Community Umpiring Week puts umpires front and centre
This week marks the commencement of Community Umpiring Week, where the AFL celebrates its umpires throughout the nation, particularly our community umpires, who work to make our game safe, fun and fair each week, often without the plaudits they deserve.
Our game cannot be played without umpires, and AFL NSW/ACT thanks the more than 1,600 men, women, boys and girls who don the lime green each week. As our number of playing participants grow across the region, so too does the requirement for more umpires to get skilled and get in the game.
Umpiring Australian football matches gives people a view of the game they never thought possible. It can help a person get fit, improve their confidence and leadership, and make them part of a community of likeminded individuals who hone their craft at group training and on match days.
All community umpires in AFL NSW/ACT competitions, whether acting as field, boundary or goal umpires get paid at every level. They are also equipped with the skills and confidence to be the best they can be and even strive for elite status thanks to our regional umpiring coaches.
Umpiring Development Lead for AFL NSW/ACT, Brent Trewin, said: “Community Umpiring Week is a great initiative for players and clubs to show their support for our officials.
“Umpiring any sport presents unique challenges and we are proud of the umpiring communities we build across the state and territory to ensure everyone who umpires feels supported and skilled to be the best they can. It’s a great way for people to get involved in the game, get fit, have fun and even earn some pocket money.”
There are currently 10 AFL-listed umpires from NSW or the ACT, with goal umpire, Taylor Mattioli from Sydney, the most recent to make her AFL debut (see image below).
Anyone looking to start their umpiring journey is encouraged to visit umpire.afl for more information. Alternatively, you can fill out this EOI and one of our umpiring team members will reach out to you shortly.
