SANFL boosting umpire numbers for 2023

By ZAC MILBANK

SANFL is ramping up its recruiting drive as it seeks to boost junior umpire numbers across all disciplines for season 2023.

Aiming to attract as many as 300 new field, boundary and goal umpires for next year’s National Pharmacies SANFL Juniors competition, SANFL is promoting the multiple benefits of umpiring.

“Umpiring is a great way for people of all ages – male and female – to be involved in the game ,” SANFL Junior Umpiring Coordinator Jason Brown said.

”Many of our umpires will officiate in multiple games across a weekend of football so it’s a great way to earn some extra money and keep fit.”

SANFL Juniors umpires can earn anywhere between $45 and $116 per game while also building self-confidence, leadership while learning to work together as a team.

”SANFL is interested in engaging anyone who is willing to get involved in umpiring,” SANFL Head of Umpiring Shane Harris said.

”Even if you are a SANFL Junior player, we encourage you to sign up as an umpire as it will provide you with a greater understanding of match rules while gaining another perspective on how the game is viewed.”

Where possible, SANFL Juniors umpires benefit from great flexibility when it comes to being scheduled for matches each weekend.

”We only appoint umpires to games when they are available and we try to ensure they are appointed to their local area to reduce travel times and costs,” Harris said.

”There’s also the potential for SANFL Juniors umpires to progress to higher levels, such as SANFL & SANFLW, as well as AFL & AFLW.”

In 2023, this progression will be facilitated by a restructure of SANFL’s Junior Umpiring Program, which will feature as many as seven training venues across Adelaide, including male and female umpiring coaches.

Anyone interested can register for SANFL’s Basic Umpiring Course, which will provide them with the necessary skills to then be appointed to officiate in SANFL Juniors matches as early as next season.