THE VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE UMPIRES'ASSOCIATION (VFLUA) WAS INSTITUTED ON 24 MAY 1909...AND SO BEGAN AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY THAT HAS CONTINUED FOR A CENTURY.

On 24th May, 2009, the AFL Umpires'Association turned 100 years old.  This publication - a celebration of the Association's centenary - traces its history from its beginnings in 1909 as the Victorian Football League Umpires' Association to the AFLUA of today.  It is a fascinating journey through time, a journey taken in company with the most popular sport in this country, AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL.

It appears that the Association was born out of necessity.  The umpires who officiated at VFL matches from 1897 until 1909 operated in isolation - they trained individually and there was no regular organised opportunity for them to meet and discuss umpiring matters, share experiences or socialise.  They had no collective voice and issues of concern had to be taken up by individuals.  The formation of the Association gave umpires a collective voice and a support network.

In its early days, the Association provided support for issues of concern, mostly related to conditions of employment such as remuneration, police protection at matches and travel conditions.  With the passage of time the role of the Association expanded to include looking after the welfare of its members and making contributions to the wider community through its support of charities and other organisations that provided valuable services.  It offered a social outlet, which created the strong bond of camaraderie and mateship that has been the strength of the Association throughout its 100 year history.  It has played an important role in umpiring development and has initiated programs that have been beneficial to umpires and umpiring organisations at a grassroots level.  It is continually seeking to increase the services and support it provides to members past and present.

This book, containing over 380 pages of stories and pictures, traces the complete history of the Association, from its beginnings in 1909 as the VFL Umpires Association, to its incarnation as the AFL Umpires Association of today.  Covering every major incident, it portrays the changing nature of the Association and its role in Australian Rules Football, both on and off the field.  It also explores how the Association evolved, the internal squabbles and its disputes with the VFL and the AFL, its proud achievements, its social history and its benevolent actions.

This is a fascinating journey through time - a journey taken in company with the most popular sport in Australia...Aussie Rules Football! buy this book