Ahead of the 2023 season, the VAFA and the VAFA Umpires Association (UA) are pleased to announce that all umpires will receive a pay increase as part of an exciting new agreement.
Specifically, umpire match fees will increase by 4% across all VAFA competitions for boundary, field, and goal umpires. Furthermore, the VAFA will be introducing pay equity in the William Buck Premier Women’s Competition for the first time. This ensures umpires officiating in the Premier Women’s grade will receive the same as umpires who are appointed to William Buck Premier Men’s.
Speaking about the finalising of the agreement, VAFA CEO Jason Reddick said “we are very pleased to have worked with UA President Ben McWiggan and the committee of the UA in reaching an early agreement on this pay deal. This new agreement will ensure that our VAFA umpires will continue to be the highest remunerated officials in Community Football.”
This position is very important for several reasons:
1) Continuing that pay status ensures the VAFA will always attract the best umpire candidates seeking a pathway to reach the elite level, as evidenced by our nine umpires elevated to the VFL list for season 2023, the most of any community competition in Victoria.
2) This pay agreement helps the VAFA recruit more umpires into the competition and deliver on the key request of our clubs to have more officials in charge of their games.
3) Introducing equity into the pay scale for both William Buck Premier Men’s and Premier Women’s matches, reflects our strategic focus to support and grow Women’s football.
VAFA UA President Ben McWiggan confirming the new agreement said “this agreement will ensure community umpires continue to see the VAFA as a destination of choice. Together with best practice coaching, our continued diversity & inclusion work including the BJS Women’s Umpiring Academy and a friendly, welcoming umpiring group we are set up to continue supporting the VAFA competition with the best possible umpiring across local football.”
How to join VAFA umpiring?
There has never been a better time to join VAFA umpires. The new season promises to be one of the best yet with additional coaching support and an exciting training program. We would love to see you on the field blowing a whistle, running the boundary or waving the flags in the goals.
Click here for further information and to register with VAFA umpires today.
For any questions or further information, please email Umpire Operations Manager Stephen Privitera – [email protected]
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