Print this pageIn an era where “green” energy is becoming increasingly vital for sustaining our global existence, it is worth noting a similar philosophy is being applied by Australian Football in a bid to develop an “environmentally friendly” atmosphere for officials at grass roots level on our country’s playing fields.
As the brainchild of former SANFL umpire, Laurie Argent, the concept has certainly evolved from its humble beginnings in the Barossa Valley where red shirts were worn by those new to umpiring in order to identify their inexperience - and quell the unwarranted abuse from both on and off the field.
Having subsequently been adopted on a national basis by the game’s governing body, the AFL’s Green Shirt Umpire Mentor program is now the benchmark for similar ventures by other sports, providing a more welcoming and encouraging environment for young men and women to enter the challenging sport of umpiring.
Whilst recognizing their inexperience in regards to officiating via the conspicuous green uniform, the program importantly fosters development of new umpires’ skills via a support structure facilitated by a mentor from within the local ranks. This “on the job” training ensures the umpire experiences a smooth transition into the responsibilities that go with controlling a match, regardless of their chosen discipline and expiates the umpire’s confidence and competency.
As part of the AFL’s ongoing commitment to this program, each state conducts an annual AFL Development Awards day, recognizing all new umpires and their mentors along with other programs which promote umpiring throughout the season – with the first of these being held in Adelaide on Sunday, September 28.
Against the backdrop of the picturesque Adelaide Oval, some 280 people attended the awards ceremony hosted by the SANFL Umpiring Department and supported by AFL umpires Sam Hay (rookie listed field) and Leo Corrieri (goal).
Aside from assisting with the presentation of certificates and gifts courtesy of the AFL, both umpires availed some fantastic advice to the guests in relation to their journey from being a fledgling umpire to the elite level – advice which will hopefully be taken on board and one day help some of them achieve similar levels of involvement.
As pointed out by SANFL State Umpiring Manager, Shane Harris in his opening welcome, there is every chance a future SANFL / AFL umpire was sitting in the audience - and with the right amount of dedication and commitment, they could well emulate the success of both Sam and Leo.
Given the positive response to the afternoon, the SANFL Umpiring Department has every confidence the program will gain further strength in the years to come and help to grow the number of umpires required for our rapidly expanding game.
Aside from the green shirt brigade and a dedicated band of mentors/ coaches, the afternoon was also an opportunity to pay tribute to a very special group of people involved with a new initiative to South Australia this year via the AFL Foundation’s Friday Night Football program.
With assistance from the Down Syndrome Society of South Australia’s Matthew Moody, the program - originally conceived by the Foundation’s Derek Linsell - was mainly facilitated by one of SA’s umpire trainers, Chris Finlayson and provided the opportunity for a nominated guest from DSSSA to experience an AFL match day within the inner sanctum of the umpires ‘rooms.
Two of the program’s four beneficiaries, Teresa Tidswell and Michelle Spiteri were on hand to accept their awards in person and were overwhelmed by the chance afforded to them.
The SANFL Umpiring Department has further embraced the concept - and with the support of Terry Williams and the Central District Football Club has extended the program to a number of Bulldogs’ home matches this year – along with the prestigious ANZAC Day clash - culminating with the SANFL Grand Final this weekend, where Teresa will have a further chance to experience life in the middle.
So from every aspect, the 2008 AFL Development Awards day proved an overwhelming success and further highlighted the great opportunities which umpiring Australian Football can offer.
And if you would like to take on the challenge of seeing our great game from a different perspective, please contact the SANFL Umpiring Department on 8424 2268 or via email, donc@sanfl.com.au
It could well be the first of many great decisions you get to make!