AFL’s Glouftsis, Roffey run umpire coaching session

VAFA BJS Women’s Umpiring Academy

Members of the VAFA’s BJS Women’s Umpiring Academy, the VAFA Umpiring Department administration and coaching team were delighted to be joined for an online education and coaching session facilitated by AFL Umpires Eleni Glouftsis and Chelsea Roffey.

In the final academy event for 2021, the group were educated by Chelsea and Eleni on their journeys into the AFL system and how they were able to reach the pinnacle of umpiring at the elite level. Both women began their umpiring careers outside of Victoria where they developed their love and passion for umpiring in the states of Queensland and South Australia. They shared how the experiences growing up in those states and the passion for football differed when they both moved to Melbourne to pursue their careers further.

Both discussed the challenges of moving interstate but knew that to pursue their dreams Victoria was the place to learn and develop their craft. Roffey (280 games and the 2012 GF) and Glouftsis (52 games) spoke of the different experiences they have been personally involved in especially being a female early in their careers. They are proud of the growth of women’s football and encourage young females to get involved in football and umpiring.

The academy were treated to coaching specific tips for boundary and goal umpiring and what it takes in terms of time and dedication to reach the elite level. Chelsea and Eleni finally went in depth on the importance of physical and mental well-being in staying both fit on the field but being of strong mind off the field. They also both have part time roles at the AFL working in the schools, diversity, media and female space as ambassadors for umpiring.

On behalf of the academy and the VAFA we thank both Chelsea and Eleni for giving up their time to coach and mentor our female umpires.

As the program comes to end for 2021 the VAFA would like to thank Sophie Gleeson, Asha Hinton, Hannah Bailes and Mikala Sykes for driving the women’s academy program for 2021 and we look forward to having further engagement in our female umpiring space in 2022.