Last TIO NTFL season a minimum of 260 umpires were required each weekend to cover the scheduled 51 games. However, as the league continues to expand with the inclusion of the Mixed Under 10s and Girls Under 13 competitions the number of umpires required will be closer to 300 for each week of the 2018/19 TIO NTFL season.
As a result, the callout is being trumpeted and everyone is welcome to the 2018/19 TIO NTFL Umpires Come and Try Night, happening at 5:30pm this Wednesday on TIO Oval 2 – See below for more details.
Last season over a third of the umpiring group were under the age of 18 with the league’s longstanding Men’s Premier League debut record broken twice last year with two young field umpires making their debuts at 15-years-old.
A record number of 50 registered female umpires were a valued part of the NTFL Umpires Association, with 11 of those umpiring in the Men’s Premier League. This season they’re looking to exceed that number.
If you’re over the age of 13, come and give umpiring a go. With the oldest members in their 70s, umpiring is a great way to keep fit at any age as well as have the best seat in the house.
AFLNT Umpiring Development Coordinator, Sam Cunningham encourages anyone who is thinking of giving umpiring a go to come along on Wednesday night.
“Umpiring is a great way for people to keep fit and make friends all the while being involved in our great game.
“It’s a fun, diverse bunch of people, we’ll teach you everything you need to know in regard to umpiring. The group has an abundance of umpiring game experience and are only too happy to help mentor newbies.
“Don’t rule yourself out if you’re an NTFL player either, as we work the appointments around you so you can play one day and umpire the next. There are a number of current umpires who play as well as umpire,” explained Cunningham
Regular training sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30pm.
For more information on how to get involved please contact Sam Cunningham, AFLNT Umpiring Development Coordinator Samuel.cunningham@afl.com.au, 0447 479 174 or visit the Get In The Game website here.
