The AFL and Tasmanian football community have come together this week to recognise its team in green and celebrate Community Umpiring Week.
The initiative aims to highlight the invaluable contribution and role umpires play in Australian football, promote respect for the men, women, girls and boys who officiate matches across all levels of footy, and create awareness around umpiring pathways.
Across all Tasmanian Premier League and Community League matches this weekend players will wear green armbands to show their appreciation and support of umpires,
AFL Tasmania Umpiring Manager Garry Dunne said it's important we recognise the people who officiate our great game.
"There are currently over 500 umpires working hard to improve their education and knowledge of the game that translates directly into improved match day experiences not only for the umpires but the players and clubs across Tasmania.
"Community umpire week is recognition of the hard work and dedication of umpires across all disciplines, who train and educate themselves every week with our coaches across Tasmania and it's fantastic to see the commitment and dedication they bring to umpiring being celebrated by the wider football community."
Goal Umpire Mark Holmes said it's a special week for him and the umpires that helped shaped his journey.
"Community umpiring week is extremely important to myself and my fellow umpires as it gives the football community an opportunity to not only recognise us as umpires but shine a light on umpiring and the important part that it plays in our incredible game.
"Across the last 16 years of my umpiring journey I have found so many fantastic mentors that have not only provided me a lot of training and learning opportunities, but also shared their knowledge and expertise of umpiring with me.
For the first time last year, the AFL saw more than 21,000 registered umpires pull up their socks and pick up a whistle – a vital milestone as participation continues to grow around the country. Since 2022 there has been a 72 per cent boost of women and girls taking up officiating, equating to nearly 1,200 more umpires.
In Tasmania women and girls currently make up 12% of umpires across the state and AFL Tasmania has a strong focus on recruitment to help grow female participation and see that figure reach 50% by 2030, as part of the AFL’s Women’s Football Vision.
The AFL has invested heavily to support all levels of umpiring in Tasmania, with dedicated staff members in each region providing greater support for umpires, volunteers and umpiring coaches.
There has also been greater investment and alignment in umpire coaching statewide and increased development and coaching opportunities for high performing umpires in partnership with Associations.
And increased investment in umpire coaching statewide, which has included AFL Tasmania funding coaches for all associations, and providing greater professional development and support from elite level umpiring teams.
Mark Holmes has been named as one of the umpires for the Devils Senior Talent Academy game this weekend against Sandringham.
"I’m truly honoured to be umpiring at the state level again this weekend and I know that myself and my fellow umpires relish every opportunity that we get to be involved in these big occasions. We are such a proud football state and I am incredibly proud that I get to play my part in these important matches."