THE Daylesford Football Club president has quit in disgust after being abused by players from his own team while umpiring a reserve grade Central Highlands match on Saturday.
Barry Phypers resigned as president and club umpire yesterday in response to the abuse from the Daylesford reserves players, although he will continue to manage the development of the club's netball courts.
The abuse occurred following a number of incidents during the match against Ballan at Daylesford.
"I had to umpire in three games on Saturday. I shouldn't have to put up with copping abuse from my own club's players," Phypers said.
"Even the Ballan players and the other umpires wondered how they could talk to me like that.
"I have umpired senior football so I know how to umpire and all I want is some respect. Every umpire can make mistakes. If I didn't make mistakes I would be umpiring at the MCG, wouldn't I?"
Daylesford senior coach Darren McColl said the club planned to have an investigation into the reserve grade match and said he would not offer any further comment until that investigation was completed.
The club will discuss how to fill the position of president at a future board meeting. Phypers said there was a chance the position would remain vacant until the end of the season.
He denied his decision to quit had anything to do with alleged bullying around the club or that it was in any way related to a brawl that took place on Saturday night at a hotel allegedly involving a number of Daylesford registered
players.
"I have no information about that. I understand one player been charged but that is all I have heard," Phypers said.
"The club is not in disarray at all. As a club we're going along quite well. It is just the behaviour of some reserves players I have a problem with.
"As far as the senior players are concerned they are a great bunch of blokes. I am unaware of any cases of bullying."
Phypers said it was very difficult to find people who would umpire matches for the clubs. He said he would have been happier just filling the role of club president and let someone else look afterumpiring.
The Daylesford Football Club has had a roller coaster of a year, the high point being the return of former Western Bulldogs champion Chris Grant to the club to play a "thank you" match where Grant kicked 10 goals for the
club.