CFS Gear Umpiring Round returns this weekend in the 2020/21 TIO NTFL season, once again providing an opportunity for players, coaches and spectators to recognise the hard work and dedication shown by umpires across the NTFL.
With approximately 250 umpires needed across the NTFL, it remains a great way to keep fit and earn some extra money.
The umpires this season are as young as 12-years-old and the oldest umpire still running around in the field is 78-years-old.
To celebrate CFS Gear Umpiring Round, some extra activities are being rolled out, including senior players and coaches pulling on the green shirt to officiate the season's first junior games of footy and some ‘umpiring themed’ games for spectators at TIO Stadium to join in during Saturday's Men's Premier League triple-header.
More than 75 umpires also play NTFL, proving that umpires can play one day and umpire the next.
AFL Northern Territory Umpiring Coordinator, Sam Cunningham said the round is about highlighting and celebrating the contribution that umpires make to the game.
“CFS Gear Umpiring Round recognises the efforts that umpires put in each week, which includes our NTFL umpires who train and review their performance like players do, but also club umpires who volunteer their time to wave the goal flags and blow the whistle so their teams can continue to play.
“It has been fantastic to see a number of well-respected senior players such as Abraham Ankers, Michael Bowden, Darren "Boof" Ewing and Ryan Smith, along with Nightcliff women's captain Hannah Turnbull and St Mary's men's coach, Anthony Vallejo willing to get involved and give umpiring a go this Sunday.
"Earning between $28 and $200 a game per weekend, umpiring is a great way to stay involved in the game and have the best seat in the house!"
To find out how you can get involved in umpiring, see umpire.afl or contact Samuel Cunningham at samuel.cunningham@afl.com.au.
