Media & Communications Report

Umpire Operations

Laws of the Game

2021 saw two new laws introduced as part of the AFL Laws of the Game. Firstly, the player on the mark from a kick post a behind being scored was moved from 10m to 15m with an associated protected area. The VAFA via the relevant sub committees felt this rule didn’t change the essence of the VAFA competition and the way the game was played, and was easy to coach and offi ciate, with the rule being implemented for season 2021.

Secondly, the stand rule on the mark was not adopted by the VAFA as it was deemed that in the scope of community football the rule would not add to the competition, and it was one less rule that players, coaches and umpires didn’t need to worry about. The feedback from our clubs aligned with the VAFA’s reasoning’s to not implement this rule. We thank clubs for feedback on our laws of the game and encourage any discussion on rule changes that continue to make the VAFA the best spectacle in community football.

Women’s Academy

As we look forward to season 2022, we will continue to develop and provide opportunities for women in umpiring through our BJS women’s academy program. This was excellently led by Mikala Sykes (VAFA Football Operations & Events Coordinator) as well as VAFA umpires Sophie Gleeson, Asha Hinton, and Hannah Bailes. The academy off ers female umpires the opportunity to train and interact socially as a group away from the normal training environment to provide a pathway for females to get involved in umpiring.

Junior Partnerships and Pathways

We are excited to continue our relationships with the SMJFL and YJFL as we look to formalize partnerships in providing their junior umpires a pathway to transition to senior football. The opportunity to host the SMJFL on Monday nights is a great way to support the next generation of umpires and show the pathway into VAFA football. The VAFA also was able to have 22 umpires as part of the AFL talent academy program as they are exposed to elite level coaching and education to provide a pathway for them to vie for state league football opportunities.

Umpiring Sub-Committee

The support of the USC through Nigel Credlin (VAFA Board), Sam Confait (VAFA GM – Football & Umpire Operations), Josh Colman (VAFAUA President), Patrick Mathews (VAFAUA Secretary) and Tim Sutcliff e (VAFAUA Life Member) has provided VAFA umpiring a focused long-term strategy that will hold umpiring in good stead as we continue to develop and build our umpiring program. The VAFA and VAFAUA have a wonderful relationship and we look forward to growing this further in the future.

Umpiring Department

Field Russell Davidson (Head Coach) Owen Hinson (Premier Coach) Lionel Katz (Senior Coach) Guy Hexter (Development Coach) Observers – Bruce McGregor, Stephen Kong, Rob Hansen, Peter James

Boundary Ryan O’Shea (Head Coach) Asha Hinton (Development Coach) Goal Bernie Jephson (Head Coach) Clayton Evans (Development Coach) Garry Baumgarten (Skills Coach) Observers – Charlie May, Shane Herbert Fitness Matthew Clinton (Elsternwick) Terry Gunn (Westbourne) Gabriela Pecherskiy (Physio)

2021 VAFA Umpire Awards

Umpire of the Year – Daniel Silfo Most Promising Umpire – Campbell Hymans