Learning The Fine Art of Umpiring Junior FootyThursday, August 3, 2023 - 10:40 AM

Many of the state’s emerging umpires are benefitting from a West Australian Football Commission campaign to help officials on game day.  

Umpiring WA attended metropolitan Junior Umpiring Club training sessions in May and June, with activities aimed at building umpires’ skills and confidence. 

The sessions were developed and co-facilitated by leadership consultant Matt Angus, who has been working with Junior Umpiring Clubs on an ongoing basis. 

Team-based activities saw umpires work together in a series of challenges that were designed to hone non-technical skills such as teamwork and communication. 

Activities were then linked to how umpires can use those skills on game day. 

Courtney Gibson, Junior Community Umpiring Co-ordinator at the WAFC, believes a dedicated support network is critical for officials beginning their umpiring journey. 

“Umpiring junior football is a unique experience that fast-tracks a lot of the skills people would learn over the course of an adult lifetime,” Gibson said. 

“It forces us to think and act in a calm, positive manner no matter what storm is going on around us,” she said. 

“Among the challenges of umpiring, being a part of an inclusive and supportive group of people fosters behaviour change in the wider community. 

“It is incredibly positive to see the work of the Junior Umpiring Clubs in enhancing the culture and environment for their members. 

“There is room for improvement in this space however it’s important to celebrate the small wins along the way.”

Umpiring WA visited each Junior Umpiring Club on two occasions where umpires worked to develop a variety of skills that they can utilise on game day.  

The sessions also included gratitude activities where umpires acknowledged and recognised the efforts of their umpire coaches. 

A key component of the overall program was umpires working together and sharing experiences. Facilitating strong connections between umpires is an important way to help umpires build confidence. 

As part of the of sessions, umpires were surveyed about their umpiring experience.

There were several key takeaways from the surveys including: 

• Umpires rating their umpiring experience on average an 8.44 out of 10 

• 87% of Umpires agree or strongly agree that they are proud to be an umpire 

• 92% of Umpires feel supported by their Umpire Coaches and Mentors on game day 

 Umpire Coaching and Talent Pathway Specialist at the WAFC (West Australian Football Commission), Daniel Gibbons, believes there are several necessary qualities to become an accomplished game day official.  

“It’s been very rewarding working closely with the Junior Umpire Coaches and Umpires this season,” Gibbons said. 

“To see first-hand the effort that goes into training and preparing the umpires to play an important role in junior football is inspiring,” he said.

“The program has provided umpires new experiences that better prepare them with the challenges that come with umpiring.

“There is compelling evidence that focussing on developing non-technical skills such as trust, teamwork and communication improves an umpire’s confidence and performance of their role.

“The program concluded with an opportunity for umpires to recognise the challenging work of their umpire coaches whose efforts often go unheralded. 

“It was amazing to see the admiration for their coaches and the impact they’re having on the development of all junior umpires.” 

The umpire support sessions followed the Junior Umpire Coaching workshops that were held in the pre-season.

These workshops were focussed around “fostering a love for umpiring,” with coaches discussing how to create environments that emphasise fun, enjoyment and the development of fundamental umpiring skills.

To learn more about becoming an umpire click here.