Haydn O’Connor named Umpire Operations Manager

The VAFA is pleased to announce Haydn O’Conner will take up the role of Umpire Operations Manager ahead of the 2018 season.

Haydn will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the umpiring department, recruitment, retention and the management of 420 VAFA umpires, our coaching panel and match day observers.

Upon accepting the role, Haydn told VAFA Media he is excited to join the Association in a full-time capacity as we enter the next exciting phase of our 126-year history with the redevelopment of Sportscover Arena and the ongoing growth of women’s football.

“As a leader in community football with wonderful values, it’s an organisation I’m proud to now be involved with,” Haydn said.

“Working with the portfolio of umpiring is something I’m passionate about and now I look forward to continuing the solid foundation left to me by former Umpire Manager Brian Woodhead while implementing progressive views at an exciting time in the VAFA.”

As a St Bedes College graduate, Haydn is well-versed in the nature of our Association and has umpired in our competition since making the move from the MPNFL in 2016.

In his two seasons with the VAFA, Haydn has accrued an outstanding list of achievements; including, two-time senior representative umpire (SAAFL & AFLVC), two-time William Buck Premier Grand Final umpire, the VAFA Ireland Tour umpire and the 2017 VAFA Umpire of the Year award recipient. He has also been a key cog of the VAFAUA committee since arriving in 2016.

“Umpiring at the VAFA and being involved with the VAFAUA for the past two seasons has been a fantastic experience. I’ve been privy to opportunities no other community football competition can provide,” he said.

Prior to his involvement with the VAFA, Haydn was a VFL-listed field umpire and officiated 100 games at VFL Senior, VFL Reserve & TAC Cup level from 2012-’14.

“I hope that my strong passion for the competition and community football, my knowledge of the requirements on the field coupled with an enthusiastic outlook to move forward will continue the VAFA’s standing as a great place to umpire.”

Most recently, Haydn has worked as a Sales Representative for ATCO Structures & Logistics for the past six years.

Haydn will officially start with the VAFA next Monday 22 January. Please join us in welcoming Haydn and wishing him every success as part of VAFA HQ.