Negotiations between AFL Wimmera-Mallee Commission and the Wimmera Football Umpires Association have proved fruitful in the lead up to a new season.

The two groups will come together under the new name of Wimmera and District Football Umpires.

AFL Wimmera-Mallee’s Bruce Petering said the ultimate goal was to have enough umpires for all grades.

“We are not quite there yet but that is certainly our ultimate goal and it’s something the clubs want as well,” he said. “It also allows us to move everyone in the one direction and we can ensure clubs that everyone is working together.”

Around 60 umpires are registered leading into the season but Petering expects some are just late to sign up.

The Wimmera-Mallee group had 50 umpires last season and the WDFUA brings a further 30 umpires.

“There are some experienced umpires coming together as well as some good young umpires,” he said.

The group will function as a sub-committee of AFL Wimmera Mallee and take control 

The amalgamation of the two groups had been a long time coming but negotiation progressed quickly in recent weeks. Nearly two years after the investigation into the best possible structure for umpiring started it concluded.

AFL Wimmera-Mallee chair John Smith said it will ultimately benefit the region as everyone is “pulling in the same direction strategically.”

A vote within the WFUA unanimously carried the motion to become part of one group late last week. 

WFUA president Kingsley Dalgleish said it was good to finalise negations.

“The name now reflecting the region and leagues was important to our members and the concession from the Commission was seen in a very positive light,” he said.

The umpires will continue to carry the AFL Wimmera-Mallee logo and the group will formally acknowledge the history and life members of the WFUA in an official motion at the next meeting.

“History and acknowledging individuals commitment is important,” Smith said.

In additional news the group also secured Jim’s Mowing as a major sponsor for three years.