2013 Umpiring Round: South Coast group

Like many umpire groups, the South Coast were facing a critical shortage of umpires. Having tried most other options over recent years the group decided on a youth policy for this year which is already paying handsome dividends.

Peter Humphries, Senior Coach explains:

“We were down to about eight senior umpires for nine matches per week. We had to do something. In conjunction with AFL we decided to create opportunities for our young umpires.

“In the pre-season knock-out, five umpires all under 16-years-old  made their senior umpiring debuts. The knock out final was umpired by three 15 year-olds all of whom had umpired their first senior game on the day. Other junior umpires debuted in trial games alongside one of our experienced umpires.

“In Round 1 two junior umpires debuted in reserve grade.

“In Round 2 another three umpires debuted in reserve grade. At the same time two other umpires debuted in the AFL Sydney Under-18s competition.

“This week, in Round 3 we have four junior umpires making their first grade debut across two different games.

“Numbers at training have gone from an average of 10 last year to 30 plus each night this year.

“The kids are motivating and challenging each other to perform and to their credit, when given the chance they are performing better than expected.

AFL NSW/ACT Umpiring Manager Graham Glassford praised the dedication and success of the group.

“The South Coast group was deteriorating in the seniors with many of the older umpires retiring,” Glassford said.

“Together and with the unwavering support of the South Coast AFL, the group has turned the corner and has shown what can be done when you commit to and stay with a plan.

“South Coast umpires will supply all umpires for any AFL Sydney Under-18s games to be played at North Dalton Park during the season.”

“This is a great thing for our umpires,” Humphries said.

“It is something for them to look forward to and aspire towards. Hopefully in years to come we may be able to supply the umpires for all grades.”