The AFL Umpires Association has taken a significant step towards supporting its members’ mental health and professional development by creating a new Umpire Wellbeing and Support Manager position, with experienced performance psychologist Mark Piccolo set to lead the new initiative.
A New Approach to Umpire Support
The newly created role, which will operate on a part-time basis, represents a proactive approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by AFL and AFLW umpires. While the AFL already offers an Employee Assistance Program, this position aims to provide a more personalised and comprehensive support mechanism.
AFLUA Chief Executive Officer Rob Kerr highlighted the importance of the role, stating that it will “support our 230+ members by connecting them with the professionals and services they need to thrive.”
Key Responsibilities
The Umpire Wellbeing and Support Manager will have a broad and dynamic mandate, including:
- Monitoring the overall wellbeing of the umpiring group
- Developing referral networks for mental health and career counselling
- Sourcing professional development programs
- Conducting culture and wellbeing assessments
- Providing proactive support to members, including those who have retired or been delisted
Enter Mark Piccolo
Mark Piccolo brings impressive professional experience to the role, having spent over a decade in high-performance environments. His Master of Applied Psychology (Sport & Exercise) and extensive work with athletes, emergency services personnel, and corporate leaders makes him an ideal candidate.
Mark’s previous roles include positions at the Victorian Institute of Sport, Paralympics Australia, and most recently as a Senior Consultant Psychologist at FBG Group. His experience in developing wellbeing strategies and supporting individuals through transitions aligns perfectly with the AFLUA’s objectives.
“I’m passionate about creating systems for people to sustain optimal wellbeing, to feel safe, comfortable, and trusting to reach out for support,” Mark noted in his application.
A Forward-Thinking Initiative
The two-year contract represents a significant investment in member support, with the role designed to be flexible and adaptable. While not a counselling position, the manager will facilitate connections to appropriate support services and help create a more supportive environment for umpires.
The AFLUA hopes this innovative approach will not only support individual umpires but also contribute to a more robust and supportive professional ecosystem for the Association’s members.