Mutual Umpires' Association disband after row with league

The umpires’ body, who would have been celebrating their 91st anniversary this year, took great exception to a rule that was passed at the league’s annual meeting last month which was contrary to one of their rules.

An amended rule 17b, which was passed 29-13, allows umpires from other leagues to officiate in the Mutual League without passing the Umpires’ Association’s own laws course.

The Umpires’ Association held an extraordinary general meeting last Friday at Wibsey Rugby Club at which the proposal was: “As the league have passed a new rule (17b) that contradicts the Association’s criteria for accepting new members, the executive of the Association are, with regret, proposing that the Umpires’ Association be disbanded and the league given the task of administrating all umpiring matters themselves.”

There were 15 votes in favour of the proposal and seven against, with three abstentions and three absentees.

This decision was brought to last night's league meeting at Clayton Rugby League Club, and league chairman Nick Spachis, who attended Friday’s meeting, said: “I have been involved in this league for 22 years and believe that the umpires have over-reacted.

“All the rule was meant to do was allow umpires from other leagues to join our league in mid-season, and seemed a sensible and workable solution, and the umpires’ reaction is surprising and disappointing.

"I cannot believe this has happened.”

The league’s fixture secretary Graham Langton, who proposed the rule for the annual meeting, said: “I am the bad boy for trying to bring this rule in so umpires could join us in June or July.

“They would still have to be members of the association.”

The Umpires’ Association’s laws course, run by David Ratcliffe, is due to start next Tuesday at Clayton Rugby League Club.

Umpires’ Association secretary Alan Broadbent, who is also league president, said: “I will be there on the first night to ensure that things get off the ground.”