VAFA announces Umpire Rising Star Award in honour of Ben Austin
The VAFA is proud to announce the creation of a new award recognising the best young talent in our umpiring ranks, with the perpetual ‘Ben Austin Umpire Rising Star Award’
Umpires
VAFA Umpires wrap up Pre-Season club visits
As part of the VAFA’s Pre-Season Umpire Club Visit Program, a number of clubs had umpires attend training to officiate a match simulation. The 2026 aims of the program were
Complimentary Uniform for New VAFA Umpires
The VAFA is making it easier than ever to get started in umpiring in 2026, with a complimentary uniform offer for all newly registered VAFA umpires. New umpires will receive a
Become a VAFA Umpire in 2026! Pre-Season Training begins this week
VAFA Umpire Pre-Season Training gets underway on Wednesday 18th February, and we’re looking forward to welcoming all field, boundary and goal umpires back for the 2026 season. Whether you’re returning
VAFA Umpires earn promotion to VFL
The VAFA is proud to congratulate Patrick Sexton (Field), Jordan Gibson (Field) and Zane White (Boundary) on their promotion to the VFL State League umpiring panel for 2026. Earning a
2026 VAFA On-Field Rule Changes
The VAFA have introduced a number of rule changes across all competitions ahead of the 2026 season. The rule changes are in line with the AFL rule changes which were
VAFA and SMJFL Extend Umpire Partnership into 2026
The VAFA is pleased to announce the extension of its Umpire Partnership with the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL) for the 2026 season. The partnership, which has played a
2026 VAFA umpire registrations open
As the Umpiring Group takes a well-deserved break during off season, the VAFA is excited to open 2026 Umpire Registrations on Officials HQ. Returning Umpires Returning umpires should log in
Vale Ben Austin
The VAFA community is in mourning after umpire Ben Austin tragically passed away following a cricketing accident. Ben was an emerging star in the VAFA umpiring scene, officiating in the
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