Brett Allen (umpire)

Brett Allen (born 14 April 1966) is a retired Australian rules football field umpire in the Australian Football League. He umpired 346 career games in the AFL since his debut in 1992. [At the completion of Round 22 of the 2007 AFL season.] [ [http://www.aflua.com.au/index.asp?d=5A4C5A717251477C7008060A010502 AFLUA Statistics] , aflua.com.au. Accessed on 11 September 2007.]

A veteran of the AFL umpiring list, Allen was involved in the "Whispers in the Sky" controversy. Although not accused of doing anything improper, he was the second umpire, along with Matthew Head, on the flight. He defended Head, saying "Head had made no such comment". Two police officers were appointed to investigate the alleged comments by the umpires, however found nothing regarding the accused bribery. [ [http://www.smh.com.au/news/afl/afl-probes-umpires-victory-comment/2005/08/23/1124562862334.html AFL probes umpire's 'victory' comment] , smh.com.au - 24 August 2005. Retrieved on 18 September 2006.]

He is fifth on the AFL Umpiring all-time records for the number of finals games officiated with 33; one behind fellow 2006-listed umpire Darren Goldspink. [ [http://www.aflua.com.au/index.asp?d=5A4C5A717251477C7008060A000408 Milestones 2006; week ending 10 September] , aflua.com.au - 10 September 2006. Accessed on 18 September 2006.] He has also won the All Australian Umpire of the year 4 times over his AFL career in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2006. [ [http://www.aflua.com.au/index.asp?d=5A4C5A717251477C7008060A010704145A4C5A71784456587D710A080404020501 Brett Allen Profile at the AFL Umpires Association] .]

He announced his retirement on 5 September 2007 citing the increase in interstate travel and training required to umpire at the highest level. [The Age: Sport - Page 5 6 September 2007.] [ [http://sportal.com.au/default.aspx/mediaplayer/audio/AFL/why-do-umpires-become-umpires-828 Why do umpires become umpires?] , sportal.com.au - 5 September 2007. Accessed on 7 September 2007.]

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