BY KATE RAWLINS
Umpires on the Sunshine Coast have been training up ahead of this year’s season.
This season is set to be bigger and better on the Sunshine Coast with an impressive amount of junior sign-ups and senior numbers across a variety of divisions.
AFL Sunshine Coast Junior President David Ward believes umpiring is a very rewarding experience.
“One of the greatest things I got out of umpiring last year was seeing the young umpires develop, as they grew with confidence so did the game that they were umpiring,” Ward said.
“If you can develop confidence as an umpire on an AFL field, have understanding within the game from players, coaches and spectator alike, then your role as an umpire is mutually beneficial for all concerned.”
Ward is on a mission in 2013 to provide Sunshine Coast umpires with the best personal development opportunities to facilitate AFL in the region.
“We need umpires for junior games to go ahead and for senior community footy to really develop and thrive,” Ward said.
“With AFL Queensland providing a number of accreditation programs and opportunities to further develop our junior umpire’s through the ‘Green Shirt Program’, it is a great opportunity for anyone to get involved in AFL and get paid to do so.”
With three Sunshine Coast umpires umpiring at a state and national level; Aaron Deckys (AFL Boundary), Nathan ‘Nails’ Scott (NEAFL) and Tyler Higson (NEAFL), the 2013 season looks to be promising.
To get involved in umpiring on the Sunshine Coast contact Stephen Porter or check out the AFL Queensland Umpiring website for more information. https://aflq.com.au/index.php?id=611
AFL Sunshine Coast Umpires train on Wednesday nights from 6:00pm.
