Bradnam’s Windows and Doors will support umpires across Queensland for a fifth straight season, as AFL Queensland’s official Umpiring Support Partner.
The sponsorship will continue to support umpires with equipment, quality coaching and training resources.
The re-signing of the Bradnam’s Windows and Doors partnership is amongst a raft of exciting initiatives for Queensland umpires in 2026 including:
Pay increase
Across Queensland, all youth umpires will receive a 30 per cent pay increase when officiating youth matches.
In senior matches across the state, including the TPIL Lawyers QAFL and Bond University QAFLW competitions, umpires will receive a 4.5 per cent pay increase per match. Regional umpires will also receive a 6.5 per cent pay increase.
Orange wristband
Umpires under the age of 18 will be required to wear orange wristbands on match day, clearly signalling to players, coaches and spectators that they are developing umpires. The aim of the orange wristband is to promote respect between spectators and officials whilst creating a safe and welcoming environment for developing umpires.
Introduction of crew socks
Junior and youth umpires will have the option of wearing crew socks, instead of the traditional knee-highs, when officiating Under 8 to Under 17 games across Queensland. This relaxed uniform option aims to reduce a potential barrier of entry for younger people wanting to try umpiring.
Mentoring program
Umpire mentors will again be stationed across youth matches in 2026. The mentors focus on providing constructive feedback, assisting developing umpires in feeling supported whilst lifting their standard of performance.
Umpire4Fun Program extended to all disciplines
Queensland's Umpire4Fun program develops and nurtures umpires at the grassroots level across community clubs. Aimed at participants 12 years and older, the program will extend to all three umpiring disciplines - field, boundary and goal - in 2026.
Umpiring Inclusion Program
The Umpiring Inclusion Program is designed for people living with a disability. Delivered at clubs participants already know and feel connected to, the program provides tailored training and development to become confident umpires and contribute meaningfully to their club and the wider football community.
Introductory school pathway
In 2026 AFL Queensland will continue to expand its Introduction to Umpiring programs at schools, providing students a guided entry point into officiating and formal accreditation upon completion. Through strong partnerships with AIC, CaSSSA and QGSSSA, AFL Queensland has experienced significant growth in the number of accredited student umpires who are available to support school competitions each year. Many of these emerging umpires go on to transition into community football umpiring, continuing their development and strengthening the broader umpiring pathway.
Regional Umpire Education Days
AFL Queensland has restarted Regional Umpire Education Days where senior and experienced umpires travel to regional parts of Queensland to educate and provide opportunities for developing umpires.
Ben Stackelberg, General Manager South East Queensland Bradnam's Windows and Doors, said the company were proud to continue the partnership.
"Our company has invested in community sport for more than 30 years and we are thrilled to again be supporting AFL umpires across Queensland in 2026," he said.
"We support umpires with equipment and training, as strong, confident umpires, only strengthens Queensland competitions."
AFL Queensland’s Growth and Experiences Manager Lucinda Kaye said these new initiatives should encourage more umpire registrations.
“With Queensland experiencing record participation each year it is critical we continue to grow our field, boundary and goal umpire participation across the state,” she said.
“In 2026, pleasingly, umpire registrations are already up year-on-year and we believe these new initiatives and experiences will entice more people to want to pick up the whistle, whilst also supporting and developing our existing umpires.”
Head of AFL Queensland and International Trisha Squires thanked Bradnam’s Windows and Doors for their continued support of Queensland umpires.
“I extend my thanks to Bradnam’s Windows and Doors for supporting umpires for a fifth straight year,” she said.
“Our great game would not be possible without our dedicated umpires and I thank them for their passion and dedication.
“We want everyone to have the opportunity to love and connect with our game, regardless of age, gender or Australian rules football experience and joining the team in green is another way to do so, whilst enjoying wellbeing and social benefits.”
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Photo: Under 18 Umpire Huon Jones wearing the orange wristband and crew socks ahead of the 2026 AFL Queensland season.