Umpires secure places in Michael Ball Talent AcademyWednesday, April 29, 2015 - 2:34 PM

In January 2015, 13 field umpires from around the state were given the opportunity to trial for inclusion in the Michael Ball WAFL Talent Academy.

The Michael Ball WAFL Talent Academy, named in honour of the former WAFL and AFL umpire, is a squad of talented young field umpires in their first three years on the WAFL panel.

The Talent Academy is led by head coach Paul Beckers, in his second year in the position, and new assistant coach Cameron Douglas, who has stepped up to the Talent Squad after two years as head coach of the WAAFL Field Umpire panel.

Beckers said the Talent Academy was a fantastic opportunity for our developing umpires to receive specialised coaching,.

“The talented umpires are identified early and move through the umpire talent pathway, where they receive quality coaching," he said.

"When they arrive at WAFL, our coaching is more about fine tuning their skills and tailoring them for the fast and skilful WAFL competition."

The selection process includes trialling umpires attending training sessions, coaching sessions, completing all fitness testing, attending the pre season camp and umpiring preseason games.

At the conclusion of theis year's trial process, all 13 umpires met the required benchmark and were advised that they were successful in achieving a spot on the WAFL panel.  

Congratulations to the following umpires on their successful trial – Robert Corrigan, Cory Dugan, Cailin Gibson, Michael Hennessy, Shaun Kirk-Williams, Scott McCarthy, Brendon Grygorcewicz, Brayden Pollard, Gabby Simmonds, Oscar Wharton, Mark Holford, Tim Hale & Curt Miller.

Round 7 Milestones

Boundary Umpire Ryan Sinclair will officiate his 100th League Game when Swans Districts play Peel and Goal Umpire Sam Hunter will umpire his 50th League game when East Perth play Claremont.   

Photo: Field Umpire Academy captain Dan Johanson