More Umpires for Finals Monday, August 28, 2023 - 12:24 PM

The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) is set to revolutionise the Finals Series and Grand Final this year by implementing the 4 Field Umpire System for the first time. 

In alignment with the Australian Football League (AFL), this groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance the game experience for players, umpires, and fans. The move underpins the WAFC's commitment to fostering umpire development and ensuring fair play. 

The 4 Field Umpire System will see an additional umpire positioned in the Mid Zone to ensure players wanting to contest the ball can do so without being held or blocked. This approach will also offer an emerging umpire the chance to be part of the finals footy atmosphere. 

Justin Orr High Performance Field Coach of WAFL Umpiring, expressed his enthusiasm for the new system. He highlighted how the presence of more umpires in critical areas, especially around stoppages in the midfield involving rucks and players, will positively impact the game's dynamics.  

"By having two umpires around midfield stoppages, we can deter off-the-ball players from engaging in undisciplined behaviour," Orr explained.  

"This will ultimately lead to a more engaging spectacle for WAFL fans." 

This benefits the players in their respective forward zones as it allows the End Zone umpires to have early forward vision which will protect the forwards from being held off the ball.  

"The introduction of this system enables our umpires to focus on decision-making under reduced pressure," Orr said. 

He noted how the additional umpire facilitates better management of off-the-ball situations, and improved communication with players at the center of the ground, particularly after goals, will foster proactive feedback, benefiting player performance and game dynamics. 

Fans will witness a slightly different setup at the centre ball-up with two umpires positioned in the middle of the ground instead of the traditional single umpire setup. 

Orr said the 4 Field Umpire System will offer more umpires opportunities to gain experience while providing a clear pathway for junior umpires to ascend the ranks. 

To find out more information about umpiring or how to become an umpire, visit https://www.wafootball.com.au/umpiring/become-an-umpire  

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