Umpire growth and retention is a key strategic focus of the VAFA, which is pleased to announce a 2.5% increase to umpire match fees for 2025. This financial investment will also extend to 2026 and 2027, with separate 2.5% increases secured for these additional years.
This significant commitment ensures that VAFA umpires will remain the highest-paid in community football.
The loading on umpire finals match fees won’t be continued to ease costs to clubs participating in finals. This is based on club feedback regarding the financial burden of finals and that widespread industry best practices adopted at other metropolitan community leagues do not provide for such finals payment loading.
This agreement ensures that the VAFA will continue to be the destination of choice for metropolitan umpires whilst also assisting clubs with minimising costs during finals campaigns.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
The VAFA is also supporting umpires through new benefits introduced for season 2025.
Firstly, all umpires will be upgraded to GOLD LEVEL PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE (a 90% rebate on non-Medicare expenses) at no cost.
Secondly, all umpires will receive FREE ACCESS to the VAFA ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, which provides free counselling services for all mental health matters.
Thirdly, all umpires will be provided with a FREE UNIFORM TOP in 2025.
VAFA has budgeted to invest over $1m in delivering the above additional benefits in 2025, whilst also providing elite coaching and development opportunities, a female umpire academy, match day observers, recruitment initiatives, and elite training facilities at Elsternwick Park and UHSOB.
We are working together with the Umpire Association to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment exists for all existing and new umpires to maximise retention rates.
So there has never been a better time to join VAFA umpires! Click here for further information on how to register with VAFA umpires today.
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