Whilst they are an integral part of the game, the Eastern Football League umpires receive little praise in the wider EFL community. Over the next couple of weeks, we will head into the inner sanctum of the EFL Umpires and find out a little more about some of the characters who officiate EFL matches on a weekly basis.
From players to up and coming youngsters, we will give the EFL public the chance to learn a little more about the stories of our EFL umpires.
A name that caught a bit of attention during the season was Hugo Morgan – 2016 EFL Junior Umpire of the Year.
Hugo is a second year umpire who has umpired 58 games, including 47 this season after his 2015 season was cut short through injury and missing the junior finals.
Late in his first season Hugo had advanced steadily to umpire his first Under 14 game, setting a strong platform for 2016. His goals for this season were to – and I quote – “potentially umpire U17 football” and “I would absolutely love to umpire my first final in 2016”.
These were expectations that might have appeared a little conservative at the time, but we had no idea of the staggering progression he would make in 6 months.
Earlier this year a seemingly routine Eastern Ranges Under 16 practice match became the catalyst for an outstanding season of opportunity, not only for Hugo, but for the entire junior group.
By Round 2, before that hoped for Under 17 game, Hugo was running Under 19s. After 14 Under 19 and Reserves games Hugo made his senior debut in July at the age of 16 – on the same day as another 16-year-old in Brad Bishop.
Hugo is a humble and sincere young man with a strong belief and confidence in himself and he is a great member of the club, and despite his youth, a great role model for his peers.
In hindsight, Hugo’s goals were rather underwhelming with Under 17s becoming senior football and he got more than his first final, ending his season with a solid performance in the Under 17 Premier Grand Final.
Hugo grasped opportunities in season 2016 with both hands, and now it is Hugo who will determine where he goes with his umpiring. The EFL Umpires will continue to support his development and follow his progress and if he continues to be as committed and determined as he has been in his first two years the football world is his oyster.
WANT TO BECOME AN UMPIRE?
Anyone interested in becoming an umpire in 2017 (former players, beginners, athletes) contact EFL Head of Umpiring, Scott Van Noordennen at EFL House on 9762 5766 or email svannoordennen@efnl.org.au.