Training
South West Football League Umpires train on Wednesday nights from 5.30pm at Hands Memorial Oval. Any one considering taking up umpiring is welcome to join.
Courses
South West Football League Umpires Association offers training courses via the AFL, allowing umpires to learn, and reach level an accreditation. A link to the training courses is below.
Why Umpire?
This course has been designed for new umpires as they commence their umpiring journey. The course can also be beneficial for all fans of the game that are keen to build their knowledge and understanding.
The course can be accessed at https://afl.androgogic.com.au/login/signup.php?r=u&theme=afl_umpires Please note the following information.
- If you already have an account on the Umpire AFL portal, you can log in and go to “My Courses”.
- If you don’t have an existing account, you will need to create a new account using your email address (in lowercase) as your username.
- Once signed in, you will need to scroll down and select the Umpire Introductory Course. Cost of the course will be $15.00 once processed through PayPal.
- If you forget your password, you will need to click on the ‘Forgot Password’ link, or email the helpdesk. You shouldn’t create a new account as you will end up with multiple accounts and enrolments in different courses.
Umpires Coaching Academy
The AFL is committed to the education of our umpire coaches. The quality of our umpire coaches is critical to the long-term success of umpiring at grassroots level right up to the national competition.
It is clear that the experience an umpire has with their coach directly correlates with the successful recruitment and retention of our umpires.
The AFL understands that the vast majority of our umpire coaches are volunteers and complete full time work in addition to their umpiring commitments. Considering this, the AFL has been focused on providing a resource that will help coaches be successful in their role.
The AFL’s Umpires Coaching Academy is an online resource that hosts the National Umpire Coach Accreditation Scheme, National Umpire Accreditation Scheme, National Umpiring Curriculum, forums and workshops.
If you are already registered in the Umpire Coaching Academy visit umpireafl.trainingvc.com.au.
If you would like more information on umpire coaching or the Umpire Coaching Academy, email your local State Umpiring Contact.
To select a course CLICK HERE
Umpiring Pathway
The umpiring pathway details the steps that an umpire may take in their umpiring career.
Most umpires will commence umpiring school or community junior matches before progressing up the pathway.
If you are interested in getting in the game and becoming an umpire, visit Umpire Pathway
Indigenous & Multicultural Pathway
The AFL is focused on increasing diversity throughout the game of Australian Football.
The AFL believes that umpiring offers the Indigenous and people from Multicultural backgrounds a great opportunity to enjoy getting in the game.
The AFL is supporting the growth of Indigenous and Multicultural umpiring by providing State Umpiring Diversity Academies and a specialised umpiring pathway.
If you are interested in getting in the game and becoming an umpire, visit https://umpire.afl/node/1?fbclid=IwAR3EHxe4LHQmtsyqRLb1uNFFYJZ4Ep9jHI9kz3NB_eYlcUOpcoHY3AKV3wg
Female Pathway
The AFL is focused on increasing diversity throughout the game of Australian Football.
Female participation in the game whether as a player, coach, fan or umpire continues to increase and the game is better for their contribution.
Umpiring offers an equal opportunity for female umpires to progress through the Talent Pathway.
Currently, there are two female umpires umpiring AFL football, Chelsea Roffey and Sally Boud. Roffey reached the pinnacle of umpiring in 2012 when she umpired the Toyota AFL Grand Final.
The AFL also offers a Female Field Umpire pathway scholarship to talented State League umpires to fast track their development.
If you are interested in getting in the game and becoming an umpire, visit https://umpire.afl/node/1?fbclid=IwAR3EHxe4LHQmtsyqRLb1uNFFYJZ4Ep9jHI9kz3NB_eYlcUOpcoHY3AKV3wg
Player to Umpire Pathway
The AFL believes that football players can be successful umpires at all levels of the game, either whilst they are still playing or once they conclude their playing career.
There is vast experience gained playing the game that will allow the player to umpire to make excellent decisions during matches.
Umpiring is also a great way to stay involved in the game you love.
The AFL also offers a Player to Umpire pathway scholarship for former AFL and State League players to fast track their development. Three past graduates of this program are current AFL umpires Leigh Fisher and Brent Wallace.
If you are interested in getting in the game and becoming an umpire, visit https://umpire.afl/node/1?fbclid=IwAR3EHxe4LHQmtsyqRLb1uNFFYJZ4Ep9jHI9kz3NB_eYlcUOpcoHY3AKV3wg
Trainee Umpire Pathway
The AFL has developed a Trainee Umpire support program that aims to assist someone learning the skills of umpiring to develop in a safe and welcoming environment.
Mentors from the trainee umpire’s community group will provide support so that they have someone to share their experiences and ask questions.
If you are interested in getting in the game and becoming an umpire, visit https://umpire.afl/pathways
Strategy
The AFL Umpiring Department has recently developed a five-year strategy for umpiring development nationally.
The strategy has been approved by State Umpiring Departments following extensive consultation.
The 2020 vision of umpiring development is: To have every game of Australian Football officiated by the required number of qualified umpires
To achieve this vision, the strategy has four key strategic directions:
1) Traditional Base (Love The Game)
2) Diversity (Indigenous, Multicultural, Female)
3) Social Connections (Positive Environments)
4) Talent (Open Pathways)
View the national umpiring strategic plan here
General Principles
The role of the National Umpiring General Principles is to provide umpiring groups at all levels of Australian Football with consistent standards to be applied for the long-term success of umpiring
These general principles cover critical areas including Environment, Fitness Guidelines, Coaching, Training and Assessment.
The AFL encourages adoption of the National Umpiring General Principles by all umpiring groups to ensure that umpiring continues to be welcoming and inclusive for all.
View the General Principles here
To Umpire locally in the SWFL
To discuss any of the above pathways or to become involved locally, contact SWFLUA President Vance Burton on 0427 010 053 for further details. Kevin Hutchins is the Field Umpires Coach in 2023 and can also be contacted on 0408 524 776.
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