EFL Head of Umpiring Michael Vozzo has resigned from his position at the league.
Vozzo, who began his tenure in January 2012, has been offered an umpires assistant coaching role at the AFL.
He will leave the EFL in early January.
Vozzo thanked former EFL CEO Rob Sharpe and current CEO Phil Murton for giving him an opportunity in the role.
“I’ve had such great fun, primarily because of the people in the umpiring group. How much effort they put in week-in week-out to the EFL must be commended,” he said.
“The umpires, coaches and support staff – paid and unpaid – are the ones that make the job so worthwhile.”
Vozzo, who umpired 281 AFL games including two Grand Finals, believes the umpiring department’s biggest achievement over the past two years has been the rapid growth in umpiring numbers and training attendance.
“The successful introduction of compulsory training session nights has been pleasing,” he said.
“It has also been great to establish two school-based umpiring academies at Aquinas College and Mt Lilydale College. Strengthening those numbers into the future will be crucial.”
Vozzo says one of his favourite parts of the job has been watching local footy.
“I have always loved watching community football. Watching teams like Mitcham and the Whitehorse Pioneers and seeing how passionate their supporters are has been sensational.”
Murton says Vozzo has made a significant contribution to the league.
“The EFL umpiring group has continued to grow under Michael’s guidance. His ability to develop and improve both young and older umpires has been fantastic,” Murton said.
“He has a real passion for local footy and the important part it plays in our communities. He was very conscious of the critical role umpires play in this.”
The search for Vozzo’s replacement is under way.