AFL launches new experience hubs for female umpires

Starting on Monday night, March 4, the game’s governing body has launched new experience hubs to connect female umpires across Victoria.

The program will include three workshops (two face-to-face and one online session) at seven different locations including Ballarat, Casey, Croydon, Drouin, Geelong, Shepparton and Yarraville.

Participants will be involved in workshops focusing on topics such as teamwork, communication and decision-making.

At each hub, those involved will be guided by facilitators who have had umpiring involvement right throughout the elite pathways.

AFL executive general manager of game development Rob Auld said the hubs were key in attracting more women and girls into umpiring.

“The experience hubs form an important initiative to help connect women and girls umpires within their region, allowing them to exchange stories, create friendships and provide the opportunity for them to hear and learn from top umpires in the state,” he said.

AFLW umpire and workshop facilitator Melissa Sambrooks said the hubs will create a supportive environment for women and girls to come and learn more about umpiring.

“The creation and trials of the umpire experience hubs marks a crucial step forward in our ongoing efforts to develop more gender diversity within umpiring at all levels,” Sambrooks said.

“Where once it may have been a little daunting for women to take the first step or next step in their umpiring, they can now come along to these experience hubs that are run by women, for women and girls with their friends and other like-minded people.”

AFL hall of famer and national women and girls football lead Debbie Lee said all departments within game development at the AFL understood the importance of driving the outcomes attached to the women and girls action plan.

“When we talk about priorities for the AFL, achieving our vision within the plan is vital for the future of Australian footy, and our team leading this work have done a terrific job in pulling together all the pieces for each experience hub in Victoria,” she said.

Any interested to head to play.afl for more information.

WHERE YOU CAN BE INVOLVED

Southeast Metro: March 4 (6pm-8pm) at Casey Fields. Facilitator – Kaitlin Barr (AFLW and VFL boundary umpire).

Northwest Metro: March 4 (6pm-8pm) at Hanmer Reserve, Yarraville. Facilitator – Jenna Green (Development VFL goal umpire).

Central Metro: March 6 (6pm-8pm) at Springfield Pavillion, Croydon. Facilitator – Greta Miller (2023 AFLW grand final umpire).

Eastern Country: March 13 (6pm-8pm) at Bellbird Park, Drouin. Facilitator – To be confirmed.

Central Country: March 18 (6pm-8pm) at City Oval, Ballarat. Facilitator – Melissa Sambrooks (AFLW boundary umpire).

Northeast Country: March 20 (6pm-8pm) at Shepparton. Facilitator – Lisa Compton-Robins (AFLW development umpire).

Southwest Country: March 25 (6pm-8pm) at Kardinia Park. Facilitator – Maddy Lum (AFLW umpire).

Originally published as AFL launches new experience hubs for female umpires