South Gippsland umpires focus on mental health

WHILE footy umpires are largely resilient people, South Gippsland Umpires Association (SGUA) is taking a proactive approach to the mental health of its officials, hosting a Mental Health Awareness session in Korumburra run by partner organisation Outside the Locker Room.

Former Carlton player Jake Edwards established Outside the Locker Room after battling depression that eventually led to a suicide attempt.

SGUA umpires coach Josh Chenoweth spoke to the Sentinel-Times about the importance of the Wednesday night session at Korumburra Middle Hotel.

“We’ve got to create an environment for conversations, and give people skills to maintain mental wellbeing,” Josh said.

Despite the general resilience of umpires, he stressed it is not an easy job and can leave its mark.

“It’s taxing mentally, so this is another tool we will have to be able to keep umpires on the field,” Josh said.

He added that umpires may be dealing with a tough week at work or the loss of a family member and still front up to officiate a match, and comments from the crowd can add to their stress.

Local footy identity Bobbie Lee Blay who has been involved at Gippsland Power, Kilcunda-Bass and Dalyston footy clubs and is currently the operations manager for the West Gippsland Junior Football Competition, ran the session in her role as a program facilitator for Outside the Locker Room.

“I have a strong interest in combining sport and mental health,” Bobbie Lee said, making it clear that the power of sport is a great way to spread the message for people to support each other and to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

Bobbie Lee found the umpires to be a switched-on group who realise the importance of mental health and the value of supporting each other if challenges arise.

She said they had a good understanding of the need to reach out to those who may be struggling.

The evening ran as a workshop, with the umpires operating in groups to answer various mental health related questions, something that sparked conversation.

They spoke about recognising the signs of someone going through a mental health challenge, how to start a conversation with a person who may be in that situation and provide support if it is required.

Bobbie Lee said the younger members of the umpiring group had good knowledge of available services in case they or their friends require mental health support.

The partnership between SGUA and Outside the Locker Room is mutually beneficial, with the umpires officiating free of charge in fundraising matches for the mental health organisation which in turn runs free mental health sessions for them.

Bobbie Lee recommended mental health support services available for those in need, including:

Beyond Blue - free confidential telephone counselling is available on 1300 224 636

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Headspace (Wonthaggi) – 5671 5900

Call 000 in an emergency.