McConnell, who was acting as a runner, was reported for using abusive, insulting, threatening language towards or in relation to an umpire in the third quarter of his team's senior clash with Kalkee.

McConnell was handed a two week ban with a further four suspended for the remainder of the 2008 season.

Horsham District Football League general manager Stephen McQueen said McConnell's suspension was a warning to clubs.

``This sentence should be a warning to all clubs in the HDFL and WFL that umpires, tribunals and leagues take this matter of runners and water carriers very seriously,'' he said.

``They are to do their job of running water and messages respectfully, then they must leave the playing arena immediately.''

McQueen said inexperience on McConnell's behalf brought about the partially suspended sentence.

``Runners and water carriers have been an issue in our leagues for some time and it appears Mr McConnell, doing the running for his club for the first time, was caught out through his inexperience, hence having part of his suspension suspended,'' he said.

``If clubs do not fully understand the roles of their runner or water carriers please read your VCFL rule book or feel free to contact myself.

``Both league executives and tribunals fully support the Wimmera Umpires Association in taking action against runners and water carriers not doing according to VCFL rules.''

However, Great Western president Rodney Matheson said he was a disappointed with the tribunal's decision, believing McConnell should have received an entirely suspended sentence and reprimand.

``I think it's a bit unfortunate that the runner swore twice and gets reported for it,'' he said.

``If we want to go against them and appeal it you have got to have the money to do it, but we don't.

``He admits that he swore and was sorry and apologised for the fact that he did.''

Matheson said the club would take the decision `on the chin' and learn from it.