VAFA Recognises Community Umpiring Week

Following the success of National Community Umpiring Week, the VAFA will be showing its appreciation for umpires this weekend during Round 6 of the competition.

Community Umpiring Week raises awareness of umpiring as an opportunity to be a part of the game and celebrates the important role of umpires across all levels of football. 

Each weekend, over 400 dedicated boundary, field and goal umpires can be seen officiating at VAFA matches.

We need more umpires across our great competition and there are opportunities to get involved for the remainder of the season. Umpiring offers an opportunity to make new friends, increase your fitness and get paid.

Please visit vafa.com.au for further information on how to join VAFA umpiring. 

Female Umpiring has also been a key focus area for the VAFA in 2023. The BJS Female Umpire Academy kicked off in April and focuses on female development and support networks. The Academy also aims to create an environment that allows female umpires to feel welcome, valued and equal.  

At Elsternwick Park every Monday and Wednesday night throughout the season, you will see umpires receiving expert on field skills training and video analysis.

AFL Umpires will visit the VAFA at training this week to inspire the next generation of umpires. We thank Chelsea Roffey, Matt Stevic, Patrick Cran and Peter Bailes for giving up their time to give back to community umpiring.

VAFA umpires in attendance will also have the opportunity to be coached by the AFL umpires and discuss their experience in reaching the elite level.

Lastly, as part of Community Umpiring Week, we invite all coaches and players to show their appreciation for umpires by taking part in a pre-match guard of honour and handshake with umpires.

The VAFA thanks all umpires and the VAFAUA committee for their dedication and significant contribution to our competition.