While all of the AFL field umpires went back to pre-season training last Tuesday following their successful study tour to New York, Simon Meredith and Mat Nicholls have been sent on international duties as part of Saturday nights fixture in Western Australia.
The AFL field umpires were in New York for a week for a professional development tour ahead of the commencement of their pre-season training. They observed match officials from all major US sports leagues and undertook other activities while there. AFL Field Umpire Nick Foot kept a diary for AFL.com.au
That’s right, do you remember this man?
The rapid rise of Brent Wallace’s umpiring stocks have culminated in the son of former Hawthorn player and ex-Richmond and Western Bulldogs coach Terry being promoted to the AFL’s senior umpiring panel for 2015.
The AFL umpiring department has embarked on a football style approach to their list management process for 2015. In the past 16 years field umpires deemed good enough were put through a trial period between November and March where a decision was made about their elevation to a first year contract. They trained, were coached and umpired NAB Cup games to determine their bona fides.
Life member, Marty Ellis has been appointed as the the Head of Umpiring in the Northern Football League, please click here for more information.
When AFL boundary umpire Patrick Tongue decided he needed a change of scenery for the next 15 months he didn’t mean heading north to Queensland. He was referring to a 14,685 kilometre journey to Switzerland.
As a footy fan you only know her as “that female goal umpire, whatshername? Chelsea, that’s right. Yeah damn good goal umpire.”
Umpires from around the region were recognised at the annual AFL North East Border Umpire Awards held at the Commercial Club Albury last week.