Umpire training resumes for 2012

On Monday, January 30 the senior umpiring groups in Sydney, Canberra and the Riverina all resume training for Field, Boundary and Goal umpires.

While the Black Diamond AFL competition covering the Central Coast and Hunter have also commenced their training for 2012.

Other senior and junior community umpiring groups will begin their preparations over the coming month.

The continued growth of AFL across the state and territory in local communities and the imminent debut of the GWS GIANTS is presenting a great opportunity for new umpires to join in the fun.

Male or female, young or old!

It doesn’t matter who you are, if you want to be involved in football, then Umpiring can be a very rewarding experience. Female Umpires for an integral part of the NEAFL and AFL umpiring panels! There are many opportunities at all levels of football, to become an Umpire. Umpires can start umpiring from 13 years of age.

Be Part of a Team

Whether you want to be a Field Umpire, Boundary Umpire or a Goal Umpire, all Umpires are part of a team. There are AFL mentors, qualified coaches and experienced umpires to help you at every level of Umpiring. So you can start Umpiring knowing that whatever level you want to reach, you won’t be doing it alone!

Get Paid to Get Fit

Imagine how much easier it would be to be paid to be fit and healthy … well with Umpiring, you can! Most Umpiring groups have regular, structured training sessions. NEAFL, AFL Sydney, AFL Canberra and AFL Riverina even get dedicated fitness coaches to keep them in top shape. Umpiring rates vary across age groups, however imagine being paid to watch the game!! And when you think that you can be paid up to $90,000 a year as an AFL Umpire, then it is a lot better than paying for a gym membership!

Develop your Personal Skills

Umpiring can build your confidence, help you make important decisions under pressure, and improve your interpersonal and communication skills. You will not get better training in all these areas than by being an Umpire.

Be the Best

Are you fit, dedicated, motivated and hard-working? If you want to Umpire some amazing football, then there are pathways in place to help you get to the top. By being an elite Umpire, you can progress to umpire higher levels of football, travel around the state or country, umpire in carnivals and exhibition games. Umpires who show promise in junior or senior competitions may be selected for talent squads or be selected for carnivals. This is the launching pad for an exciting career as an elite Umpire.

Have Fun!!

Finally, but most importantly, Umpiring can be great fun! You make lots of friends, have fantastic experiences and meet lots of new people. They all Umpire because it is a heap of fun. After all, you get to have the best seat in the house for the greatest game of all!

If you have ever thought about umpiring then now is the time to start! No experience is necessary, and you can even play and umpire! Past players or coaches are also encouraged to join the ranks!

If you are interested in joining your local umpiring group as a Field, Boundary or Goal umpire then please contact:

AFL Sydney Umpiring Group

Tuesdays 6pm till 7.30pm

North Sydney Oval, Miller St, North Sydney or Blacktown International Sports Park AFL Oval 2, Eastern Rd, Rooty Hill

Thursdays 6pm till 7.30pm

North Sydney Oval, Miller St, North Sydney

Umpire Contact: Graham Glassford (graham.glassford@aflnswact.com.au or 02 8333 8023)

AFL Canberra Umpiring Group

Tuesday & Thursday 6pm

Marist College – Lindwall Oval

Contact: Jock Hillgrove (jock.hillgrove@aflnswact.com.au or 02 6228 0366)

AFL Riverina Umpiring Group

Tuesday & Thursday 6pm till 7.30pm

Maher Oval, Fernleigh Rd, Wagga Wagga

Contact: Luke Olsen (luke.olsen@aflnswact.com.au or 02 5924 4608)

Black Diamond Umpiring Group (Central Coast and Hunter Region)

Monday and Wednesday 5.45pm till 7.15pm

Baxter Field, Swan St, Marks Point

Umpire Coach: Peter Hampshire (peter.hampshire@bigpond.com or 0412 579 137)

All other senior and junior umpiring groups:

Sydney and Northern NSW
Contact: Carl Fletcher (carl.fletcher@aflnswact.com.au or 02 8867 7420)

South Coast and Saphire Coast
Contact: Jock Hillgrove (jock.hillgrove@aflnswact.com.au or 02 6228 0366)

Southern NSW, Central West and Broken Hill
Contact: Luke Olsen (luke.olson@aflnswact.com.au or 02 5924 4608)