AFL Tasmania is proud to confirm the Umpire Your Way Program is returning this preseason to support and empower female umpires across the state.
Umpire Your Way provides women and girls across Tasmania with an opportunity to learn the foundation skills of field, boundary and goal umpiring alongside other beginners in a fun, welcoming and low-pressure environment.
The program will be delivered across three sessions by experienced umpire coaches and women & girls liaison officers in North, South and North West Tasmania.
Upon completion of the program, participants are provided with an umpiring starter pack and ongoing mentor support to continue their umpiring journey at their local umpire association ahead of the community football season commencing in April.
Women and Girls Community Football Lead, Sophie Wheeler, said the program is a great way to introduce women into umpiring across the state.
"As the community football pathway continues to grow in Tasmania, it's important we also support the development of our female umpiring pathway so the same opportunities exist for women and girls to officiate at whichever level they aspire to - whether it be Under 9s or the elite game.
“The Umpire Your Way program is a fantastic entry-level opportunity that allows women & girls to learn the basics of all three umpiring disciplines in an inclusive environment with other new umpires, arming them with the skills, knowledge and relationships to confidently step into training at their local Umpiring Association."
Women and Girls Umpire Liaison Tiana Bisinella is excited to help deliver the program as it paves the way for women in the umpiring space.
"I enjoy being an umpire as it provides me with a unique way to be a part of the game, while also gaining fitness and some pocket money. I believe the Umpire Your Way program is a big step towards the inclusion of women and girls in our sport and allows them to feel supported as they start their umpiring journey."
Sessions begin in March in each region, the full list below:
South (TFUA) @ Cambridge Oval
Monday, 3rd March 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday, 5th March 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Monday, 10th March 4:30pm - 6:00pm
North West (NWUA) @ Penguin Athletic Track
Tuesday, 25th March 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Thursday, 27th March 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday, 1st April 4:30pm - 6:00pm
North (NTFUA) @ Prospect Park, Launceston
Tuesday, 4th March 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Tuesday, 11th March 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Tuesday, 18th March 6:00pm - 7:30pm
To register for The Umpire Your Way program, click here.