessive.

[The Coon Dog]

Best person for the job, regardless of what sex they are.

[boydogs]

You would think that any issues with copping abuse & fitness would be sorted out in the lower ranks. If they can do the job, go for it

[chef]

Best person for the job, regardless of what sex they are.

Same here.

[BulldogBelle]

Same here.

And again.

As long as they can do it l do't think it matters as long as they are one of the best at it.

[LostDoggy]

Females are already represented in the Goal Umpiring squad. That proves without a doubt that if one was good enough to be a field or boundary umpire, they would get in.

[LostDoggy]

If the women have earned their "stripes" through the various levels of training and experience, then why not. Women are not wanting to play football against the men even though there are 85,000 playing AFL around the country. These women should be encouraged to continue to play AFL if they enjoy doing so. We already have female umpires in the lower divisions who are willing and able to study and train for senior position in the AFL . It is always about the best person for the job!
________
YAMAHA MOTIF SPECIFICATIONS

[Greystache]

If they are up to the job I'd have no problem with it. I can't see it happening myself, particularly boundary umpiring. I have a couple of mates who umpired in the VFL who are elite runners and they didn't make it into the AFL because they weren't quite up to the standard required. A woman to make the grade would have to be close to an Olympic standard runner to fit the current requirements, unless they lower the entrance requirements for females and that would make a mockery of the argument that they are as good as the men.

I also think the argument the AFL "needs" female umpires is rediculous.

[LostDoggy]

If the women have earned their "stripes" through the various levels of training and experience, then why not. Women are not wanting to play football against the men even though there are 85,000 playing AFL around the country. These women should be encouraged to continue to play AFL if they enjoy doing so. We already have female umpires in the lower divisions who are willing and able to study and train for senior position in the AFL . It is always about the best person for the job!

I would have to dispute this figure. That's an awful lot of players.

Is this registered players or simply the number have a kick in a park?

[LostDoggy]

I suggest for those interested in females playing AFL football go to the Victorian Womens Football League website for a start and just see for themselves the activity by female players. The other females around the country are serious about their involvement with AFL football. More and more girls are playing the sport at Schools than ever before.
________
VAPORITE SOLO

[LostDoggy]

Diversity is always a good thing. I think the move should be encouraged and supported as long as each individual meets the requirements.

[Mofra]

Best person for the job, regardless of what sex they are.

Yep. Fitness requirements will be tough to meet though; for all the abuse of umpires, the fitness test they do is something I wouldn't expect more than 1-2% of the population could meet.
The military have different fitness tests for men & women, I'm not sure given the demands of top-level football the AFL would do the same.

[LostDoggy]

Perhaps the AFL can use rotation of umpires during the game, just like the players. Most of the players never play a full game any more. Maybe the umpires may like to consider rotating, thus preventing fatigue setting in, which in turn may prevent them from making incorrect decisions.
________
300 (1963)