Newly appointed Upper Great Southern League Football League president Kim Melvin takes a fresh approach

The Upper Great Southern Football League has a new president and he is ready for whatever challenges the 2022 season may bring. Kim Melvin has stepped into the role of UGSFL president, taking over from the outgoing Tim Cowcher. It will be Melvin’s first stint as the president of the league, which consists of eight clubs, and the Narrogin local said he was looking forward to starting fresh as he eyes an uninterrupted season. “The season kicks off on May 1 culminating in the grand final in Williams on September 4,” Melvin said. “COVID will no doubt be an issue at some stage during the season but as long as crowds are allowed to attend, we’ll continue to play and it would be nice for the season to not be disrupted.” Melvin has outlined a number focuses for the upcoming season, which includes improving attitudes towards umpiring and better crowd behaviour. “A few goals of the league this season are to get some respect back for the umpires by controlling over-aggressive behaviour and cutting back on the poor language. We’re just trying to get it back to a level where it should be and hopefully we can. “Umpires have been instructed to hold their vision on the play longer to stop late and uncalled for actions and we’re winding the clock back with umpires going into the rooms prior to the game to meet the captains and team. “Crowd behaviour is also on the agenda, leaving this up to the clubs to monitor and act on for the betterment of the game.” Melvin said football had been an integral part of his life and giving back to the game he held dear to him was an opportunity he relished. “My football journey started way back in 1973 as a junior at Rovers in Yealering, then at Wickepin playing 85 league games, retiring at age 23 due to knee injuries,” he said. “I also coached league for four years and was lucky enough to win two premierships. “I’m excited. I’ve got a fair bit out of footy over my time, football is my religion and it will be good to play my role as president and put something back into footy.” The new season is set to begin on May 1 with the opening fixtures all starting at 2.30pm across the Upper Great Southern region.