The VAFA is excited to announce that the Boundary Umpire Coaching Team has been expanded ahead of the 2023 season, with Raushaan Seychell appointed to the position of Boundary Umpire Discipline Lead.
Raushaan re-joins the VAFA after an outstanding career as a running boundary umpire which saw him promoted to the VFL list. Following his retirement from the VFL at the conclusion of the 2022 season, Raushaan is now ready to develop the next generation of boundary umpires at the VAFA.
Former VAFA Umpire Sam Beer also joins the team in the role of Boundary Umpire Assistant Coach. Sam officiated the VAFA Premier Men’s Grand Final in 2016 before his promotion to the VFL list in 2017.
Sam has umpired in big finals games including the 2019 VFLW Grand Final and two games in the 2022 VFL finals series. His significant experience at State League level and in the AFLW will be an inspiration to the next generation of boundary umpires. Sam is aware of the culture and environment of the VAFA which will ensure pathway progression to the elite level for talented umpires.
Corey Malcolm also joins the Boundary Umpire Coaching Team in the role of Boundary Umpire Development Coach. After joining the VFL list in 2019, Corey showed his exceptional ability when appointed to the 2019 VFLW Grand Final. We are excited to see Corey work with young umpires at VAFA training sessions and on matchday.
The Umpiring Department is pleased to confirm that experienced duo Asha Hinton (Boundary Umpire Assistant Coach) and Ryan O’Shea (Head Boundary Umpire Mentor and Observer) will continue their involvement in coaching during the 2023 season.
Both Asha and Ryan have made a significant contribution to both the VAFA competition and the boundary umpire squad. Asha will continue to support umpires through training on specialist boundary skills and mentor aspiring female umpires.
We also take this opportunity to publicly thank Ryan O’Shea who steps down from the lead role due to increased work commitments. Ryan’s dedication to the role was very much appreciated by the VAFA community and the many boundary umpires who were lucky enough to be coached by him. We look forward to seeing Ryan around the grounds throughout the 2023 season mentoring and observing talented boundary umpires.
Further information about VAFA Umpiring can be found here.
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