Umpires join in NAIDOC Celebrations with Indigenous designed shirtsThursday, July 20, 2023 - 12:43 PM

Umpires will wear Indigenous designed shirts across junior football competitions this weekend as part of the final week of NAIDOC celebrations.

This initiative was funded by the Regional Development Councils to honour and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders players who have contributed to this great game.

This weekend across Metro South all field umpires who are officiating in divisions Year 7 and above will wear the shirts which have been designed by Sharon Wood-Kenney, similar to Metro Central and North which celebrated NAIDOC the previous weekend.

Sharon is a counsellor on the Metro North RDC and co-chair WA Football Commission Indigenous Strategy Committee, is passionate about volunteering and maintaining connections across football.

The shirt’s design fosters inclusivity among players and umpires, emphasising the significance of establishing connections between the two groups. 

“The circles represent, the history of the umpires, life members and districts, whilst the black dots represent our umpires today,” Sharon said.

“A Djinda ‘star’ is located at the top-right of the design, guiding the game into the future and connections to those who are no longer with us.

“The Wagyl (rainbow serpent) represents Aboriginal creation story and making the pathways for others to follow.”

The design on the shirt’s sleeve represents Djinda Falcons Football & mentoring programs patron, Uncle Bill Dempsey, a West Perth Football Club legend inducted into WA Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

On the back of the shirt Sharon pays tribute to Glenn James OAM, the first and only Indigenous Field Umpire. James was honoured at this year’s AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round for his contribution to umpiring between the mid-1970s to 80s.

“The lore’ (law) person represents the ruler of the game, mark of territory, of bravery, and respecting the umpires,” Sharon said.

The BWK logo on the front of the shirt is to honour Brody (Wood) Kenney, a young footballer, club captain at Ocean Ridge JFC, Nicky Winmar Cup player, West Perth Development Squad player, North Beach Amateur Football Club who also represented the WA Police Football team in 2021.  

"Giving back to the game leaving a legacy for our son Brody who passed away in March 2022 – a young WA Police person who was brave and honourable,” Sharon Wood-Kenney said. 

“Brody was the loreman in our family and is remembered fondly across football families."

Image courtesy of Wanneroo JFC