The CFS Gear Umpires Round returns in Round 3 of the 2021/22 TIO NTFL season and is an opportunity for players and spectators alike to recognise the hard work and dedication showed by the TIO NTFL’s 14th club, the umpiring group.
Umpires Round recognises the efforts of all umpires involved in the game from Under 10’s through to Men’s Premier League and everyone in between. This includes the efforts of all club volunteers who put their hands up to blow the whistle or wave the flags each weekend.
AFLNT Umpire Coordinator Sam Cunningham said the CFS Gear Umpires Round is a great chance for all those wearing green to be recognised for the effort they put throughout the season.
“We look forward to celebrating this Round and show umpires have just as much fun as any player,” Cunningham said.
“It is also a great opportunity to showcase our young and emerging talent coming through the TIO NTFL umpiring cohort. Before the end of the season, it is likely we will see the best of this talent on display umpiring in the TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League and possibly higher.”
This Round will see a number of activations including TIO Stadium umpiring games, members of the AFLNT staff umpiring games, umpire ‘Special Comments’ commentary on the AFLNT TIO NTFL Premier League coverage and will welcome AFL-listed umpire Leigh Haussen to Darwin to celebrate our umpires and the growing cohort.
The Territory has the highest participation rate of female umpires in the country with 28% and this number continues to grow each year.
As female football competitions continue to expand, so does the need for female participation across the umpiring space. By ensuring a safe and fun football environment, umpire participation and retention will increase.
AFLNT Community Football Manager Leigh Elder said umpires are an integral part of our game and deserves the support of the whole football community.
“Umpires hold a very important role within our game. Without our umpires, we have no game and this Round, we celebrate and appreciate their significance,” Elder said.
“With our strong growth in NTFL junior football, recruitment and retention of our umpires has become even more important.
“This season we are implementing the E-Point initiative to continue to ensure a safe and fun football environment, a vital tool which will assist in our recruitment and retention of the 300 umpires involved in the TIO NTFL.
“Over the past few seasons, we have seen the relationship built between players and umpires dramatically improve with over 70% of umpires in the TIO NTFL either being affiliated to or being a part of a football club within the TIO NTFL.
“The best part about becoming an umpire is that you don’t require any experience. You may be a junior wanting to make friends and gain valuable life skills such as conflict resolution, leadership and teamwork or you may have finished your football playing career and want to keep fit and earn some extra money while doing it. It truly can be for everyone!”
To find out how you can get involved in umpiring, visit umpire.afl
