Umpire Footy
Australian Football matches require appropriately educated and qualified umpires for the level of athlete and competition the match takes place within.
There are three types of umpires with the AFL with different levels of training and accreditation needed for each:
- Field Umpiring – these are the umpires in the middle making all the decisions around free kicks and managing the game. Perfect for anyone who likes to be in the thick of the action!
- Boundary Umpiring – for those who like running and being on their feet, boundary umpires are responsible for judging when the ball goes out of bounds and helping the goal umpires with crucial score decisions.
- Goal Umpiring – the umpires making the big decision on whether the score was a goal or a behind. Goal umpiring is less physically demanding than field or boundary umpiring but still allows you to be an integral part of the game
Want to become an umpire?
Getting started is easy!
AFL Canada members have FREE access to the AFL Umpires ‘First Bounce’ course.
The first bounce course is the initial learning course for umpires to learn the basics of Umpiring Australian Football before taking the field.
The course should take 45-60 minutes and is all online.
AFL Umpires First Bounce Course.
Following the completion of the first bounce course, you will gain access to the Foundation Umpire Course.
If you have your First Bounce Certification and are ready to get out and blow the whistle contact us at contact@aflcanada.com.
AFL Canada OFFICIATING PROGRAM
Why Umpire?
You have the best seat in the house! That is just one of many benefits to umpiring Australian Football in Canada:
- Fitness: Umpiring keeps you physically active and fit across the summer.
- Leadership: Provincial leagues either have or are in search of Head Umpires offering huge leadership opportunities for personal development.
- Staying in the game: A lot of Umpires are ex-players looking to stay involved in the game. While AFL Canada has pathways for both players and non players alike, umpiring footy is a great way to stay involved.
- Travel Opportunities: AFL Canada’s National Teams either host or travel to International Matches each year, we always like to send umpires along where we can as well. Every three years we travel to Australia for the International Cup!
- Financial Benefits: Some leagues across Canada and in other countries pay Umpires a match wage. Paid opportunities may also be available in various National and International games/tournaments.
Become an Umpire
Here are the steps to becoming an umpire:
- Find out more about umpiring: Complete the First Bounce Certificate online or fill in your details to find out more
- Complete education modules via the AFL Learn platform
- Umpire! The best way to learn is to gain experience in your local clubs and leagues.
Upon completion of the First Bounce Certificate, you will be prompted to register your interest to umpire. Complete the form to receive the next Accreditation modules.
You will also be prompted to complete the Vilification & Discrimination Module, which is compulsory for all accredited umpires.
Umpires Pathway
Umpiring starts in the community. Umpiring local footy matches is the best way to learn and hone your umpiring skills. There are also opportunities to complete nationally recognised accreditation alongside your practical umpiring experience:
- ‘First Bounce’ Certificate
- Foundation Umpire Accreditation
- Community Umpire Accreditation
- Development Umpire Accreditation
Each level of accreditation aligns to the AFL Umpiring FTEM Framework, using the same core competencies that we recognise in all our AFL/AFLW Umpires.
Shared Respect
AFL Canada is committed to providing all players, coaches, and umpires with Respect in Sport and therefore recommends that all sport leaders participate in the Sport Activity Leaders Program developed and delivered by the Respect Group.
These online modules are easily accessible and are designed to empower people to recognise and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination through interactive, online certification.
AFL Canada Umpire Resources
Foundation Umpire Course
Equipment
Standardised umpire forms:
Contacts
Reach out to AFL Canada for more information on getting started in your umpire education and development at contact@aflcanada.com
Greg Bridges – Executive Director