seriously guys we are being a bit harsh here, sure the umps get it wrong from time to time, but no ones perfect and at the pace of the game these days its tough. and how do we play with out them?? exactly so just go easy on them, they try.
This story is from Friday's Herald Sun....is anyone collecting them? Could be a collectors item in years to come...especially as I imagine some sets might end up burnt or worse!!
Secondly, no-one HAS TO say why, it's their opinion on the card set!
Opinions are not necessarily factual and they don't have to have substance, they are just personal beliefs!
Once again Jeff says out loud what we're all thinking!!
Hawthorn president Kennett slams AFL Umpires Association - Finn Bradshaw
June 16, 2009 05:10pm
HAWTHORN president Jeff Kennett has slammed the AFL Umpires Association for its decision to release a set of umpire collector cards.
Kennett was fined $5000 last month for making disparaging comments about the standard of AFL umpiring and today he turned his attention to its organisation.
"I think the move by the umpires association to put out cards with umpires and boundary umpires on it is the height of stupidity," Kennett said on SEN radio.
“I say that for two reasons. Umpires are not the reason people go to watch a game of football.
"They are there to officiate quickly and quietly. I fear these cards are going to be the best non-sellers of the year.â€
The AFL Umpires Association announced last week that it would issue a set of 72 trading cards featuring boundary, goal and field umpires.
The set sells for $50 through the association’s website. Kennett thinks it is a misguided move.
“It is a failure of appreciation by those that are trying to manage their affairs that umpires are not and should not be the focus of the game and I think it will be embarrassing when so few people purchase them. Why would you do it?,†he said.
Kennett, who yesterday apologised for Hawthorn's performance on the weekend, said he thought umpiring had improved since his sanction.
“I think after I was fined by the hierarchy of the AFL, there was a changed attitude among the umpires, particularly in how much talk they gave on field.
"I’ve noticed a very substantial lowering of their verbal contribution. But I think the standard of umpiring is much better. “