Successful trip for umpires

The Joss Under-18 State Zone Trials were held last week in Coffs Harbour, with 14 umpires from across NSW and the ACT attending the carnival.

These umpires were selected after having a successful season in 2010 in their local competition. The carnival presented a great opportunity for the selected umpires to officiate the best under-18 players from across NSW and ACT that are all aiming to make the State team, and hopefully be selected by an AFL club in the NAB National Draft in the next few years.

Umpires were treated to high quality football throughout the carnival and were able to experience the lifestyle of an AFL umpire travelling to Coffs Harbour for the carnival, and then participating in coaching and video review sessions, ice bath recoveries and stretching recovery sessions.

The umpires also made use of new emerging technology, wearing glasses that contain a camera and microphone. This enabled umpires to review vision and receive feedback on their communication skills during the match.

The potential pathway for umpires to reach the AFL level through umpiring at the State Zone Trials was highlighted with AFL boundary umpire Chris Simms forming part of the coaching panel.

Chris participated in the carnival in 2008 and 2009, before being elevated to the AFL Boundary Umpire’s list in mid 2009.

Umpire Development Officer Carl Fletcher said, “the carnival presented a great opportunity for umpires to prepare themselves for the upcoming season, while receiving coaching advice that can help them improve their umpiring and share knowledge and skills with the umpires back in their local league.”

While Umpire Development Manager Jock Hillgrove added, “this is an exciting time for umpires in NSW and the ACT with the development of the new North East Australian Football League. The umpires involved in this carnival may get the opportunity over the next few years to be apart of this exciting competition, and the feedback they have taken with them from this carnival will help them to reach their umpiring goals.”

People interested in umpiring can contact the AFL NSW/ACT Umpiring Department by visiting contacting one of the umpire representatives.