Aspiring WAFL Umpires Embrace Development TrainingWednesday, August 17, 2022 - 10:05 AM

A group of Community Umpires has taken a major step in their quest to reach the next level, joining the WAFL Umpiring team at Ernest Johnson Oval. 

Nearly 50 aspiring Junior and Senior Field, Boundary and Goal Umpires participated in WAFL Development Squad training as part of their development and to mix with elite local umpires. 

The Umpires have been identified by their Community Umpiring Clubs as possessing the desire and potential to progress in the umpiring talent pathway and are being considered for selection in Development Squads. 

The Community Umpires were welcomed to the home of WAFL Umpiring by WAFL and WAFLW Umpiring Operations Manager Dean Margetts before joining in with coaching, conditioning, and skills sessions with their respective Development Squad.  

Margetts was delighted with the turnout. 

“It was a fantastic attendance, bearing in mind it was the coldest day in Perth this year. 

To see young, engaged umpires soaking up all the information, tells me the future is bright for umpiring in WA,” Margetts said. 

This initiative aims to promote the talent pathway to Community Umpires and to motivate them to reach the next level. 

The message to the aspiring officials was clear. 

“We want them to be part of a great environment, so they test themselves with the best and we can assist them with their development not only as umpires but as young people. The Community Umpiring clubs align to our values and the transition is seamless which I’m very proud of” Margetts said. 

The timing of the training session fell on the same night as the launch of the Stop Umpire Abuse campaign. 

“It was perfect timing for us, having WAFL umpires with Community Umpires in the room hearing the same message at the same time. 

We’re all umpires wanting the same thing, and that was evident when the messaging was shared,” he said. 

Umpires from a variety of locations attended the training session, including from Peel and the South-West.   

South West Football League Field Umpire Henry King said that “the training session was a great eye opener in what’s required to take the next step in my umpiring journey. 

I found that the camaraderie and mateship shown within the group created a welcoming environment for all.”  

This training experience is a key component of Umpiring WA’s talent identification and development program for this season. 

Umpires have been showcasing their abilities in a range of games, including in their community competitions, where Umpiring WA coaches have been in attendance.   

The program concludes with the WAFL Development Squad Carnivals in October where Umpires have a further opportunity to demonstrate their potential to reach the next level.