Call to Whistle: State Umpire Coach Conference Tuesday, February 13, 2024 - 8:48 AM

Some of WA’s best Umpire Coaches have embraced the opportunity to take part in a State Umpire Coach Conference at Leederville Oval last weekend.

The conference brought together 50 attendees, with Umpire Coaches from all levels, including regional areas, using the event as a networking opportunity and to enhance their professional development.

The themes of the conference focussed on how coaches can develop their knowledge and skills to get the best out of themselves and their influence on fostering positive environments and experiences for Umpires.

Grant Vernon, Chair of the State Umpiring Advisory Group, declared the all-day event invaluable for coaches.

“Umpire coaches are so important to the future of the game and the vibe in the room was very engaged, positive and supportive,” said Vernon.

“It was fantastic to have senior Umpires and Umpire Coaches in attendance to share their knowledge and experience.

“It was a great day and I’m sure that everyone got a lot out of it.” 

Guest speakers were AFL umpiring legend Brett Rosebury and leading psychologist Jodii Maguire.

Rosebury revealed his experiences having officiated in more than 500 matches and offered his views on coaching and developing Umpires.

Maguire, from Think! Performance Psychology presented tools to provide effective relationships between coaches and Umpires.

The conference also delivered:

• A female umpiring panel where speakers reflected on their unique experiences as female Umpires.
• An AFL Umpiring Development Pathway session designed to assist a revamped national pathway for umpiring, including the launch of a new accreditation framework and courses for Umpires and Umpire Coaches.
• Specific coaching of recent and relevant AFL level coaching and a workshop on developing effective skill drills for Umpires.

Dan Gibbons, Community Umpiring and Pathways Manager at the WAFC, welcomed the chance to invest resources into the umpiring fraternity.

“We were excited for the State Umpire Coach Conference to return for the first time since 2019,” Gibbons said.

“The Conference is the centrepiece of our professional development program for Umpire Coaches.

“We are continuing to invest in supporting and developing our Umpire Coaches across the state, as they play an important role in promoting positive environments and ensuring that Umpires have the best experience possible.” 

Umpire Coaches will continue to access professional development opportunities throughout the season, including a tailored development course and workshops for Junior Umpire Coaches.

For more information on how to become a visit https://www.wafc.com.au/umpiring/become-an-umpire