In a historic nationwide first, Tasmanian umpires will have pay parity across male and female community football matches.
Umpires will now be paid the same for Men’s and Women’s, Boy’s and Girl’s competitions at each level of football, extending from Under 12s through to Premier League.
AFL Tasmania has worked closely with Leagues and Umpire associations across the state to achieve the milestone and equalise payment for umpires at each respective level of football, regardless of the gender of the game being played.
This is a first in community football around Australia and is a great outcome for umpires who stand to earn more, while participants in female competitions will now have better access to umpires.
Umpiring Manager Garry Dunne says it’s a fantastic result for umpires and for football.
“It’s a great achievement for our umpires being trailblazers in this area, equal pay will encourage improved match day experiences for our female competitions and attract more umpires to our game. We are grateful to our leagues, associations and umpires for working together to bring this to fruition.
“We’re committed to making our game inclusive and welcoming and we have a number of recruitment initiatives targeted to Women & Girls to introduce umpiring to them in a fun and fulfilling environment.
“Now is a great time to take up umpiring.”
Field Umpire Olive Anderson says it’s an important step in an industry-wide shift.
“With the current programs fast-tracking the development of female umpires, we should see those benefits flow through to women and girls in umpiring.
“Whilst there is some pushback around disparity of game time, from a technical perspective, the more congested, tackle dominant style of women’s football is generally more challenging to umpire, and equal pay reflects this.
“Everyone has a role to play in making sure new female umpires feel welcomed and supported and this additional support from AFL Tasmania for young female umpires helps them build connections with other umpires as well as support development.”
Women and girls currently make up just 12% of umpires across the state.
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.
This includes two new full-time positions in the north and north-west of the state that will also improve capacity to deliver recruitment initiatives and administration.
There has also been greater investment and alignment 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.
This has resulted in an uplift in the level of expertise and the number of coaches while seeing improved alignment and resourcing.
Garry Dunne says the flow on effects will be felt in all areas of the game.
“This increased investment will deliver better umpire decision making outcomes, improving match day experiences for umpires, clubs, players and coaches across the state.
“There are exciting opportunities for umpires on the horizon with the introduction of the Tasmania Devils, with greater content in Tasmania, initially with the VFL/VFLW and ultimately the AFL/AFLW."
For more information about umpiring in Tasmania click here