The Australian Football League (AFL), along with the wider football industry, is set to commemorate Community Umpiring Week during Round Nine of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. This celebration recognizes the fundamental role umpires undertake at every stage of the game, from grassroots to the elite. Moreover, the event aims to motivate more individuals to consider the enriching vocation of umpiring while underlining the essentiality of upholding respect for these important figures in the sport.

In 2023, nearly 15,000 umpires, excelling in field, boundary, and goal umpiring disciplines, have registered in community football throughout Australia. However, this number is not sufficient to meet the increasing demand spurred by the sport’s escalating growth. Consequently, the AFL encourages more participation in umpiring, assuring a rewarding experience.

Throughout the following weeks, Community Umpiring Week will bring several engaging activities to life. During Round Nine matches, community umpires will lead AFL umpires onto the field, offering the former a unique opportunity to savor the atmosphere of an AFL match-day experience. This initiative symbolizes the unity between the local leagues and the AFL, demonstrating the mutual respect and interconnectedness between the different levels of the game.

Moreover, about 90 AFL-listed field, boundary, and goal umpires will participate in community umpiring training sessions across the country. These sessions provide an enriching platform for shared learning, mentorship, and community building among umpires. Adding to the thrilling line-up of activities, AFL umpires will also officiate junior community football matches in collaboration with budding community umpires. This initiative further signifies the AFL’s commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring a sustainable future for the sport.

Speaking about the initiative, Rob Auld, AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, expressed his satisfaction with the success of Community Umpiring Week over the years. He emphasized the importance of umpires at all stages of the game and the key role they play in connecting community and elite level umpires.

Auld highlighted the need for more umpires to cater to the growing popularity of the sport. He said, “On behalf of the AFL, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in umpiring at all levels of the game. Without umpires, there is no game, and it’s a fantastic way to be involved in football, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background.”

Auld reiterated the numerous benefits that umpiring offers, including improved fitness, employment opportunities, life skills, and a deeper understanding of Australian football. He assured potential umpires of a robust system complete with training, pathway, and support mechanisms that have been greatly strengthened and enhanced over the years. In essence, Community Umpiring Week is not just a celebration but also a call to action, encouraging more individuals to embrace the fulfilling role of an umpire in the flourishing landscape of Australian football.

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