Umpires overcome disabilities to officiate in GDFL

Alex de Vos
A team of disabled umpires will officiate in Geelong and District Football League’s under-18s clash between Inverleigh and Bannockburn on Saturday.
Geelong Football Umpires League Chairman Brendan Beveridge said the initiative was designed to break down the barriers between disabled and able-bodied umpires.
“It’s about celebrating and recognising people with disabilities,” Mr Beveridge said.
“These people with disabilities have plenty of abilities and can participate in mainstream activities. Some of them will be umpiring for the first time and others have umpired over 300 games – they’ve been doing a great job.”
Mr Beveridge said the umpires had a range of disabilities including brain injury, cerebral palsy, autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
“They’re getting paid to do a job and are not treated any differently.”
Mr Beveridge said the use of disabled officials had helped Geelong Football Umpires League combat a declining membership to keep matches running through winter.
“Every recruit makes a significant difference,” he said.
The Encompass Cup begins 10am at the Inverleigh Recreation Reserve.