The Whistleblowers: Coaches help out

They might be from different teams but this Sunday Jy King and Ryan Pitts will run out alongside each other.

As part of a pioneering trial, the two South West Football League coaches will swap their whiteboard markers for a whistle and officiate in the colts fixture between Bunbury and Carey Park.

The pair say their move was motivated by a desire to do something about a crippling shortage of umpires in the South West.

‘‘I think the umps are doing an excellent job, but they’re being asked to do too much,’’ Carey Park’s King said.

‘‘We need the football community ex-players and people like that to step up and help them out.

‘‘Well have to be on our game and make sure we know the rules, because we tend to question them at times,’’ Bunbury’s Pitts joked.

‘‘Its a good thing for us to actually get out there as well and make sure that we make the right decisions.’’

The pair will be joined in the game by experienced umpire Kevin Nettleton, who began officiating in SWFL matches in 1977.

‘‘The contacts and friends you make through umpiring, you keep for years and years,’’ Nettleton said.

Umpires’ coordinator Shane Miller said officiating in games was a great way to keep fit, meet new people and earn extra income.

Umpires train at Hands Oval from 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The SWFL is looking for field, boundary and goal umpires of all ages and experience levels.

If you are interested in becoming an umpire, contact the league on 9721 7878.