Umps roll out master plan for 2016 seasonWednesday, February 24, 2016 - 4:30 PM

More than 30 umpire coaches and mentors had the opportunity to hear from 2012 AFL Grand Final Umpire Chelsea Roffey at the Umpires Coach Advanced Workshop on Saturday February 20.

The WAFL Umpiring Department in partnership with the AFL and AFL Sportsready hosted the workshop, which focusses on improving the skillset and performance of our umpires.

Chelsea Roffey presented on the the importance of diversity in our great game and the skills she had learnt during her journey to umpiring at the elite level.

"The workshop provided a chance to have an open discussion about how we can improve the quality of communication and innovation within the umpiring community," Miss Roffey said.

"Umpiring has formed an integral part of my self-development. I have learnt how to communicate effectively, back my judgement, work with others and think on my feet." 

The ‘Umpiring Master Plan', a new framework set to be rolled out for the 2016 season, was also delivered at the workshop.

The framework aims to strengthen the consistency and standard of all coaching and umpiring across the state, from AFL through to WAFL and the country Leagues.

WAFL Umpire Manager Darryl Sinclair said the conference provided umpire coaches the opportunity to share ideas and establish a clear coaching direction.

"There is no doubt that the quality of our umpire coaches is critical to the long term success of umpiring in the state and the relationship the coach has with the umpire directly relates high to umpire performance," Mr Sinclair said. 

It’s not too late for young aspiring umpires to sign up for the 2016 footy season.

Click here to register now.