AFL Northern Territory and the Northern Territory Football League would like to extend congratulations to Kathryn Flynn, who celebrated a remarkable milestone last Saturday during Round 14 of the 2024/25 TIO Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Season at TIO Stadium. Kathryn umpired her 400th Men’s Premier League match, marking an extraordinary achievement in her career.
Kathryn has been a key figure in the TIO NTFL umpiring community for over 20 years. Her umpiring journey began on 15 October 2000, and she made her Men’s Premier League debut on 19 January 2003.
Since then, she has become one of the most respected umpires in the competition. Kathryn’s dedication to the sport has been recognised through numerous accolades, including her induction into the NTFL Umpires Association (NTFLUA) Hall of Fameand Life Memberships from both AFL Northern Territory and the NTFLUA. She has also served on the NTFLUA committee for over a decade, further cementing her role as a leader within the umpiring community.
Her outstanding performances on the field have not gone unnoticed. In the 2010/11 season, Kathryn was voted by her peers to receive the Michael Simpson Boundary Umpire Award, and in the 2011/12 season, she was awarded the Most Improved Boundary Umpire Award by the coaches. More recently, she officiated NTFL Representative Matches, umpiring in the Women’s Representative Games in both 2022 and 2024, further highlighting her dedication and versatility as an official.
Kathryn’s influence stretches beyond the boundary line. A respected mentor and leader, she has helped shape the next generation of umpires in the TIO NTFL, ensuring that high standards of professionalism and integrity are upheld within the sport. Her reliability, leadership, and passion for umpiring have made her an enduring and inspiring figure.
On her remarkable achievement of umpiring 400 Men’s Premier League matches, Kathryn’s legacy as one of the Northern Territory’s most respected umpires is cemented. Her contribution to Australian Rules Football in the region continues to inspire both her peers and the next generation of officials.
Umpiring Manager, Martin Oosthuysen: “Kathryn Flynn’s achievement of 400 Men’s Premier League matches is a testament to her unwavering dedication and professionalism. She has been a cornerstone of umpiring in the TIO NTFL for over two decades and is a role model for everyone involved in the game.
“Her commitment to excellence, her leadership within the umpiring community, and her ability to consistently perform at the highest level make her an inspiration to all. On behalf of the NTFL Umpires Association, I congratulate Kathryn on this extraordinary milestone and thank her for her exceptional contribution to the game.”
Once again, AFL Northern Territory and the Northern Territory Football League congratulates Kathryn Flynn on this remarkable achievement—400 games and counting!