They are the un-sung heroes of the game, the first to cop criticism and the last to complain, and each week of the TIO NTFL season, 171 of them are required across 238 appointments, in 48 fixtures here in Darwin alone.
This weekend‘s key round of the TIO NTFL recognises the contribution of these indispensible personnel, in the Umpiring is Everyone’s Business round.
AFL Northern Territory Umpiring Manager Mark Noonan believes rounds such as these are crucial in creating a positive match day environment for everyone, and are essential in the ongoing recruitment and retention of umpires across the NT.
‘This national campaign to make umpiring everyone’s business supports umpires at the community level of the game and emphasises that everyone involved in Australian Rules Football has a role to play in creating a positive match day environment,’ said Noonan.
‘Umpiring is a great way to be involved in Australia’s favourite game, to keep fit, and earn some money, but retention of umpires is a challenge nation wide.’
As a development and educational tool for clubs, their coaches, captains and presidents were invited to attend and participate in an umpire skills training session in a non-match day environment earlier this week.
‘It’s all about education,’ said Noonan.
‘Being able to show these club leaders what we do is a big step in the right direction for community umpiring’.
To increase recruitment levels the NTFL Umpiring Association and AFLNT Umpiring Department led by Noonan, has launched a bold new campaign called Target 200, with the aim to have 200 or more registered umpires by the end of October.
200 or more regular umpires are required to reduce weekend double-ups and ultimately lead to improved umpiring performances in all grades of the game.
Umpiring is for anyone looking for a new challenge, to have fun, be paid to get fit, to develop confidence and leadership skills all while contributing to the Territories most popular game.
To learn more about umpiring at any level contact: mark.noonan@aflnt.com.au.
For more information on this media release please contact
Hannah West 0437 756 238.