TIO Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) umpires Emma Stark, Cooper Ranie and Isabelle Rawsthorne have been announced as part of the NAB AFLW umpiring squad for the 2022/23 season, marking the first time in history that NT umpires have been selected to adjudicate at this level.
16-year-old field umpire Emma Stark will debut this weekend during the initial round of the NAB AFLW Season 7 when Essendon take on Hawthorn this Saturday at Marvel Stadium with mentor John Howorth. She is the only selected field umpire from the Northern Territory and the youngest on the NAB AFLW list. After debuting as an umpire in the Men’s Premier League and as a player in Women’s Premier League last TIO NTFL season, Stark was awarded the 2022 Junior Sportsperson of the Year at the Northern Territory Sports Awards. Stark was the youngest ever female Men’s Premier League field umpire to debut.
Boundary umpire Cooper Ranie was awarded the 2021/22 TIO NTFL Golden Whistle for demonstrating the capacity and want to umpire at the highest level during his time adjudicating 52 games during the season. Ranie is set to debut this Friday when Adelaide play Melbourne at ACH Stadium.
With over five years’ experience, umpiring more than 160 games and being selected as a Women’s Premier League Grand Final umpire on numerous occasions, Isabelle Rawsthorne also secured her spot at the highest level of women’s umpiring.
AFLNT Umpiring Manager Andrew Wainwright said he’s thrilled for the trio.
“I am extremely pleased and proud of these three TIO NTFL young umpires who have progressed through junior ranks and umpire academies to have now been selected to adjudicated in AFLW,” he added.
“After rigorous discussions with AFL Umpire List and Talent Manager plus AFLW Head Umpiring Coach, Emma, Cooper and Isabelle were selected on their Men’s Premier League experience with a focus on their long-term potential at the elite level.
“Their selection is thoroughly deserved and will no doubt do the NT proud.”
Interested in umpiring? Head to https://umpire.afl/