Trio of Umpire Coaching Appointments for 2024Friday, December 15, 2023 - 12:42 PM

The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) and Perth Football League (PFL) are excited to announce key umpire coaching appointments for 2024.

The three new coaches bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles:

Jarrod Hodge - Head Coach, Field

Jarod brings over two decades of field umpiring experience across various football leagues.
Alongside his on-field duties, Jarrod has made substantial contributions to umpire coaching in the PFL, serving as the Match Day Coach for four years and Assistant Coach for two years.
His dedication to developing umpiring talent highlights his commitment to fostering excellence within the sport.

Rob Goodin – Head Coach, Goals

Rob has extensive experience in football umpiring, starting in the Sunday Football League as a Boundary Umpire and progressing to Field Umpiring.

His commitment to the sport extended to the PFL, where he served as both a Goal Umpire and Field Umpire, including taking on the responsibilities of Club Umpire for Brentwood and Nollamara.

Beyond the field, Rob assumed leadership positions, directing the WAWFL Umpires Panel and overseeing the Subiaco Junior Football Umpires Panel.

He also played a crucial role as an Observer for PFL Goal Umpires and spearheaded the establishment of the Umpire Junior Panel for the Hedland Junior Football, showcasing his dedication to umpire development.

Mike Kaufmann – Head Coach, Boundary

Mike has a long history in senior community football as an A Grade Boundary Umpire in Perth Metro and has Regional Umpiring Experience (Broome).

Mike has been actively coaching boundary umpires at community level for several seasons.

He has developed tremendous rapport with younger umpires building healthy relationships and setting up coaching sessions throughout the Perth Northern Corridor in addition to weekly training in South Perth.

Further, Mike is a currently a Field Umpire with the PFL.

Mike is also passionate about mental health with a focus in remote communities where he is very well-respected, delivering WAFC supported sessions around the State.

Scott Baker, Executive Manager - Football Operations at the WAFC, believes all three new appointments are a great result for the game in WA.

“The quality of the appointments is exciting for the WAFC and the PFL, with all three coaches bringing experience and knowledge to their positions,” Baker said

“We’d also like to acknowledge the work of David Yole, Justin Dolin and Neil Ascot who stepped into their roles this year and did a fine job.”

Andrew Dawe, PFL CEO congratulated the three umpire coaches on their appointments.

“All three coaches have a wealth of knowledge for the PFL, their experience is only going to enhance our competition and improve the experience for our players and umpires,” Dawe said. 

It’s expected that a new PFL Umpires Specialist and PFL Football Operations Co-ordinator will be announced early in the new year.