'Apologetic' AFL boss warns players over dire umpiring issue

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has warned players about a tough new crackdown on umpire abuse in 2022, describing it an issue that has been allowed to get out of control.

McLachlan says he takes full responsibility for a rise of on-field umpire abuse, and the shortage of whistleblowers across the sport.

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The league has told clubs that umpires will crack down on abuse from players this season with free kicks and 50m penalties.

There were several notable incidents during last week's practice games and McLachlan has no doubt there will be more in the early rounds.

The AFL boss pointed to a significant shortage of umpires at community level as a key reason for cracking down on abuse from players in AFL matches.

In a stern warning to players on Thursday, McLachlan said he vowed to stamp out the abuse of umpires by players, through a series of tough new measures.

"Frankly, I take responsibility for the fact it's got away from us," he said.

"The rules are clear. We are not going to tolerate the abuse of umpires. It's clear to our players, our clubs.

"I'm apologetic it's got to this point. We've got a dearth of umpires (at lower levels), we're 6000 umpires short nationally.

"It's credit to the growth of the game, but it's also the fact the supply of numbers hasn't kept up."

AFL CEO warns of crackdown on umpire abuse

McLachlan said players can talk to umpires, but the abuse of umpires by players and coaches on or off the field has to stop.

"Everyone understands what's right or wrong," he said.

"The first couple of weeks, we might have a bit of a lumpy start, but it will find its rhythm.

"But people yelling at umpires from 20m away, that's over.

"And the team will pay a price and players will adjust quickly because that's what they do ... everyone will find that line."

McLachlan cited the umpire shortages at grassroots level - and the flow-on effect it has - as one one of the biggest issues facing the sport.

"There's a whole series of programs to develop the supply, but we need to have an environment that people will feel comfortable to step into," he said.

Hawthorn captain Ben McEvoy said umpires appreciate genuine dialogue with players and had come to many of the team's pre-season training sessions.

He is also acutely aware of the effects of umpire abuse at community level.

"The umpires actually appreciate genuine dialogue and they're trying to understand - help them, help us," he said.

"I know it was even an issue when I was a kid, playing footy, I had my Dad running around umpiring and we surely need to do better than that."

with AAP

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