So, to be ready for the first bounce of 2004 the umpires, like the players, have undergone a rigorous pre-season training program, including a battery of tests to monitor their fitness and ensure they are in peak physical condition this weekend.
So who are fittest and fastest?
Over 4km the average time for an AFL Field Umpire is 13 min 38 secs with Darren Morris recording a best time of 12 min 24 secs.
Two time Grand Final umpire Matt James averages less than 3 minutes for the 5 X 1000m test, with the overall group averaging 3 mins 16 secs.
300 game veteran Hayden Kennedy consistently runs about 35 minutes for 10km with the newly promoted Matt Stevic running 35 mins 14 secs.
Umpires have their body fat levels checked regularly and must achieve targets set by training staff. Most umpires are have around score around 50-60mm for the skinfold test which equates to about 6-7% body fat. Our leanest umpires are Hayden Kennedy and Martin Ellis with totals of less than 40mm.
The physical challenge of umpiring at AFL level sounds daunting and it sometimes is, however at the community level you only require a reasonable level of fitness to umpire, which we can easily be achieved through the training offered by local groups.
So if you are interested in field, goal or boundary umpiring then call 1300 131 636 now.
