WA umpires to Shine AFL National ChampionshipsMonday, July 22, 2024 - 1:34 PM

Two of WA’s top female umpires will officiate the School Sport Australia 15s Boys and Girls AFL National Championships commencing this week on the Gold Coast.

Fifteen-year-old Lilly Spoctor and thirteen-year-old Ella Christensen who are in the Umpire Your Way Academy are making waves in the umpiring world, with Lilly in her third year and Ella in her second season.

These appointments offer tremendous opportunities for both umpires, who, despite being relatively new to the industry, have quickly carved out impressive pathways.

Spoctor said being selected to umpire at a National Championships is a dream come true.

“It’s always been my dream to represent WA in a sporting event and to be selected for umpiring means a lot,” Spoctor said.

Christensen echoed similar views, highlighting the significance of the achievement.

“Being selected for the National Championship is the highest thing I have accomplished so far in my umpiring,” Christensen said.

Spoctor is well-prepared, having umpired Year 11/12 boys and girls competitions as well as the Perth Football League’s A Grade Women’s competition as a field umpire.

“Umpiring the juniors and the Perth Football League has given me the opportunity to learn from a lot of other umpires and I’m always picking up new knowledge and skills which is awesome,” Spoctor said.

“Most of the time I’m the smallest one on the field, but once it gets going, there are never any issues. 

“When it comes to the women, we have a mutual respect, and the games flow well. 

“Confidence is the most important thing.”

For Christensen, umpiring runs in her family. Her mum, Sarah Christensen, is also an umpire and is the Head Coach of the female WA team. She couldn’t be prouder of her daughter Ella, officiating at the National Championships.

“I am so proud of Ella; she has worked very hard to earn this selection,” Christensen said.

“I started at the same age as Ella, so it feels full circle. 

“Having her at the National Championship with the WA team is just another highlight.”

Christensen said seeing her mum go through the umpiring pathway has been really encouraging for her own umpiring career.

“Umpiring with my mother has given me extra confidence in my own umpiring ability,” Christensen said. 

“My mum never had women to look up to and I get to have many.

“The biggest thing I love are the people that I have met and am able to train and work with every week,” Spoctor said. 

The Umpire Your Way Academy supports female Umpires across WA.