Umpiring Education Sessions Embraced by CoachesWednesday, April 20, 2022 - 3:14 PM - by Mark Readings

Building better relationships between umpires and coaches was the priority of a new education program launched by the West Australian Football Commission. 

More than 100 coaches attended sessions at clubs in the South Fremantle and East Fremantle districts. 

Hayden Cobley, Coach Coordinator for Metro South at the WAFC, was delighted with the success of the two evenings at the Success Regional Sporting Facility and the Bullcreek Leeming JFC. 

“The objective is to better connect our junior coaches and umpiring groups to ensure everyone in junior football is working together to provide the best gameday experience possible. 

Coaches are role models on gameday and have an impact on how umpires are treated during matches,” Cobley said. 

The education session also highlighted the inexperience of some whistle-blowers. 

“There were several jaw dropping moments for coaches through the sessions, with many surprised that the majority of first-year umpires are just 12 years of age,” Cobley revealed. 

WAFC State Umpiring Manager David Crute has hailed the program a success. 

“Both nights ran extremely well, and it provided umpires the platform to discuss their experiences and how junior umpiring operates. 

The importance of respect towards officials remains a priority at community football level and having coaches supportive of that objective is a huge benefit,” Crute said. 

A collaborative approach between the WA Coaching and Umpiring Teams played a crucial role in the success of the sessions, as did the support provided the respective East Fremantle and South Fremantle Umpiring Managers, David Gaynor, and Brett Forsyth.  

The WAFC will look to continue the education program in 2023.