I am not against constructive criticism, however I wish “Name Withheld” would have brought any grievances to any of the committee members of the League.

If this had been done it would have been pointed out that the League hires the ground and the toilets from the Barkly Shire Council.

Maintenance on the facilities is the responsibility of the Shire, although the League carries out minor maintenance as it sees fit.

Cleaning is carried out every weekend on the toilets and the ground; this is paid for by AFL Barkly.

Toilet paper is supplied (it is often pinched and/or placed in the toilets whole) but more is available from the gatekeepers less than 10 metres away from the toilets.

Hand soap is also provided but again the same problems occur.

Bins are supplied around the ground, having lids on them in my opinion would make no difference, as most of the rubbish is not placed in them anyway.

The committee of the AFL Barkly did not make the decision to purchase the lights, however are thankful to the hard work and efforts of the former Tennant Creek Town Council and Member for Barkly, Eliot McAdam, in succeeding to have these magnificent editions to sport in the Barkly erected.

Your attitude to the junior umpires is appalling.

It is no wonder there is a shortage of people willing to put their hand up to make the sport, and in turn YOUR community a better place.

These kids are there most weekends; they train one night per week and are taught the rules and techniques.

Throughout game day, they are continually mentored and they are very punctual.

Your comment: “They really aren’t sure of what they are doing”, is so naïve and is this coming from someone that is happy to sit on their behind, criticise and not have the guts to put their name to paper, when these kids show guts to get out there and have a go.

Without umpires we would not have football, and would always welcome more people willing to take on these roles.

It is about time more Name Withheld’s actually did something other than whinge.