Looking Ahead to June: AFLQ Umpiring News & Opportunities

Overview - 
•    What's new and happening for Team Green this month
•    Short Message from AFLQ Umpiring
•    Event Information
•    Four Quarter Challenge is Officially Back!
•    Rule Focus of the Month
•    Stories from the Field - Bales Family Story
•    Welfare and Wellbeing
•    Women and Girls

Short Message from AFLQ Umpiring -

Massive shout out to all our Umpires, Umpire Coaches and Mentors for what has been a great start to the 2026 season! We continue to receive positive feedback from Clubs and Competitions on performances across all disciplines - keep up the amazing work as we deliver a high-quality product on-field! 

- Sam Bridges Umpiring Development Lead QLD 

On Field Training- 
Check out these umpiring training sessions near you these run every week, unless otherwise specified.

Also check out these umpire4fun sessions too! UMPIRE4FUN - Play AFL Umpire4Fun Training Schedule

SEQ
 

REGIONAL
 

 
Online Training Sessions - here are the dates for our Online Sessions-
Monday 25th May - 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Monday 8th June - 6:00pm - 7:00pm 

Monday 22nd June - 6:00pm - 7:00pm


Four Quarter Challenge -
The Four Quarter Challenge is officially relaunched for season 2026! AFL Queensland officially relaunching this season-long initiative designed to reward commitment, connection, and contribution to the game.

Key Details to remember
•    Open to all registered umpires, 
•    Allows participants to earn points through weekly engagement activities across the season
•    Points are tallied both individually and by region, with live leaderboards updated throughout the year
•    Friendly competition and state-wide connection.

With rewards, recognition, and bragging rights on the line, the Four Quarter Challenge is all about celebrating the vital role umpires play in community football — every quarter, every week, all season long.

Click here to find out more and get involved

Rule Focus of the Month -

In 2026, AFL Queensland is taking further steps to create a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for developing umpires, with a new uniform initiative set to be introduced across competitions.

From this season, umpires under the age of 18 will be required to wear bright orange wristbands on match day. These wristbands will clearly signal to players, coaches and spectators that the official is a developing umpire.

Why Orange Wristbands?

The Orange Wristbands for U18 Umpires initiative is designed to:

• Reduce abuse and foul language directed at junior umpires
• Encourage positive behaviour from players, coaches and spectators
• Support confidence, retention and development of young officials

All umpires under 18 are required and expected to wear their wristbands while officiating on field.

🔶 Always remember to pack them and keep them with you — they’re bright orange, so they won’t be hard to miss!

Stories from the Field -
Three Townsville brothers are showing that footy is stronger when shared. Charley, Spencer and Louis, Bales don’t just play AFL — they umpire it together. From boundary duties to senior matches, their journey has built confidence, respect and leadership, while strengthening a unique family bond that stretches every weekend around the oval.

If you want to read more, follow the article link online today.

AFL Queensland will be running a Family Umpiring Camp during the Term 2 School Holidays. Details will be announced when available!

Every umpire has a story — if you’ve got one to share, submit it through our Stories from the Field form: Click Here! 

Welfare/Wellbeing -
“Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.” Robert H. Schuller

The welfare and wellbeing of everyone involved in our game is a priority. AFL should be a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment where players, umpires and volunteers feel healthy—both physically and mentally. Looking after your mental health is just as important as training your body, and seeking help early is a positive and powerful step.

The AFL provides a range of mental health and wellbeing resources to support our community. These resources include practical guides, key contacts and support services for players, umpires, parents, coaches and club officials.

👉 Mental Health and Wellbeing – Play AFL: Care for Our Community
Learn more here

We encourage everyone to seek support when needed and to make use of the many resources available within your club, as well as the AFL-supported services linked above. All guides and contact details are available on the Play AFL Mental Health and Wellbeing page to help ensure our football community stays safe, happy and healthy.


Women and Girls Section -
Stay tuned for exciting upcoming events in the women and girls space. Following the successful launch of our Experience Hubs initiative last year, we’re thrilled to be expanding the program into regional areas in 2026.

The Experience Hubs provide a welcoming and supportive environment for women and girls who are currently involved in community umpiring, or who are interested in getting involved. These hubs are designed to bring participants together to connect, share experiences, gain insights, and build confidence within the umpiring and wider football community.

Open to anyone involved in community football, the Experience Hubs are free to attend and open to all ages. Participants can expect meaningful connections, practical learning opportunities, and inspiration from others who share a passion for the game.

Watch the video to Learn more.


Socials -
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