Junior umps rub shoulders with cream of umpiring cropThursday, May 11, 2017 - 2:30 PM

Four junior community umpires got the opportunity to rub shoulders with AFL umpires at the Fremantle v Essendon clash at Domain Stadium on May 7 as part of AFL Community Umpiring Week.

The young aspiring umpires met the AFL field, boundary and goal umpires along with the match day AFL umpire coaches before the game.

Former West Australian Football League field umpire Nathan Williamson, who now lives in Melbourne and officiates AFL, showed the four umpires how the communication vests worn on match day work.

The umpires also got the chance to meet Essendon coach John Worsfold who strongly encouraged the young boys to work hard, be strong-minded and confident and to remember to also have fun in their umpiring journey.

West Australian Football Commission Umpiring Pathways Manager Tim Priest said the event was a great experience and learning opportunity for the four young umpires.

“It was a great opportunity for these young umpires to witness the pre-game preparation undertaken by the AFL umpires, and the technology involved,” Priest said.

“The four umpires enjoyed everything about the day, with the highlight being the opportunity to walk out onto the hallowed turf of Domain Stadium alongside the AFL umpires and standing alongside Fremantle Dockers captain Nathan Fyfe and Essendon’s captain Dyson Heppell for the coin toss.”     

The AFL Community Umpiring Round is a national initiative to promote the recruitment and recognition of umpiring as an important element of the game, with a talent pathway from junior football to AFL competition level. 

Jonathan Ross
Age: 14                                
District: Claremont
Year started umpiring?   2016
How did you get involved? Through a friend.
What do you like most about umpiring? It is great fitness, and you get to meet new people.
What’s most challenging about umpiring? Making decisions quickly.

Lachy Flavel
Age:  13                                
District: Claremont
Year started umpiring?  2016
How did you get involved? Word of mouth.
What do you like most about umpiring? The challenges each match brings.
What’s most challenging about umpiring? Deciding ‘holding the ball’.

Dylan Cooper
Age: 16                
District: West Perth
Year started umpiring? 2013
How did you get involved? I have always loved the game and thought I could get more enjoyment through umpiring, so I gave it a crack.
What do you like most about umpiring? That you can still be a part of the footy environment and enjoy it.
What’s most challenging about umpiring? The work rate and consistency involved in umpiring

Liam Murray
Age: 13                
District: West Perth
Year started umpiring? 2017
How did you get involved? Through a friend and always wanting to do it
What do you like most about umpiring? You get the best view of the game.
What’s most challenging about umpiring? Listening to the crowd shouting at you.