WA umpires come together for inaugural conference

More than 80 umpires and umpire coaches involved at all levels of football across WA came together to participate in the inaugural WA State Umpiring Conference recently held at John McGrath Pavillion.

The group heard from a number of special guests including AFL Head of Umpiring Grant Williams who discussed the new and exciting concepts the AFL is delivering to further improve the umpiring system in WA.

“We all know the challenges that face umpiring in WA and through the support of the AFL we are meeting these challenges head on,” Williams said.

“There are many new and exciting elements being rolled out State-wide to benefit umpiring in WA, these include a SportsTG registration process, umpire appointment platform “Schedula”, a new Umpire Accreditation Model, Umpire Coaches Academy and match day paperwork app.”

State Umpiring Manager David Crute said the event proved to be a great success.

“One of the many highlights of the conference was hearing from National Umpiring Development Manager Adam Davis about the benefit the new AFL Umpire Accreditation Model will have on umpire retention and the amazing resources now available to all umpire coaches across the State thanks to the recent roll-out of the Umpire Coaches Academy,” Crute said.

“To have the support of the AFL in delivering this conference demonstrates the level of investment we are starting to see in umpiring in WA ”

The conference will be held annually and coincide with the Landmark Country Championships.