Become a VAFA Umpire in 2026! Pre-Season Training begins this week

VAFA Umpire Pre-Season Training gets underway on Wednesday 18th February, and we’re looking forward to welcoming all field, boundary and goal umpires back for the 2026 season. 

Whether you’re returning for another year or joining us for your first season, we’re excited to see you on the track.

Please see below training schedule with all the essential information.  

Venue – Elsternwick Park Oval 1, VAFA HQ, 164 Glen Huntly Rd, Brighton
Time – 6pm to 7:30pm
Dates – Every Monday and Wednesday starting 18 February

• Wednesday 18 February
• Monday 23 February
• Wednesday 25 February
• Monday 2 March
• Wednesday 4 March
• Monday 9 March – No Training – Labour Day Public Holiday 
• Wednesday 11 March
• Monday 16 March
• Wednesday 18 March – Last Session at EP Oval 1
• Monday 23 March – EP Oval 4, New Street Brighton
• Wednesday 25 March – EP Oval 4, New Street Brighton
• Monday 30 March – EP Oval 4, New Street Brighton

How to join VAFA Umpiring

There has never been a better time to join VAFA Umpiring. Once you sign up with the VAFA, you will join a group of over 600 passionate and supportive umpires. You will learn the basics of umpiring, attend training to learn practical on field skills, and umpire games of football at clubs in your local area.

The VAFA is excited to open 2026 Umpire Registrations on Officials HQ.

• To express your interest in joining VAFA umpires ahead of the 2026 season, please complete the EOI form here
• New umpires are welcome to join the VAFA via this registration link: registration-afl.officialshq.com

Re-Registration Reminder – Returning Umpires

• If you haven’t done so already, please complete your 2026 registration today. The direct link for returning umpires is home.officialshq.com
• Every umpire who registers in February will go into the draw to win a full umpire kit or a $130 uniform voucher.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to get in contact with us via: Stephen Privitera, VAFA Umpire Operations Manager. Email: [email protected]