Umpire recruitment gets an ‘elite’ boost

AFL Umpire Ray Chamberlain (centre) with local Life Members Jill and Jim Woodlock, and Rod Macpherson, together with Hudson Barry (second from left)

“Physical fitness, you get to improve your communication, managing people, making decisions, leadership, and they pay you to do it!”

Six great reasons to get into umpiring local AFL that were given by “Razor” Ray Chamberlain when asked what’s behind his love of the role.

Chamberlain and the 41 other members of the AFL’s Field Umpire panel for 2023 were in Coffs Harbour across the weekend for a pre-season training camp, but also took time out to give back to the local umpiring fraternity.

As part of the push to grow umpire numbers within the AFL North Coast region, 11 current and prospective local officials joined the elite panel as they were put through their paces in a skills session.

Paul Taylor, Community Football Manager, said with the introduction of the new Under 10 age group and an anticipated growth in team numbers across both the Junior and Senior competitions, there is a need to expand the umpire ranks to keep pace with player and team growth.

“Everyone can Umpire – parents, current players, former players, even those who’ve never been involved with AFL. We have online and face to face training opportunities to bring people up to speed, and will pair them with experienced umpires while they learn the ropes,” Taylor said.

“The main thing that holds people back is the fear that they don’t know the rules, don’t know the positioning, don’t have the confidence. We’ll teach people the rules and positioning and that, in turn, will build the confidence.

“Our age groups start at Under 10, progress through to Under 18, and beyond into open age footy for both males and females. There’s an age and gender group to suit everyone’s experience and confidence, and the umpiring fraternity is really supportive with a great social element, including off field activities.”

In addition to the physical, social, and growth opportunities provided by umpiring, match officials receive tax free payment for each match. Payments range from $21.15 per hour through to $42.90 per hour, depending on the grade officiated.

To express an interest and take the first step towards umpiring, please click here.