Regional Umpires Benefit From Education and Skill SessionFriday, June 2, 2023 - 10:00 AM

The West Australian Football Commission is delighted with the results of the latest education and umpiring skills session for regional umpires. 

Jack Crawshaw, Recruitment, Retention and Regional Umpiring Specialist at the West Australian Football Commission headed up the initiative, which included up to 20 West Kimberley Junior Football League Umpires. 

“It was a great experience,” Crawshaw said. 

“The WKJFL is reasonably well set up and is striving to be a forward-thinking organisation. 

“They have a small but passionate committee which supports umpiring, creating an inclusive umpiring group, and achieving a positive gameday environment.” 

The Education and Skills Session was followed by an Umpiring WA State of Play Education Session which attracted 40 WKJFL Coaches and Team Managers. 

Umpiring WA has also travelled to Bunbury, Albany, Manjimup, Geraldton, Carnarvon and Esperance but Crawshaw admits enticing people to umpiring in the regions remains a challenge. 

“It’s difficult purely because the population in the area doesn’t necessarily allow for it,” he said. 

“Most are already participating in the game or playing multiple sports. 

“We currently have over 2700 registered umpires in WA, but feel we are 200-300 short of what would be ideal. 

Crawshaw, who umpired a WKFL match between the Broome Bulls and Peninsula Bombers during his visit, revealed which rules are creating the greatest discussion in the regions. 

“Dangerous tackles or rough conduct always seem to draw attention on how players can be better coached to execute proper tackling techniques, which is heightened by the desire to better protect players from concussion,” he said. 

Umpiring WA visits regional areas regularly but demand for more frequent interaction has increased. 

“The feedback has been positive, and we look forward to continuing to educate and support Regional Umpiring Groups,” he said. 

“We’ve also launched a new fortnightly online Regional Umpiring Education Session, which began in May.” 

Former AFL umpire and WAFL and WAFLW Umpiring Operations Manager, Dean Margetts also continues to officiate football in regional areas. Earlier this year he was in Esperance as part of the Tackle Your Feelings Workshop, a mental health training program for community football coaches, players and umpires.