AGE LIMIT

To become an umpire it is desirable that your body build and stamina is developed well enough that you are able to cope with a full game of football.

It is generally assumed that a boy or girl of age 12 is developed sufficiently for 120 minutes of football for boundary umpiring.

There is no upper limit, however you should consider your own limitations when deciding to become and umpire

FITNESS LEVEL

When you decide that umpiring Australian football is for you, fitness in an integral and necessary element in the game.

The Riverina Umpires Association has fitness advisers to advise and help you attain the required fitness level.

Training is conducted at 6pm each Monday and Wednesday led by our fittness coach Craig Ambler. Pre season training commences late January with pre-determined activities to prepare you for the coming season.

It is always handy to conduct you own training sessions in between organised training.

SECURITY

For boundary umpires allocated senior games on the weekends during the football season the following applies:

For away games, boundary umpires are to meet at the Riverina Australian Football Club not later than 10 minutes before designated departure.

- 11.00 am for Griffith

- 12.00 noon for Ardlethan, Ariah Park, Temora, Narrandera, Leeton

- 12.30 pm for Colingullie, The Rock, Coolamon, Marrar, Mangoplah

It is the responsibility of Central Umpires to pick up boundary umpires at The Riverina Australian Rules Club, take them to games (away), then drop them off at their (parents) preferred drop off point, that is at their home or pre-determined/arranged point.

Boundary umpires usually make their own way to home games unless prior arrangement is made with the appointed central umpires on the day.  

ACCREDITATION

There is an accreditation scheme for all levels of umpiring which is recognised nationally through the AFL:

Central UmpiresLevels 1, 2, 3

Boundary UmpiresLevels 1, 2

Goal UmpiresLevels 1, 2

Central umpires are rewarded for their accreditation efforts with payment rates of $10 per game for level 1 and $15 per game for level 2 and 3.

SETTING GOALS/ACHEIVEMENTS

Each year prior to the commencement of the football season, all umpires; Junior, Senior, boundary and Goal are required to fill out and submit to the coaching staff, their personal goals and what they see they can achieve during the coming season.

These may include accreditation level 1 or upgrade, achieving umpire senior status or finals appointments for instance.

This information is then analysed by the coaching staff so that a whole of season  plan can be implemented based on the individuals and group needs, goals, and/or achievements.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

There is certainly a challenges and opportunities for any person, either male, female, young or more mature when they decide that umpiring is their future in the sport of Australian Football.

The role of and umpire can attract the attention of the football public as an avenue to vent their passion for the game and their team. Sometimes this passion can turn into somewhat ugly and abusive, however the umpire must not take these verbal "spray's" as a personal attack on them selves, but rather focus fully on the task set them in controlling the contest.

The opportunities:

Confidence/character building

Being able to make quick accurate decisions

Communication through interaction with players, club officials and other umpires

Development of public speaking skills

Personal dress and appearance (dress code applies to all umpires)

Personal fitness and well being along with overall healthy gain

Learning new skills through structured learning outcomes

To achieve the highest level available and rewards associated with that achievement

The challenges:

Having the strength of character to uphold the laws of Australian football

To be able to think clearly in pressure situations

Improve effective communication skills both verbal and written

Be prepared address groups or individuals on aspects of umpiring decisions

Improve personal appearance and take pride in dress and presentation

To achieve the required fitness level required to effectively undertake the task of umpiring Australian football at the chosen level

Be prepared to learn new skills and be willing to participate in group discussions and/or workshops on request

Be willing to participate in advancement courses made available through state and national schemes

HOW TO BECOME AND UMPIRE

The first questions you should as is to yourself:

1.                     What can I gain from umpiring?

2.                     Is umpiring what I'm looking for?

3.                     Is there more to football than playing, now I'm finished on the field, can I still contribute to the game?

When the answer is yes to these questions, and you decide that umpiring is "worth a go", contact our director of umpiring. His details can be found on the contacts page