HISTORY OF THE EASTERN SUBURBAN CHURCHES UMPIRES' ASSOCIATION
Compiled by long-serving SFLUA member and past president, David Luttrell.
Many umpires would no doubt have officiated in matches from the inception of the Eastern Suburbs Protestant Churches Football Association in 1923 although, again, no official umpiring body was in existence. Sometime between 1969 and 1975, the reference to "Protestant" was dropped and the Eastern Suburban Churches Football Association was born.
At roughly the same time as this occurred (1972) the ESCFUA was officially created, electing the late Henry Littlejohn as its first president, with a view to providing an organised environment for its running umpires. The ESCFUA retained its status as an independent body during the 1970's and 1980's but was obliged to combine with the SESFLUA once the Eastern Suburban Churches Football Association determined that it would join forces with the SFL to ensure the survival of both competitions, which to that time had seen their member clubs slowly decline in number.
Further details of the ESCFUA's fledgling years are still being researched, but some historical events of note are as follows:
- 1972 - Umpires Association Formed
- 1978 - Introduction of Boundary Umpires and umpires' jackets
- 1979 - Introduction of Goal Umpires, and the first year of the 2 umpire system
- 1983 - Colour Red introduced into the umpires' uniforms 1988 - ESCFUA became an Incorporated Body
- 1992 - Final Year of the ESCFA prior to it merging with the SFL
The above history, and the contents of the various linked pages would not have been possible without the invaluable assistance of Neil Ashworth and Ivan Walters, who have proven by their efforts that the dedication they showed during the active phases of their careers in either forming, or furthering, their respective Associations extends to the present day. Each, in turn has contributed immeasurably to our past, and by consequence our future. They, and those who stood with them, deserve a huge vote of thanks from us all.