Female umpiring talent shines in NSW/ACT

While there is currently just one female umpire at AFL level, there will soon be many more if these girls are any indication. Both of the 19 year olds are excelling in their respective areas – Markut in the field and O’Dea in goals.

Markut, who is currently umpiring in the Sydney Under-18 competition in her sixth season, said she was a reluctant starter when a friend suggested she take up umpiring.

“In the beginning I thought ‘no way that’s not for me’,” she said.

“But I gave it a try and I really enjoyed it, the people you meet are very supportive and it’s more of a positive experience than you’d first think.”

She started umpiring in the GSJ Western Sydney competition in the 2007 and has been part of the Regional Junior Umpiring Squad.

Markut was awarded the Golden Whistle award for the Greater Western Sydney Junior region last year, an award that recognises the off-field contribution of umpires as well as the on-field.

Markut said she was pleased to receive the award, after a grueling season of up to four training sessions per week.

“I attended three of the four junior training sessions per week, plus one senior session,” she said.

“I also helped coach two of the sessions, as well as mentoring new umpires, or umpires progressing up a level.”

She names her umpiring experience at the International Cup in 2011 has been the highlight of her career so far: “It was amazing to see so many cultures come together in the one place.”

Markut gives this advice for potential umpires:  “Give it a go, I thought it was boring and uncool at the start!”

She says her experience on the field has largely been positive due to the relationships with the clubs in her league.

“You build a reputation with the clubs and a rapport with them that works to your advantage – so it’s not as difficult as it may seem.”

Rose O’Dea is a Canberra based goal umpire, who currently officiates the NEAFL competition – and has been involved in the competition since its inaugural year in 2011.

She was introduced to umpiring by her father, who was a boundary umpire in the Canberra first division competition, and says umpiring has given her a chance to be involved with AFL without playing.

O’Dea began her umpiring career in 2007 is on the pathway to umpiring AFL after being identified by the AFL Umpiring Department as a potential AFL Goal Umpire into the future.

She says the highlight of her career came quite early on, when she was given the opportunity to umpire the curtain raiser to the 2008 Grand Final.

“I was ridiculously nervous, I remember the first time I walked down the race at the MCG on the lower level and I was just amazed. Everything was perfect,” she said.

“ It was great being in the umpire’s room before the game when the Grand Final match balls were delivered.”

O’Dea says being an umpire has a variety of benefits, and she would recommend to any women who are keen to be involved in AFL.

“You get amazing opportunities and you still get to be involved in the game without playing,” she said.

“Every week it’s so challenging but it’s very rewarding to see yourself improve and make the right calls – plus it’s a great way to keep fit.”