Female Umpiring Pioneers Enjoy Mentoring Role Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - 8:46 AM

High profile WA female umpires Sally Boud and Kendell Ball are at the forefront of the AFL National Women’s Umpire Mentorship Program. 

The project, which began in April and continues until next month, is aimed at supporting women and girls in umpiring as they make their way through an umpiring career from community level to elite football. 

A mentor program to support holistic development, promote connection and voice challenges and opportunities are all objectives of the (NWMP), with Boud and Ball facilitating the sessions, which began last year with more than 120 participants from each state and territory invited. 

Ball was a WAFL goal umpire for 13 seasons between 2003 and 2015, officiating in 152 WAFL League games, one League Grand Final, one State game, as well as being Goal Umpire of the Year in 2013. and was made a WANFLUA Life Member in 2012. 

“The program consists of both online and in-person sessions,” Ball said. 

“The online sessions include all states and territories and are aimed at providing information via inspiring guest speakers who share their personal experiences, helping the young girls and women to access information which is specific to their needs. 

“The in-person sessions are conducted by Sally and me, with the aim to build relationships and to create comradery with one another. 

“It also provides a support system for umpires, with Sally and I available to provide help and support.” 

Made a WANFLUA Life Member in 2012, Ball is adamant the program is critical for emerging umpires. 

“Mentors are very important,” she said. 

“But what the AFL has implemented with this initiative is fantastic because females haven’t had the opportunity to have fellow females as mentors in this space. 

“This is important because it allows umpires to have someone who can relate to what they are experiencing more personally, and hopefully provides them with a safe environment to share ideas and issues.” 

While Ball provides the perspective of a former official, Boud has been an AFL Goal Umpire since 2008 overseeing 73 games. 

Currently on maternity leave, Boud has umpired 166 WAFL matches, 2 WAFL League Grand Finals, was named 2014 Goal Umpire of the Year, and is also a WANFLUA Life Member. 

Ball believes the pair are an ideal combination to deliver the key messages. 

“During our sessions, Sally and I are focussed on providing the girls with opportunities to further build their relationships with fellow umpires,” she said. 

“We have umpires from the WAFL, PFL, and junior districts so it gives everyone an opportunity to connect and ask questions to help build their umpiring capability. 

“We are also engaging with guest speakers who shares their stories, with a focus on running and building resilience, as well as providing other key topics which are important for females in relation to their training.”