VAFA umpiring pair take part in 2016 Mates Program

Two of the VAFA’s most talented young umpires, Joshua Ball and Logan Webster, have been paired with ex-St Kilda player and current umpire, Leigh Fisher, in a bid to fast track their development in the field through the 2016 Mates Program.

Created in conjunction with AFL Victoria and AFL Umpires, the Mates Program pairs talented field umpires from the seven senior metropolitan umpiring groups including the Eastern FL, Essendon DFL, Northern FL, Riddell DFL, Southern FNL, VAFA and Western Region FL with AFL listed umpires.

Now in its eleventh year, the Mates Program aims to promote the development of talented young umpires and provides them with a first-hand look at what it takes to officiate at the elite level.

As published on AFL Victoria’s website, over the duration of the season, the young officials, who range between the ages of 16 and 25, will speak regularly with their AFL mentor and develop their umpiring game plan.

In addition, the AFL umpires will meet with their ‘mates’ four or five times for the year and speak to them regularly about all facets of umpiring and the challenges that come with it.

Click on the link below for a list of participants and their AFL Umpire mate.

http://www.aflvic.com.au/blog/2016/04/06/thanks-mate/