SANFL Umpiring Course hits the road

By ZAC MILBANK

SANFL is boosting its junior umpire numbers by taking its Basic Umpiring Course on the road to clubs across metropolitan Adelaide.

Tea Tree Gully and Brighton Football Clubs have recently hosted SANFL’s umpiring department to deliver the Course, which provides aspiring young officiators with the basic skills required across all three umpiring disciplines.

Not only has the initiative reduced the travel costs associated with attendance, it has ensured the hosting clubs have boosted awareness with strong promotion in the lead up to courses being held.

”It’s been wonderful for the SANFL Umpiring department to collaborate with SANFL Juniors clubs to not only boost our numbers but strengthen our relationships,” SANFL Junior Umpiring Manager Jason Brown said.

”Both courses had an excellent turn out and a large number of those who attended have now signed up to be an umpire in 2023.

”Across summer, we have seen a significant growth in umpiring numbers and the support of our SANFL junior clubs has played a strong role in this.”

Tea Tree Gully Junior President Nicole Ridgway said the initiative would have multiple benefits both on and off the field for the junior players involved.

“It was a brilliant turn out so it’s exciting times ahead for SANFL Junior umpires in collaboration with community clubs,” Ridgway said.

”The visibility of junior umpires at training, and the humanistic element that brings, will hopefully support better sideline and on-field behaviour for all involved.”

Brighton Bombers Vice President Kylee Noble agreed, adding that junior players from the region would benefit from extending themselves by attending SANFL’s Umpiring Course.

”Brighton is proud to support umpire development and encourages our players to get involved,” Noble said.

”It’s great for their understanding of the game, as well as leadership and life skills.”

Any junior players interested in umpiring can still register their interest in attending one of SANFL’s Basic Umpiring Courses before the start of the season.

Click here for more information on SANFL’s Basic Umpires Course.