umpires group

AFL Wimmera Mallee umpires are offering incentives for people who sign up to umpire this season.

The umpiring team, led by umpiring director and head coach Cameron Pickering, is ready to hit the ground running in 2023.

The incentives include $100 cash for new senior umpires, a new Sherrin football for new junior umpires to practice with, a dinner-for-two voucher at sponsor White Hart Hotel for re-registering senior umpires and a whistle, wrist band and sock pack for re-registering junior umpires valued at more than $50.

Pickering said he was hopeful to retain as many recruits and stalwarts in the team as possible. However, he said more goal, boundary and field umpires were urgently needed to add to the team’s depth as several high-calibre umpires recently retired or moved away and younger umpires were still working towards senior football umpiring.

“The focus at the moment is to get as many registered for their chance to win incentives and then look to kick off pre-season training on February 6,” he said.

Field umpire Simon Dandy said he ‘could not believe’ he did not get involved with umpiring earlier. His daughter, Kirrily, is a boundary umpire.

“I’m so invested now and attend all trainings and take on board the experienced coaching and mentoring,” Dandy said.

“It really is just like any other footy club and what other sport can I participate at the top level with my family.”

AFL Wimmera Mallee umpires can also move into an elite pathway, with four umpires current- ly part of the AFL’s Umpire Academy Program. This includes attending sessions across the state during summer months and opportunities to officiate representative football throughout the season with a goal to one day umpire AFL matches.

People of any skill level can join the umpiring team with boundary, field and goal discipline coaches and a development coach.

All on and off-field uniform is supplied for no cost and umpires have the opportunity to earn $30 to $200 each game.

“It really is a no-brainer,” Pickering said.

“You get paid to keep fit, make friends and have the best seat at the game to watch the action from up close.”

AFL Wimmera Mallee umpires begin their preseason campaign on Monday, February 6, at 6pm, meeting at the Horsham City Oval change rooms.

The group trains every Monday and Wednesday evening throughout February and March, before moving to Tuesdays in April when the season begins.

The promotion to register to win one of the prizes ends on Tuesday, with winners announced at the first training.

People wanting more information can contact Pickering via email at cameron.pickering. wdumpires@gmail.com or by phoning 0428 922 589.

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